| In Russia it is slightly different. Due to a number of good things inherited from the Soviet epoch. Working for money is imperative here too, but I would say it is bounding you on lesser extent. University education is free, the government is fully subsidized a huge part of students. Base medicine is free, and the paid medicine of good quality is cheap even if you don't have regular Insurance. Electricity and other utility bills are relatively cheap. A number of common goods and food is cheaper than in the western countries. What's most important in my opinion that a lot of young people are inheriting real property from their grandparents. It's not always the house of your dream(usually small flats), but you gain a place to stay in and to start with for free. And the country itself is relatively well developed in terms of common services and the opportunities you have around. By GDP(PPP) the country is around Germany[1]. All in all, here in Russia you may have an opportunity to make a work/life balance relatively easier than in Europe or North America. It's sad to face that a lot of young people are looking for emigration. I had been travelling a lot, and I was fascinated by the developed countries of the West too for many years when I was younger. I don't want to underestimate the opportunities you may have abroad, and also I don't want to underestimate the problems we have here in Russia. But honestly speaking in my opinion it is much harder to survive in the West than in the post-soviet countries. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(PPP) |