A survey conducted by the Zarplaty.ru research center in collaboration with Skypro online university, and reviewed by socialbites.ca, reveals that 69 percent of Russians recall their first job with warmth, while a quarter describe it as a painful experience. The study sheds light on how early work experiences shape attitudes toward work and career in adulthood.
The findings show that challenges at the start of a career are not limited to difficult tasks. Salary plays a significant role in shaping early job experiences. Among respondents with no prior work experience, a large share reported their initial earnings as low as up to 10,000 rubles, accounting for 69 percent. About 18 percent earned between 10,000 and 20,000 rubles, while only 5 percent reported salaries above 40,000 rubles. The most common first jobs cited were sales manager, organizer, and mechanic, representing 15 percent, 14 percent, and 12 percent of respondents respectively.
When reflecting on fears and problems encountered in the first role, many Russians pointed to a lack of experience, a sense of undervaluing their own importance within the company, and routine, monotonous tasks as the core issues. Another notable concern was the absence of clearly defined directives from management. In addition, about one in three respondents worried about possible difficulties in communicating with coworkers or about not receiving a fair salary, highlighting how social dynamics and compensation influence early job satisfaction.
Over time, work experiences varied in length. More than a third of participants remained in their first position for one year or longer, while around 30 percent exited after two to three months. Approximately 28 percent stayed for three months to a year, illustrating a broad spectrum of early career trajectories and the factors that influence staying power in entry level roles.
Age also played a notable role in how Russians entered the workforce. A sizable portion—about 30 percent—found their first job between ages 18 and 20. Another 16 percent started during adolescence, at ages 15 or 16. An equal share, 14 percent, entered work between ages 16 and 17 and between 20 and 25, indicating that entry into the labor market happens across a wide age range with diverse pathways and motivations.
Experts and former participants often discuss strategies for balancing work and study. With many young people juggling education and early employment, practical approaches to scheduling, time management, and career planning become essential to sustaining both academic progress and work experience. This evolving dynamic reflects broader economic and social shifts that shape how new entrants to the labor market navigate initial jobs and lay the groundwork for future careers.
In summary, the study highlights that the first job is a formative experience shaped by compensation, role clarity, and social integration. While some associate early work with valuable learning and growth, others emphasize the stress of uncertain expectations and low pay. Understanding these patterns can help educators, employers, and policymakers create environments that support young workers as they gain essential skills and establish longer, more satisfying career paths.