Analysts reviewing labor market data from Avito Rabota reveal that more than one in six Russians continue to work in the same field where they first gained work experience. This pattern indicates a notable stickiness of early career choices, suggesting that initial job exposure can strongly influence long‑term career paths for a significant portion of the workforce. The findings discussed with socialbites.ca illuminate how initial experiences shape decisions, preferences, and persistence in the job market across different generations and regions.
Among those who stayed within the startup ecosystem, almost half, specifically 47%, report that their very first role aligned closely with their area of specialization. For a sizable minority within this group, the connection goes beyond alignment: about one in three describes a deep affinity for the work itself, citing genuine enjoyment and a sense of purpose in their daily activities. This combination of relevance and satisfaction appears to reinforce continuity in the early stages of professional life, contributing to a sustained commitment to the field and a steady accumulation of experience over time.
Conversely, more than half of the respondents, 57%, indicate that their current occupation diverges in a fundamental way from the work they first undertook. The shift can reflect evolving interests, market demands, or the pursuit of broader skill sets that enable better career prospects. Notably, gender patterns emerge in the data: men show a higher propensity to switch occupations than women, with 62% of men compared to 53% of women changing their professional direction at some point in their careers. This contrast highlights different career trajectories and decision-making processes that may be influenced by social, economic, or industry-specific factors.
The study also highlights how career beginnings vary by employment type. A clear majority of Russians started their careers in permanent, full‑time positions, making up about two-thirds of respondents. In contrast, roughly 28% began with part‑time arrangements, underscoring the differing access points to the workforce and how early work experiences can set the tone for later job stability, advancement, and income potential. These starting patterns offer a window into the labor market structure, including the balance between stability and flexibility that workers seek or have available to them at entry level.
Looking at the sectors where first job experiences were most common, construction leads at 17%, followed by sales at 14% and administrative roles at 10%. These choices reflect a mix of accessibility, demand, and the practical pathways that young people pursue while entering the labor market. Among younger workers, those aged 16 to 24 increasingly gravitate toward retail roles, capturing a 10% share, with logistics following at 7% as a field of early income. For young women starting out, HoReCa emerges as a viable entry point, alongside administrative positions, illustrating a broader set of opportunities that align with market needs and personal interests. Taken together, the data paints a picture of how early job experiences are distributed across sectors and how they shape subsequent career journeys across the country.