Youth have stopped chasing quick earnings.

      In mid-2026, the results of a large-scale study were published, which examined the everyday lives, fears, and real actions of Russians aged 14 to 28 over several months. The project involved analysts from hh.ru, the SALT agency, and ONIN, as well as the "My Shift" service — they joined forces to understand what truly drives young people when entering the labor market.

      The first finding recorded by researchers was a high level of labor activity among the youngest. It turned out that 18% of students in grades 8-11 are already combining their studies with work. At the same time, the motivation of schoolchildren is rarely related to necessity: they more often perceive part-time work as a way to "try on" adult life, earn their first income, and understand what they are capable of, while still retaining the option to step back without serious consequences. This is why flexible formats with short shifts are preferred over traditional employment contracts.

      The second important conclusion concerns education. The widespread belief that diplomas have devalued and are only needed "for show" was not confirmed. The data showed a clear pattern: among those working in their field, the proportion of people with higher education is almost twice as high (65%) as among those working in other areas. This means that for a significant part of the audience, university remains a conscious stage of professional development.

      The third stereotype that the study sent to the past is the perception of youth as a chaotic mass constantly changing jobs in pursuit of income. In reality, the behavior of young people is closely tied to their life stage. At ages 16-20, flexibility, the ability to combine work with studies, and exposure to different fields are the top priorities. But by ages 23-28, priorities shift: the importance of stable income, clear conditions, and financial independence increases. In other words, along with the emergence of domestic obligations, the demands on employers mature.

      A separate insight is the emotional perception of the job search process itself. Contrary to expectations, fear and anxiety do not dominate here. Young people feel more curiosity and interest in themselves. However, the main problem remains — uncertainty. They find it difficult to understand how to properly describe their minimal experience, what skills are currently in demand, and where to move next.

      The study showed that it is useless to appeal to age when engaging in dialogue with young job seekers. A school student balancing studies and their first job, a student juggling classes and shifts, a graduate choosing a profession, and a young specialist seeking stability — they all live in different coordinate systems. The key task of modern employment services is not just to offer vacancies but to help each of them recognize their own path.

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