The Matchmaker

There is a proud tradition of Jewish lawyers. There is also a proud tradition of Jewish matchmakers: Louis Brandeis, Aharon Barak, Yente, Patti Stanger. Same thing. In today's world of online dating, it seems like this profession might be losing whatever ground it had left - fast. I say 'seems like' because the truth is that this profession will never become obsolete. As long as there are people out there wanting to be matched, there will be matchmakers. Case in point: the Millionaire Matchmaker, the scary TV show on Bravo with the scary lady who matches obnoxious millionaires with unwitting partners. There are also dating websites that employ matchmakers to link together profiles after they're made. I needed to learn more about this job. Google was once again very helpful, and I quickly learned that there is in fact a Matchmaking Institute - courses online, based in New York, with at least one outpost in Singapore. It also helped me find out about some of the highlights of the job: 


Annual Salary: Depends. This is a "growing" industry and there is definitely earning potential here, but it comes with all the risks of starting your own business, not to mention money if you go through a program with a startup kit and tuition costs. However, you charge clients for inclusion in the database, for the annual contracts, and of course for the services of actually matching them. It is well known that with prudence and skill, this job can turn into a six figure income.


Perks: The Institute suggests that this job will allow me to become the "bell [sic] of the ball." I don't know if that's what I had in mind when I think about the life of the party, but they seem pretty sure. It is also, apparently, "never boring" (or my money back?), and it is "now, finally, recognized as a legitimate and respectable field," which is truly confidence inspiring. Other advantages include high potential earnings, a flexible schedule, and of course, being your own boss. And, the satisfaction of knowing that you helped your clients find true happiness. There's always that. 


Disadvantages: Wikipedia has an allusion to 'busybodies' under their entry about matchmaking. It is also something Jewish moms do in their sleep. Clients may be just plain difficult. If a date doesn't work out, it may reflect poorly on  you instead of on them. There are the obvious risks of starting a business. The profession demands long, unconventional hours and tons of patience. 


The Bottom Line: I think the Institute says it best: Matchmaking "combines a little dash of networking, a pinch of social work, and a whole cup of playing cupid." In other words, it's warm and fuzzy, just like law school.