Young people’s life and career choices in times of uncertainty

Journal of Youth Studies. 2025. Vol. 28. No. 2. P. 462–477.

Anastasiia S. Andreeva, Ekaterina S. Bemler

The article examines the life and career choices of contemporary Russian youth in the context of uncertainty, and analyzes the transformation of wage labor and its significance for social identity. The study is based on a qualitative analysis of 47 in-depth interviews with young employees from St. Petersburg, which allows for a deeper understanding of their motivations and strategies. We demonstrate that under precarization, young people strive for flexibility and adaptability, moving away from traditional career paths. Wage labor remains relevant, but gains new features, requiring young people to actively participate in shaping their careers. Young Russians are making choices based on post-materialist values, seeking comfort and satisfaction in work which is becoming a key source of resilience in an era of uncertainty.

Keywords: рынок труда, молодежь, employment, устойчивость, занятость, youth, labor market, resilience

Publication based on the results of: Generation Z in search of balance: working conditions, work regimes and life values in the views of young people and employers (2024)