Reply To: learning vs working – which is harder?

Harder in what respect? The physical and time demands on a ben Torah baal habayis are unquestionably more severe than those on a kolel avreich. On the other hand, the baal habayis usually enjoys more creature comforts than the avreich (unless he has a rich father-in-law). In terms of mental effort, what we call “skull sweat”, I would say they are about equal for serious practicioners of both disciplines.