Recap: Chaim Lerner*, a 35 year old avreich, comes for counseling in order to identify a suitable career. We identify him as having Realistic and Investigative tendencies, and explore some possible career options.

Session 3:

By meeting with Mesila, Chaim established that his minimum annual budget was $65,000 if he stayed in Lakewood. Factors decreasing his budgetary requirements include affordable tuition and housing. Chaim’s father in law is willing to contribute up to $30,000 per year for another four years while he studies a profession.

Chaim had located several local four year college programs offering Mechanical Engineering. He had read the course descriptions, and they intrigued him. Chaim also visited the campuses and was impressed by their modern facilities and professionalism and was happy about their high graduate job placement rate. However, these programs cost about $25,000. The high SAT scores and prerequisite math and science courses concerned Chaim. Chaim was frustrated about having come so close to his dreams, only to have them thwarted.

Chaim and I then engaged in some collaborative brainstorming. We explored the option of beginning his educational career at a two year college, earn an associate's degree, and then transferring to a four year college. This would offer several advantages. At $5000 a year, a two year college is more affordable. Community colleges frequently have more relaxed entrance requirements, and may not require any SAT or extensive prerequisite courses.

This still left Chaim to consider how to raise the deficit of $40,000 per year ($65,000 household budget + $5000 tuition - $30,000 support). Since Chaim was interested in watches, and he had relatives in the retail watch business, we explored the possibility of him opening a watch repair business. This service could be offered within his relative's existing watch store, so Chaim would just have to rent some space for his repair bench. He would also benefit from the store’s existing traffic flow. Chaim would have to juggle attending college at the same time as working, but at least he would be working in his field of interest, and studying the subject of his choice. Chaim was excited about this possibilities open to him, and decided to speak to his relative about a partnership opportunity.

Observations:

Chaim’s choice of career, Automotive Engineering, suites his interests perfectly, and should provide adequate income. While balancing school and work is a challenge, Chaim seems to have the tenacity to succeed at it.

Analysis:

The transition from Kollel to the work is challenging. It requires expanding one’s self-identity as a scholar to include the role of breadwinner. In a similar vein, someone who has amassed a reputation as a Talmud Chacham may struggle to retain his self-esteem while working at an entry level position. Practically speaking, a larger family will necessitate pursuing a career with higher earning potential. It also decreases the amount of time savings will last, thus giving one less time to devote to training.

The transition requires quite a bit of research, planning, and juggling, but with the right support and much Syatta Dishmay, it can be done successfully.

*Names and identifying details have been changed.