I’m Sorry, But You Can’t Even Buy a Shteler

A shocking story straight out of Lakewood:

Rabbi S., who helps match kollel yungerleit with appropriate positions, tells of the phone call he received from a wealthy person whose son-in-law was learning in Lakewood for many years with no end in sight. He asked Rabbi S. to please find his son-in-law a respectable position, and that he will pay for his entire salary. Rabbi S. replied, “I’m sorry, but I just don’t have anything available now.” The man responded, “But…you apparently don’t understand what my offer is. I am willing to pay his entire salary, the yeshiva won’t have to pay a dime.” “I’m sorry, you have to wait in line,” was the reply.

Even as yeshivas are experiencing extreme financial difficulty, there are not enough positions available for those that will pay  to work for there. This is a harsh dose of reality for those that believe teaching/chinuch positions are a way to support your family while “staying in learning”. The forces at play are simple: A chinuch salary is not determined by the status of the position, but rather by supply and demand – just like every single position in the marketplace.

And when the supply of prospects greatly exceeds the demand of positions available – and shtelers in chinuch are a great example – you can’t get a job even if you are willing to pay for it!

Let me be clear – if you are called to chinuch because that is truly your heart’s desire, and you would do it even if you didn’t get paid, by all means please continue trying to get a job. I want such a Rebbe for my son.

But if you are just trying to get a shteler as a means of “staying in learning,” please wake up and realize your foolishness. If you can’t even pay to get a job, what kind of chance do you think you have?

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Filed Under: Career Advice