One year later: What I’ve learned in my first year back home

Dor Alaluf
Jul 28, 2017 · 4 min read

It has officially been one year since I moved to Israel.

For those who don’t know, I was born in Israel and grew up here through the age of 7. In the summer of 2000, my family picked up and relocated to New Jersey. A move that was meant to last no more than 2 years turned into 16 as we grew comfortable living out the “American Dream”. Good public education, cheap cost of living, outlet malls, Costco, everything.

But in the last couple of years, the comfort started turning into monotony, even for a young college grad like me. I was too young for comfort and was hungry for new and challenging things. It’s nice to live comfortably and have everything you need within reach, but there’s something to be said about the lack of challenge and excitement in that sort of lifestyle.

So on July 14th, I boarded a one-way flight back home.

I had an idea of what I was getting myself into. I had to restart my career and find a job and learn the ins and outs of business in Israel. I had to set my financial expectation lower than what I was used to. Average income in Israel is about 20% lower than in the US, while cost of living is about 15% higher. I had to get used to the super aggressive nature of Israelis — something a lot of foreigners call rude, but something I consider a winning mentality. I knew living here was going to be tough, but I had yet to figure out just how much. Here’s what I’ve learned.

1. 125%

That’s how much you have to work to make it out here. If you’re not giving more than 100% in everything you do — your work; your relationships; getting in line at the grocery store ; you’ll find yourself standing still.

In fact, most full-time jobs here require an average of 9 hours per day for 5 days a week. It might not seem like a lot more, but compared to the 8 hour days that are typical in the States, it’s 125%. Getting used to that extra hour every day was honestly one of the tougher adjustments I had to make, but it did strengthen my work ethic.

2. There’s no template for life

Most Americans from my socio-economic status live out their lives like this — graduate high school, go straight to college, get a job in the city, get married, start a family, move to the suburbs. It’s steady, it’s comfortable, and it’s easy. Those who don’t follow this path are seen as pariahs or anomalies by some of their peers.

Most Israelis live out their lives like this — go to high school, go to the army, then do whatever the fuck they want. Some go backpacking for a few months. Some get a job as a bartender or restaurant host. Some go straight to university. But no matter what they do after the army, they’re not judged. When you live in a place where life is tougher or riskier, you’re more apt to do what makes you happy on a given day, not 5–10 years down the road.

3. Getting after it

If you want something here, you need to get it. It’s ok, in fact, it’s recommended, to be aggressive. You need the “hutzpa” to thrive here. You won’t get very far being too nice and conceding to everything. If you have an opinion, speak up. If you see an opportunity, grab it quick. This nation is built on risk-taking. Why do you think so many startups thrive here?

4. Comfort does not equal quality

This is the most important lesson. Let’s be straight — life in America is more comfortable. But it’s not better. Many people ask me, “why did you leave a higher quality of life?” My answer is, “I didn’t.”

What is quality of life? Is it a low cost of living? Is it higher wages? To me, quality of life can’t be quantified. A quality life to me is one with family; a rich culture; interesting people; good weather; and endless challenges. A quality life is one that’s not bound by society’s expectations or templates.

It’s the lack of expectations that makes Israel so great. When there are no expectations, bad thing don’t feel so bad, and good things feel fucking amazing.

Dor Alaluf

Written by

Photographer, traveler, runner. Born and raised in Tel-Aviv, made it in America, back to Tel-Aviv.

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