Both Lords Krishna and Baladeva Haladhara attended the school of Sandipani muni. There, they faithfully undertook austerity, celibacy, and service to Sri Guru. They received knowledge of many fields, including seeming simple practical skills, such as how to mix drinks and all about intoxicants, They learned painting, drama, speaking, writing, mathematics, mudras, everything required for life, etc etc Everything imaginable, useful and culturally pleasing, they learned under their Guru Sandipani, including animal and bird languages!
During our stint in this life as brahmacaries under our illustrious and merciful Srila Prabhupada, times were, and indeed still are, a dire emergency. Therefore many made a great sacrifice of their youthful lives for his mission, neglecting the study of practical skills that earn a living in this world. There was and is a need for brave fully surrendered souls to sacrifice everything for Krishna's services, in order to save the fallen souls by delivering the mercy of Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu to each and every one. This is the austerity recommended for our times. "harinam harinama harinama eva kevalum..." those who did so beneffited eternally, for their sacrifices.
Later, our A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada told us that his mission was only 50% complete, that he wanted to institutue proper daivi or sanatana varna-ashrama dharma worldwide.
Now, as Srila Prabhupada foresaw, the world has changed, the sanga smashed and stolen by usurpers, (though new stronger associations are arising.) Demonic men seek to control the world even further. This brings me to the point; I have been asked by young men what is the best way to advance in this time? I reply, there is only one way, Sri Krsna sankirtana. So far as your services, be like Krsna and Balarama; get an education that will enable you to acquire wealth, home, and wife, as respectable learned men or skilled tradesmen, or as simple farmers even. Be strong and independent as reasonably possible, support others rather than be supported. Be strong, and in this way, the Vaisnavas will continue strongly. Without personal security to some degree as is achieveable in this world, where is the foundation for the family?
Otherwise, depending upon an institution or upon others can prove an impediment, when one is tossed into the street by goondas and thieves. Better to not have to depend upon fallible soldiers in the battle. This general tip is for 99% of the brahmacaries.
Replies
"The source of our income is not actually the source of our maintenance. Every living being-from the great Brahmā down to an insignificant ant-is being maintained by the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Eko bahūnāṁ yo vidadhāti kāmān. The one Supreme Being, Kṛṣṇa, maintains everyone. Our so-called source of income is our own choice only. If I wish to be a hunter, it will appear that hunting is the source of my income. If I become a brāhmaṇa and completely depend on Kṛṣṇa, I do not conduct a business, but nonetheless my maintenance is supplied by Kṛṣṇa. The hunter was disturbed about breaking his bow because he was worried about his income. Nārada Muni assured the hunter because he knew that the hunter was not being maintained by the bow but by Kṛṣṇa. Being the agent of Kṛṣṇa, Nārada Muni knew very well that the hunter would not suffer by breaking the bow. There was no doubt that Kṛṣṇa would supply him food"
Sri Caitanya-caritamrta - 1975 Edition : The Sixty-One Explanations of the Atmarama Verse : Madhya-Lila 24.257 : Srila Prabhupada's PURPORT