If we want to go, he lets us. The son goes, as soon as possible and as far as possible. It is a classic picture of human rebellion. Three things give out. A. His resources give out.
People waste minds, bodies, opportunities.
B. His environment gives out. Perhaps natural disaster was God's way of bringing him home. Sometimes we can interpret our own catastrophes and famines through the love of God, rather than his wrath. He shows some initiative in getting a job. His last illusion may have been that people are basically good.