CEE Story From The Mission Field
Russian Youth Facing New Realities
2001
The new Russia is the Russia of the future. Young professionals are finding that business opportunities abound and are taking advantage of the pseudo-capitalist economy. This new generation of Russian businessmen and women are entrepreneurs, risk-takers climbing the corporate ladder. They are looking to get ahead. They put their career above everything else in life. They know that by the time they are 35 in Russia, they will not be desired employees. Age discrimination in regards to job opportunities is rampant. Ads in newspapers say they are looking for those under 35.
Russians will likely stay in a job for their entire life, not moving from the town, and not changing places of employment. They are usually content to stay with their first job. Even if the pay is not stable, they will remain. Job security, meaning a place to work, is a high priority for Russians. They become discouraged if they don't receive a pay check for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and even up to 3 years, but they wouldn't think of leaving their job.
Relationships are very important to the Russians, old and young alike. Who you know is vital in getting things done. For them, they have a choice of going through the lengthy bureaucratic red tape, or in going to a friend or acquaintance that can help "speed things up" and get the job done. They know how to network, and those who don't network are the outsiders and are looked upon with some suspicion and misunderstanding.
These young Russians seem to have it all together and know for what they are striving, but that is their outer shell. Inside they are hurting and looking for peace and joy in their lives. They fill their spare time, whatever it may be, with parties and trips. They earn money to spend it now. Their hope is in the U.S. dollar. Most are not looking to the future, as they only see the next day ahead of them.
Only God can give them hope and a future. "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11