However, it’s not enough to like doing something; one must also possess the proper talents and resources for it. He writes: “A bird that captures fish possesses a long beak and extended thighs. A lion that tears apart other animals for food, has powerful teeth and claws.” So too, in our physiology, some characters are better suited for certain types of work than others. Finally, one must determine if they have the requisite passion and commitment for the career. Each profession has its hurdles to overcome and its entering price that needs to be paid before it can be practiced.
For example, medicine and law require many years of study. Investing a great amount of time – not to mention creating a financial debt to pay for the pursuit – requires an incredible amount of patience, which is only possible if one has the consistent hunger and motivation for that line of work. Based on the above, we can deduce that people who choose a career only because of a large compensation and tidy benefit package will be met with tremendous disappointment, frustration, and failure. At the end of the day, in whatever career we do choose (or have chosen), Hashem wants us to take advantage of the opportunities for our spiritual growth, to be ethical, and to make a Kiddush Hashem, especially when working with gentiles. As such, let’s get to work!
