Conventional wisdom can only take you so far. You probably already know that learning Hebrew is important for both work and community, that salaries tend to be lower in Israel and that some cities offer a softer landing than others. But proper preparation for aliyah is actually in the details that rarely get mentioned. Here are seven things no one tells you about making a living after aliyah, even though they really should.
#1: It’s (almost) all about who you know
Just like in other countries, job opportunities are posted on job sites, social media and in newspapers. But in Israel, a very large percentage of jobs are filled through connections. Networking is crucial if you don’t already have a large acquaintance in the country. Start even before aliyah through social media and add in-person networking once you get here.
#2: Your career path may shift
It’s not uncommon for people to change their career path after aliyah, either because they’re having a hard time finding the same type of job in Israel or because they’re reinventing themselves along with all the other major changes in their lives. Be open to slight deviations, like switching from employee to freelancer or big adjustments like choosing a whole new career.
#3: Getting a job before aliyah is the exception rather than the rule
Israelis never know what’s happening from one day to the next, especially in the past few years. They generally advertise a job they need to fill pretty quickly, so they’re not usually open to hiring someone who isn’t yet in the country. Plus, they don’t believe you’re actually coming until you set foot in Ben-Gurion Airport. Although it’s tempting to make your aliyah dependent on having an income to count on, chances are you will have to come here without a job (unless you can bring your current job with you).
#4: Companies abroad can’t employ you the same way after aliyah
Bringing your job with you on aliyah is an excellent way to minimize adjustment, lessen your short-term concerns about finances and make a good living in the long-term. But don’t assume you can just continue to be a W-2 employee. Companies that employ people in Israel are opening themselves up to taxation and obligations they presumably don’t want to take on. In order to work for a company abroad, you will have to either open a business or become an employee of an Employer of Record service like Route 38.
#5: Working American hours is tricky
A job that requires you to work American hours provides you with extra time in the morning to run errands, take care of kids or go to the gym. On the flip side, working evenings can impede your integration into Israeli society. With Sunday being a regular workday, weddings, bar mitzvahs, get togethers and parties take place almost exclusively in the evenings after the workday is finished.
#6: It is possible to make a good living in Israel
There are a lot of downers out there complaining that Israeli salaries are low, while expenses are high. While there is some truth to this statement, it’s also true that many olim are succeeding financially in Israel. Following the same path you were on before aliyah might not work for you. You might need to consider creative ways to supplement your income by getting a second job, opening a business, negotiating a raise or investing, but there’s no reason to assume you can’t get by.
#7: Aliyah is the best thing you’ll ever do
OK, you probably have been told this, but it’s worth repeating. Moving to the Jewish homeland, being part of the largest Jewish community in the world and living life according to the rhythms of the Jewish calendar are privileges that our ancestors could only dream of. Olim are at the forefront of the economy, from ambassadors and CEOs to nonprofit managers, teachers, doctors and everything in between. Making the leap of faith to move to Israel is no small thing, but it will change your life in amazing and unimaginable ways.
