What is the religious ruling regarding a husband who travels for work for half the year, and his wife returns to her family's home during his absence, and he tells her that if she is not pleased with his work, then they should each go their separate ways?

It is the wife's right upon her husband that he not be absent from her for more than six months, unless there is a valid excuse. If his absence is for the purpose of seeking lawful earnings, then there is no blame upon him. He is obligated to provide for her appropriately and to leave her in a safe environment. If the house is desolate, he is obligated to provide her with a companion. It is advised to be patient with the husband's absence if he is striving for lawful earnings and fulfilling the wife's rights.