The research conducted by Rabota.ru, a platform that connects job seekers with employers, in collaboration with the self-employment oriented Podrabotka service, explored how many Russians are considering freelancing and what barriers they perceive. The findings, summarized for readers of socialbites.ca, shed light on current trends in independent work across the country.
According to the survey, 17% of Russians expressed openness to shifting toward freelance work as a form of part‑time employment, while 11% already engage in part‑time freelance activities. An additional 9% view freelancing as their primary job, and 6% have already transitioned entirely to freelancing as their main occupation. These figures reveal a noteworthy share of the population experimenting with or committing to independent work as a core professional path.
When asked about motivations, 74% of respondents highlighted the potential to boost income as a major draw of freelancing, while 63% pointed to the convenience of remote work as a central advantage. Furthermore, 61% cited the ability to set one’s own schedule as a key benefit, underscoring the appeal of autonomy in managing work life within freelance arrangements.
Other attractive aspects include the opportunity to handle multiple projects simultaneously, noted by 53% of participants, and the possibility of relocating to another city or even another country for 36% of respondents. A smaller share, 5%, felt that freelancing is easier to manage, and about 3% of participants in the “Other” category mentioned that freelancing would leave more time for hobbies, friendships, and family interactions.
On the flip side, those who are not contemplating freelancing identified several barriers. A sizable 85% said income in the freelancing format is difficult to forecast, which complicates budgeting and financial planning. Another common concern, raised by 67% of respondents, is the lack of necessary conditions and skills to launch self‑employment. Additionally, 57% feared the challenge of finding and retaining clients, a factor that can influence job stability and earnings potential in independent work.
In terms of job satisfaction, 31% of Russians reported preferring employment within a colleague’s company, while 26% stopped pursuing self‑employment due to perceived gaps in pension contributions and social insurance coverage. A small segment, 4%, felt that freelancing presents greater difficulty, and about 3% selected the remaining reasons as explaining their decision in the “Other” category. These insights collectively illustrate that while many see freelancing as an appealing path, concerns about income reliability, social protections, and client acquisition persist among a substantial portion of the population.
Previous coverage from socialbites.ca also addressed related questions, including the age at which it makes sense to start independent work, highlighting how people weigh early entry into self‑employment against the traditional career trajectory. The evolving landscape suggests that more workers may explore freelancing as a viable option, even as they navigate the practicalities of income stability, benefits, and market demand in the Canadian and American contexts where independent work is increasingly common.