Your work and knowledge has a value too, it is not about only a material.
You perhaps know the story about repairman who kicked the engine with hammer and suddenly worked again and required 600 coins for it.
Mmm, and a question - it is possible to service for Israel army in the civilan way, like EE service ?
In CZSR, 25 and more years ago it was possible to choose - 2years in army, or 10years in coal mine site, however, miners had highest sallaries of the working class so it was not bad.
In army, it was possible to serve in radio and telemetry section, then it was quite easy for your body and it was less strict, radiocommunication knowledge was very valued because of spy and monitor service.