The Sefarim discuss (see Hobot Halevavot, Michtav MeEliyahu etc.) the idea of being Mishtadel (making an effort) for one's livelihood but believing that the Hishtadlut (effort) has absolutely nothing to do with one's income.
I have heard from Rav Yoel Ashruv that the proper Hishtadlut one should do is as follows, for example: if nature demands that one work 60 hours a week to get a livelihood, he should work 45 or 50 hours a week.
What is the source for the words of Rav Ashruv? I asked my older brother who says he's never heard of such a thing. What do the sources have to say about how much Hishtadlut one should do for livelihood?
Answer
To add to Rays answer from Chovos Halevovos "Shaar Habitachon" Gate 4 Chap. 4
SECOND CATEGORY - POSSESSIONS AND MEANS OF EARNING A LIVELIHOOD
For the second category, the matters of man's possessions, means of financial gain in his various pursuits, whether in commerce, skilled trades, peddling, business management, official appointments, property rentals, banking, work of kings, treasurers, contracting, writing work, other types of work, going to faraway deserts and seas, and other similar things, from what people toil in to amass money, and increase the superfluous. The proper way of trust in the Al-mighty for this is to engage in the means which G-d has made available to him to the extent necessary for his maintenance and sufficient for his needs of this world (i.e. his minimum necessary needs only - TL).
And if the Creator will decree for him more than this, it will come to him without trouble or exertion, provided he trusts in the Al-mighty for it and does not excessively pursue the means nor inwardly trust in them in his heart.
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