To Travel or Not To Travel: That is the Question

This post about business travel was inspired by an excellent comment by Karen in response to Choosing the Right Profession - the Bitachon Way. If you haven’t already read it, you might want to consider reading that first.

Hypocrite!

There was once a businessman who traveled to a far away land on business. While he was there, he met one of the local idol-worshippers. The businessman asked the idolater, “How can you be so blind as to worship idols?”

The idol-worshipper replied, “And whom do you serve?”

“I serve the Creator,” responded The businessman. “He is able to do anything. He alone provides sustenance, there is none other who supports like He does.”

Retorted the idolater, “You are a hypocrite!”

“How so?” asked The businessman.

“If what you claim is true, then your God can support you in your city just as He can provide for you here! Why do you need to exert yourself to travel so far?”

The businessman realized that the idol-worshipper was correct. From that day on, he resolved to live a life dedicated to Hashem, and he no longer left his hometown in search of livelihood.

(From the Chovos Halevavos, Duties of the Heart, Gate of Trust, Introduction)

Does this mean it is wrong to travel for business?

As with most things in life, there is a proper time and place for everything.

There are some people who love to travel, to see new places, to have new experiences.

Some employees are paid by their employers for their travel time. They can then utilize their travel time to further their own goals, such as reading or studying (assuming that their employers don’t expect them to work on the plane).

The point is, if you are happy traveling, that is fine. If it feels right for you, then it probably is.

On the other hand, if traveling wears you down and takes you away from where you really want to be, then maybe you ought to think things through again. If you travel only because you feel that you have no choice, realize that you may have other options. Is it possible that you travel because deep down you don’t believe that Hashem can provide for you otherwise?

Yes, God requires you to make a real effort. But once you do your part, remember that Hashem can support you wherever you are!

Other Factors

There are other considerations that may affect your career or location decisions. These include the general things that make a person employable (which is certainly part of a person’s required effort!), such as:

• Do something you’re good at
• Get proper training and keep it up to date
• Maintain desirable work habits

See Parnassa (Livelihood) vs. Passion: A Follow-Up to “Choosing the Right Profession - the Bitachon Way” for a full discussion of these and other issues.

Disclaimer: Please do not go and quit your job after reading this post! Speak to a Rabbi who knows your personal situation well and can advise you!

Do

• Attribute your livelihood to God, no matter where is comes from.
• Hope. Even when things are tough, remember that Hashem is not limited!
• Put forth your best effort, and then trust Hashem to do what’s best for you.

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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.

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