Making an effort to earn our livelihood

Question

I learn Torah, and my wife works as an employee. She’s supposed to work 7 hours a day. I consulted the Rabbi [our teacher, Rabbi Amram Fried, may he be well] whether she should take an additional job as a self-employed person since we have medical expenses to cover. The Rabbi said that this goes beyond the necessary effort for livelihood. The question is, as an employee, my wife lacks motivation and satisfaction to work so many hours, and in reality, she doesn't even reach an average of 6 hours. However, she claims that as a self-employed person, she will be more motivated, and I should mention that the debts still trouble us. In light of these circumstances, is this considered proper effort for livelihood?

Answer

Greetings,
Our teacher, Rabbi Amram Fried, may he be well, has ruled that considering the circumstances, taking on self-employment in the evening is a proper effort for livelihood, and he blesses you with abundant livelihood.
Note: The question was raised on the website to stimulate discussion, but in any case, regarding the specific matter, it is appropriate to consult separately, and in questions of this nature, one cannot draw conclusions from one case to another.

Source

Mishneh Berurah (Chapter 156, Paragraph 2).

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