GH:
Chazal never addressed the question you asked, because it is not a question. While יומם ולילה is the ideal, it does not require sitting in kollel. One can engage the day in Avodas Hashem with a combination of learning and implementing the mitzvos. The formula for that was never dictated to the Klal, as it cannot be determined effectively in this manner. Rather, individuals needed to decide for themselves, with guidance from elders (parents, rebbeiim) which direction was best for them.
It is the recent generations that made it “suicidal” for a bochur to say they will go to work after marriage. It also became unbecoming for a girl to not declare that she only wants a learning boy. So in previous generations, those with the aptitude to become farmers, roshei yeshivos, retailers, poskim, etc. did so, most often al taharas hakodesh. Our leaders are asleep at the switch by not making such guidance part of their positions. In reality, we need our frum lawyers, doctors, mechanics, bankers, clothing salesmen, etc. as much as we need our klai kodesh.
I am not driving bnai kollel to work. I am proclaiming that the responsibility for supporting their families is theirs, not yours or mine. If they have the means to remain in the bais hamedrash, that’s wonderful. And if they have the kishronos to become klai kodesh and become a leader in the Klal in whatever capacity, we can discuss the use of public funds for this (עשרה בטלנים). Someone who stays in kollel and accomplishes nothing more than having failed to support his family has committed a disservice to himself and family, to the public, and to HKB”H.
We are guilty for stigmatizing working and living an honest living of Avodas Hashem. גדול תלמוד שמביא לידי מעשה. We need Reb Chaim Kanievsky’s, and our gedolim and leaders. Face reality. Not everyone is built with those potentials. And many have other skills and talents that need to be used for the tzorchei tzibbur. Many of the greatest tzaddikim of generations, from tana’im to the recent past had businesses.
We do not need to “carve out” time for Torah. We need to live Torah 24/7. A piece is continuing learning, for which our chachomim guide us to be קובע עתים. For some this is several hours. For others, the time stretch may be less. ובלבד שיכוון את לבו.