a jew who cares: Suggesting someone study Nefesh Hachaim is a personal view, because it likely follows your outlook. That also qualifies as a comment.
So in that spirit I suggest studying as well Chovos Halevavos in depth, especially Shar Bitachon for his views on working. Study also the sefer of Rabbeinu Avraham the son of the RMBM. Also study RMBM in Yad and in Avos where he takes a very harsh stance against studying and teaching Torah for money as well as not working at all. Notel chayav min haolam means losing your share in the afterlife.
You can take a quick peek at R’ Avigdor Millers opinion on only learning vs working (very pro the latter). Once your learning Avos, take a peek at the mishna in the second perek which says that any Torah without work causes sin. Torah im derech eretz is strongly encouraged, which is where the phrase comes from – which means work. See Rabbeinu Yonah there (very harsh – you become a thief etc etc). Check out Rashi. Avos is full of encouragement to learn Torah lishmah, but also about making a living. Hevai mimaet baysek does not mean none at all (like RMBM’s example of 3 hours a day working and the rest learning. That is the IDEAL. Today that is pretty much impossible to make a sustainable living)
And there is more, I need to jog my memory…It is an interesting note how everyone loves the RMBM especially “right wing” ideology, while anyone who studies his seforom like Moreh Nevuchim, Avos, etc etc sees right away that he was very into the rationalistic approach “left wing”. This is kind of a different topic, but they do have some overlap.
Keep this in mind: Everyone comes with mamarai chazal, gemorahs etc to support their opinion (like myself). Obviously they are all true, so that fact that you can spit one out does not prove anything because your hiding the other statement. What does prove something is if you can MAKE THEM ALL WORK. Which by the way, is not hard if you are honest with yourself and strip away your negios. RMBM does that when he talks about how those who immerse themselves into Torah and throw away the vanities of this world (like making a side income through shtick) become Hashem’s heritage, but he is clear that this only works for those who make it their sole occupation with all their heart and soul.
But they are the EXCEPTION TO THE RULE. Like Shevet Levi. If you want to join them, if you give it all you got – your the best. The truth is that most do not make the grade and there is a lot of wasted time in Kollel (by most, not all people) – quoted from Rabbi Miller and easily observable by any non biased individual.
Bottom line, study ALL Torah sources for an honest opinion not just the one you like.