The Joys of the Ministry of Labor

Urban Outfitters carries a book called “100 Worst Jobs.” I’ve started to make mental notes of the Israeli version of this book. High on the list must be the information man who directs traffic flow at the Ministry of Labor. In Israel there are 2 places that the unemployed go to seek advice and collect their unemployment. One is the Ministry of Labor and the other is the Ministry of Labor for Academics (ie, having an University degree). This man’s, Gabriel’s, job is basically to make sure that the correct people are in his area, that people do not cut each other in line and that traffic flows steadily. He is truly a lovely man but I have no idea how he does it.

I went in two days ago and told Gabriel that I would like to speak to a counselor about help finding a job. He said- “sure, just let me see your diploma first.” Of course, I didn’t have my diploma with me so I found myself back in the same building the following day. The building is the main government office in Tel Aviv and it’s huge. As I was walking in (at 8:30 am) I saw all of these people at computer screens that look like the kind you do self check-in at the airport. I wasn’t really sure what it was, but I knew enough to just keep going accordingly to plan.

As I sit in front of the counselor, whose desk chair arm rests are wrapped in ceran wrap, I tried to sign up for help with the ministry. I told the secretary that I was a new immigrant and she starts to explain to me how I can get unemployment money. I told her that I haven’t been in Israel long enough to collect unemployment and what I am really looking for is a job. She told me that I should definitely check on the rules of unemployment because if I am eligible then I have to come once a week and “sign in,” using those automatic machines downstairs and then speak to a counselor. She told me to come back a week from that day so that if I am eligible I can start right away.

I left that office a little confused and a little disturbed. This woman was very nice and was trying to be very helpful, but she was giving me more information about how to get unemployment money than how to get a job. Ironic?

So I am going back next week to see if they actually want to help me this time.

Another fun day in Israel!