Across Russia during the holiday season, a notable shift in mindset appears as many workers weigh a move away from traditional employment. A survey conducted by the Consol.Pro Analytical Center and reviewed by socialbites.ca shows that more than seven in ten respondents entertained the idea of launching their own business at least once over the weekend. This impulse reflects a broader curiosity about self-employment and the potential to steer one’s own path in the economy.
Among those who already hold jobs, about one in five participants indicated a willingness to blend their current role with an independent venture. This hybrid approach signals a growing appetite for entrepreneurship while preserving the security of regular employment, a trend that resonates with workers who value flexibility and the opportunity to test new business concepts without fully severing ties to their current employers.
The data reveal a strong motivational thread behind these plans. Some 60% of respondents see personal well‑being, financial growth, and sustained profit as the core reasons to start a business. A smaller share, roughly 25%, expects moral satisfaction from the venture, while about 15% hope for engaging and challenging work within the business landscape. Financial goals also appear prominently: around 31% would be content with a monthly income of 80,000 to 100,000 rubles, and roughly 30% are prepared to become entrepreneurs if earnings exceed 100,000 rubles per month. These figures underscore a preferences‑driven mix of financial security and personal achievement driving entrepreneurial consideration among the population.
When it comes to formal business formation, orientation toward immediate registration varies. Nearly half of the future entrepreneurs, 46%, feel that formal self-employment status suffices to launch a venture. A majority of 55% believe that this regime matches their activities and is straightforward to set up. Intriguingly, a portion of respondents thinks a detailed business plan is unnecessary, with 18% of those dreaming of profit assessing success as possible without formal planning. This points to a pragmatic mindset among many aspirants who value speed and simplicity in getting started.
Investment readiness also shows a wide range of risk tolerance. Only 8% express willingness to commit substantial funds, more than 500,000 rubles, to future success. In contrast, 30% expect to spend no more than 100,000 rubles at the outset. A strong contingent, about 31%, remains confident in their own potential for business success, signaling optimism and belief in their capacity to execute ideas. In terms of sectors, information technology emerges as a top interest area for budding entrepreneurs, capturing 15% of responses, while marketing services draw 11%. On the other hand, financial and legal services appear least favored, attracting only about 1% of interest, reflecting either perceived entry barriers or market realities that deter those sectors for new entrants.
Not every holiday moment was spent purely away from work. About one in three Russians, 31%, found it difficult to disconnect from professional responsibilities during the break. Meanwhile, 25% reported not receiving bonuses or holiday allowances for working through the period. Those who could not completely escape their routines tended to allocate more time to family and friends, with 34% spending meaningful moments with loved ones, 32% resting at home, and smaller shares engaging in cultural (16%) and sports (12%) events. Personal development and education during the holidays attracted only 3% of respondents, suggesting varied priorities and life contexts during leisure time.
Beyond individual plans, the survey hints at a broader trend in public interest in business news and developments. The data imply a growing appetite for market insights and entrepreneurial guidance, even as many people balance pragmatic considerations with aspiration. The shift mirrors a period when people reassess priorities and explore opportunities to align work with personal goals, while still valuing the security that steady employment provides in a changing economic environment.