What Russians Do After Work: A Look at Hobbies, Time, and Spending
The Rabota.ru service teamed up with the Odnoklassniki social network to explore post‑work activities and how much people invest in hobbies. The survey gathered responses from 2,700 participants across different regions of the country.
Among those surveyed, 38% carve out time for hobbies after work and stay consistently engaged. In contrast, 43% say they simply cannot find time for themselves on a regular basis. About one in ten does not have a hobby but would like one, and another 9% admit they struggle to discover hobbies they enjoy.
Reading emerges as a leading hobby for many, with 42% of respondents naming it as a favorite after work. Women show a greater enthusiasm for books than men, with 48% of women enjoying reading compared with 33% of men. Sports follow closely, with 31% of Russians engaging in physical activities after work. Watching movies and TV series ranks third, chosen by 29% of participants. About 23% enjoy cooking, while 20% spend their free time on embroidery and handicrafts. Computer games and console games attract 19%, and 17% participate in animal care or training. Gardening and flower cultivation are equally popular, attracting 17% of respondents.
The Odnoklassniki analysis highlights shifts in interest across the year. Autumn saw a rise in sports content, with groups and bloggers in this category expanding by 48%. Travel content also gained traction, increasing by 33% on a regular basis. Demand for cooking tutorials grew by 31%, DIY projects by 29%, and reading and book-related content by 26% as interest broadened across the hobby landscape.
Gender differences surface in the hobby lineup. Sports rank as the second most popular activity for men at 31%, while it sits at fourth for women at 32%. Women show a stronger preference for watching TV series and films, at 34% and 21% respectively, whereas men favor computer and console games at 27%. The top three hobbies for women after work are crafts at 32%, reading at 21%, and watching series or movies at similar levels. For men, the leading activities outside work include computer and console gaming at 27%, followed by sports and crafts with lower shares.
Nearly one in five respondents, 19%, report spending no money on hobbies. Reading enthusiasts, TV lovers, and gamers are the groups most likely to skip expenses. When money is spent, 54% allocate up to 5,000 rubles monthly to books, subscriptions, and crafts. Sixteen percent dedicate 6,000 to 10,000 rubles to sports and animal care, while 6% spend 11,000 to 15,000 rubles and 16,000 to 30,000 rubles on hobbies. A small 2% exceed 31,000 rubles monthly, with the main expenditures tied to sports, gardening, and pet care.
Relaxation and personal time help many Russians unwind, with 58% indicating that hobbies are a favored way to unwind after a long day. About 21% express hopes of turning their hobbies into a source of income, and another 21% feel they already invest enough time in their pastimes.
In a broader context, Odnoklassniki has consistently rolled out meaningful updates, with a focus on enhancing user engagement and expanding hobbies and interests across its community.