CHOOSING PASSION OVER MONEY?

When people make this statement, I really want to know what is on their mind. There is a difference between chasing your passion and suffering, and I definitely disagree with the school of thought that passion should be pursued even at the detriment of your well-being. I always loved the sciences right from the time […]

REMINISCING ON MY ‘DIABOLICAL’ WORK BACK IN AFRICA: ENTRY 017

“Recently, I was going through a post on TikTok and it strongly reminded me of an experience I had when I was still working back in my country. The truth is that many Africans are very very diabolical and some people will think it is only a joke. When I tell my Russian workmates now […]

QUALIFIED, EXAGGERATED OR LIES? 

This past week, my Twitter feed was full of posts about people lying on their resumes and landing jobs they weren’t qualified for. It immediately brought back a memory that, for a while, felt pretty bitter. During the COVID lockdown, I was desperately job hunting, applying to all the big companies in Russia. The pressure […]

Simplified Residence Permit Process for Foreign Specialists in Russia (2025 Update)

The Russian government has introduced significant changes to the immigration process for foreign professionals seeking a residence permit (RP/ ВНЖ). The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has approved a new List of Professions (Order No. 172n, dated April 3, 2025) that allows qualified foreign workers to obtain an RP without first securing a temporary […]

SITES YOU CAN USE TO SECURE REMOTE JOBS 

grayscale photo of person using MacBook

If you have read any of our previous articles, then you can probably already know some tips for finding a good remote job while living in Russia and you might have seen our stories on how to land a professional well-paying tech job in Russia. In today’s article we are looking at sites where you […]

I THINK 2024 WAS MY LUCKY YEAR 

man in black long sleeve shirt using macbook pro

As usual my people, we are here to give you gist from Russia and beyond. On today’s episode we have someone who feels he apparently had a lucky streak this year (when it comes to big money) and is scared of what the coming year holds. Let’s jump right into it.  How was 2024 for […]

CAREER WAY: GETTING CERTIFICATIONS FROM ONLINE COURSES

…a snippet from the Guidetrybe course for Africans in Russia. As a student in my penultimate year, the question of what to do after graduation has recently been popping up in my mind and even in conversations. It’s almost like a constant bell ringing out this question. I recently took a course called Career Planning for […]

DO PEOPLE REALLY MAKE MONEY FROM MUSIC?

Nigeria vinyl record

With the way the world economy and my personal finances are going now, there is no business idea I have not thought of. I know my voice is not all that but it is not bad either- I am sure that with a little voice training here and there, I might have a future in […]

EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT THE MILITARY ID (Военный Билет)

New bills have been signed into law in Russia and as a foreigner in Russia, you must stay on top of these updates as they will affect you one way or the other. We had a conversation about the new conscription laws with the Russian passport on the Telegram channel recently. Now, here’s what you […]

HOW TO MAKE YOUR BOSS LIKE YOU 

man sitting on black leather bench holding gray laptop computer on top of white wooden table

I rolled out of bed for the first time in many years eager to be at work. I didn’t even realise it but gradually my boss started to like me. Ah wait o, I am male and my boss is male and when I say ‘like me’ I mean he no longer acts like he […]

MONEY THIS, MONEY THAT– WILL WE EVER STOP CHASING THE BAG?

man holding 1 US dollar banknote

I just stayed on my bed contemplating whether to go for my teaching job today or not. I was so tired and the thought of walking under this brain-frying sun coupled with the fact that some kid was probably going to try to drive me nuts kept me glued to my bed. I make a […]

DO I REALLY HAVE TO WORK FOR FREE WHILE BUILDING MY CAREER?

Often you might hear of or come across jobs that promise you “exposure” as a reward for your work. It might seem like we all know this isn’t always right but some people need to hear it again and again so here we go. As someone just starting out in their career, your current state […]

IS ‘INFLUENCING’ A JOB? 

Well, the simple answer to the question is a solid yes. Influencing is an actual job. In this generation of ours, the dream job of some children or teenagers is to become a YouTuber or some sort of brand influencer. Even adults are not left behind, there’s a significant increase in the amount of people […]

NOT EVERY JOB IS YOURS, KNOW WHEN TO SAY NO 

Sadly, many people who have so much potential, knowledge and education have found themselves stuck in jobs that don’t merit all they have to offer.  Certain circumstances might push people into settling for whatever comes their way, even to their detriment. A job can be a clear red flag but because someone is desperately in […]

SIDE HUSTLE SPOTLIGHT- MODELLING IN RUSSIA

If you stay in Russia, modelling is one of the many side hustles students can go into to make some money from time to time. We interviewed Josephine, a final-year medical student and model on the intricacies of becoming a model in Russia and how to overcome some of the challenges people face in this […]

WHAT TO DO WHEN A CUSTOMER SAYS YOU ARE TOO EXPENSIVE

“Omo, this your price ehn…” “This is too expensive na…” “I have someone that sells for cheaper…” Every entrepreneur has at some point or the other had a client question their prices. Some of these customers might feel they are not getting the value for the money. Some of them might just not see the […]

P.O.V AS A STUDENT IN RUSSIA SANDWICHED BETWEEN INFLATION AND DEVALUATION

How is your ‘money life’ looking as a foreigner living in Russia right now? So many stories to share— here’s one… “I opened my SberBank app again for the umpteenth time that day to check if any miracle money was going to appear. This was by far my worst month in Russia financially speaking and […]

SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOREIGNERS IN RUSSIA

man using black laptop computer

Summer is upon us, and it’s the season of rest, cruise, work and a time to double your hustle. It’s common knowledge that during this period people are always looking for means to earn some more money. Whether long or short term, you want to have that extra hustle that brings a side income, summer […]

HOW I LANDED AN ENGLISH TEACHING JOB ON AVITO

My eyes have seen many things in Russia, and the city I am currently in might just be a contributing factor. Everyone knows Moscow is the happening place. It is a land of good opportunities and I also wished to be there especially because of the teaching opportunities I heard were available. Well, I still […]

Dear Africans in Russia, Only the Living Make Money!

Yes o, you read right. Only the living make money. We understand that you’re trying to make money to live and survive and that there is a constant reminder for people to hustle but you should also be careful and pay attention to your well-being. It is good to have goals, plans and side hustles, […]

EVERYONE NEEDS TO HAVE A SKILL/SIDE HUSTLE THESE DAYS

“The only skill that will be important in the 21st century is the skill of learning new skills. Everything else will become obsolete over time.”- Peter Drucker “No one is born with skill. It is developed through exercise, repetition, through a blend of learning and reflection that’s both painstaking and rewarding. And it takes time.”-Twyla […]

HOW I WASHED PLATES FOR 12 HOURS- MY JOB LAST SUMMER

On today’s episode of ‘I saw shege and shege saw me’, we are bringing you the story of a Nigerian lady in Russia and her ordeal as a dishwasher in a restaurant. Let’s have it: “I’ll be very candid. In the summer of last year, a guy I know told me he got a job […]

IS RUSSIA YOUR LAST BUS STOP?- YOUR REALITY CHECK

E shock you! The question above generates different emotions in people, the people who shy away completely, those who face the question head-on, and those who believe what will be, will be. Whichever category you are in, we are here for you. Russia is an awesome place to live in and especially if you find […]

WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A STUDENT-HUSTLER LIVING IN RUSSIA

woman in gray long sleeve shirt holding black smartphone

“My name is Aisha, and I’m the most ambitious person I know. I’m a student-hustler living in Russia, and my life is a crazy combination of entrepreneurship and university life. I’ve turned my journey as a student into a multitude of business ventures, ranging from braiding hair for Russians and modelling to running a catering […]