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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