I can only talk from personal experience but this is what we encountered. We made aliyah seven years ago with three teenagers (everyone said bad idea), no job (gave up a six figure job) and no place to live a month before moving (also a no no from all friends and family). Sold our modest house and all belongings and quit job so no turning back. Made a committment to first year of ulpan and adult yeshiva. Lived off of aliyah benefits and stuffing envelopes for a non profit ( for real, had whole family stuffing and working small jobs. Also small savings. Took a job as a kindergarten assistant maternity leave to get a foot in the door. You do what you need to do, I was a 20 year teacher and university instructor in the states. Within 3 years was principal. Daughter went to university for four years, practically free and has two degrees. Has more job offers than she has time for. Not great salaries but jobs. Son did elite army unit and yeshiva (yes it is possible) and completing first college degree.
He Just got married to an Israeli girl who doesn’t speak much English and they live in a very modest apartment and both work part time as she finishes her second academic degree and he finishes Yeshiva and first degree. No, they do not get supported by parents, they make it on their own. We live in a modest apartment in Jerusalem with an ugly purple sofa that came with the apartment and no car. Material wise we live very basically but fulfillment wise all of us couldn’t be happier.
Is this for all Jews? I wish I could say yes, but know people have different priorities. If you read this an say “he must be crazy” then that is your answer. Are there problems here, both financial and otherwise? Of course. Do all make the transition? No. Who does it make the greatest impact on? The kids. Kids here are on a whole different level as compared to kids in the states, which is an area for a different discussion. And yes, our children are even more religious here. They are living and making Jewish history. Our son’s commander’s course was packed with religious boys and our girls do national service. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions that we can help with.