Choosing the Right Profession - the Bitachon Way

Selecting a suitable profession is a major life decision. It is also an extremely important decision, because it can alter your direction in life, both physically and spiritually.

In this post, we will explore some insights of the Chovos Halevavos regarding this crucial life determination.

Each person is different

Tom and David are both in the process of choosing a career. Take a look at their profiles. What do you think might be a suitable profession for each one? What factors did you consider to come to your conclusions?

1. 

   Tom is big and strong, but was never terribly academic. Homework, research, and reports were never his strong point. He is excellent at lifting weights and also has a good handle on spatial relations. Tom loves to drive and has always wanted to travel across the country.

2. David is short and skinny. He is not much of an athlete, and is not particularly handy. David was known among his classmates as an intellectual and a thinker. He is focused and can think up a quick solution to a problem when put on the spot. He has the ability to take a difficult concept and make it easy to understand. He loves helping people and enjoys sharing his knowledge.

Things to consider when choosing a profession

1. Physical and intellectual makeup

   

   Some jobs require hard physical labor, but little intellectual prowess. Some workers sit at a desk all day and come up with brilliant solutions and ideas.

   A person should choose a profession that takes into account his unique physical and intellectual makeup, as well as his natural talents and abilities.

2. Inborn Desires

   Hashem has created every creature with unique drives and desires.  For example, some animals eat only plants, other consume animals. Each animal has even been physically designed in accordance with its needs. Characteristics such as sharp teeth, long beaks, and horns help each species to acquire and digest its ideal type of food.

   

   Similarly, Hashem created each person with his own unique leanings, desires, and tendencies. A person should choose a profession that interests him. Some people like gardening, others enjoy statistics. Each person should follow his own passion in discovering his suitable form of work.

   Once a person has chosen an appropriate profession, he is free to stick with it through its ups and downs. It is ultimately Hashem, not his profession, who provides a person with his needs.

An appropriate career choice for Tom might be a mover. He is fit for the heavy lifting, and this job will also help him realize his dream of traveling across the country.

David might consider becoming a teacher or professor. He has loads of knowledge that he can’t wait to share, and the lack of physical labor matches his body’s physical reality.

Obviously, there are an infinite number of personality-ability combinations, and each person must choose a profession that matches his own reality.

No matter which profession you choose, there are two Bitachon principles that apply to everyone:

1. The purpose of getting a job is not to make money

   

   The reason we have to work is to fulfill Hashem’s command. Hashem requires us to put forth effort in order to achieve results in the physical world (see Why Work for a Living). Hashem will take care of the money. Our job is to take care of the effort, with the intent to fulfill Hashem’s command.

2. Your profession is not what brings you money

   Hashem has many avenues to provide your livelihood. He is not limited by your job! Do your part, and then trust that whatever is meant for you, Hashem will send your way.