Leave Slowly

“Eat the elephant one bite at a time.”

Leaving kollel works much the same way. Do it in stages. This makes it both easier for your feelings towards leaving, and it also softens the shock and surprise others may feel when you do actually make the move.

I used this method when I left kollel. I accomplished this by working during bein hasdorim, nights, and bein hazmanim. Even though I was making some money and gaining valuable experience, I would still say that the single most benefit from it was that when I did leave kollel, those who knew me well were not all that surprised. Because of this, I was able to feel good about my decision. It also helped my family – who are mostly in Torah related occupations – accept the fact that I would not be joining them.

My advice to someone looking to “get out” gracefully would be to look for some part time work that can be done without necessarily disrupting the kollel sedorim. Teach english, become a part time mashgiach, or find some work to do from home with a laptop – even if it doesn’t bring much in the way of income. Doing so will help you transition yourself onto the new path you have embarked on.

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Filed Under: Escape Kollel