A significant portion of the population either already has or is actively seeking additional sources of income.
Nearly 38% of Russians spend their entire primary salary on essential expenses and mortgage payments. To afford anything beyond basic needs, such as home renovations, purchasing a car, or a family vacation by the sea, they are compelled to find supplementary work. Experts note that this situation is typical for market economies worldwide, including highly developed countries, though the percentage of people barely scraping by on a single salary might be lower elsewhere.
A survey conducted by a major construction company revealed that only 26% of respondents have a comfortable surplus from their main job. Furthermore, 23% admitted to periodically needing to borrow money. A permanent need for additional income affects 13% of Russians. The study also indicated that nearly 20% already have a side job, while 32% are actively looking for one.
The primary motivations for seeking extra income include a desire to improve living standards (30%), establish a «financial safety net» (27%), save for vacation (21%), and pursue self-fulfillment and hobbies (20%). Mortgage payments (averaging 36,000 rubles per month in the primary market) compel 11% of citizens to seek additional work, while current loan repayments drive 4%. This suggests that very few in the country can comfortably live on a single salary, echoing the well-known «wish-curse» from the film «The Diamond Arm.» Interestingly, in Soviet times, «khalim» (informal side work) was not considered shameful, although it wasn`t always legally safe.
Alexey Zubets, Director of the Center for Social Economy Research, states that the 38% figure for Russians whose salaries are «just enough» aligns with global realities; similar situations exist in other countries. He also points out that, according to various services, including recruitment platforms, about half of Russian citizens possess some form of savings, even if minimal. The trend of side jobs is a widespread norm in Russia, particularly among public sector employees: doctors, for example, often combine duties in state and commercial clinics, while school teachers and university professors offer tutoring. This further indicates a high level of economic activity within the population.
Zubets also emphasizes that quality of life standards play a significant role. If an individual has high demands, substantial expenses, takes an annual family trip to the sea, buys expensive items, or owns a car purchased on credit, it is understandable that their main salary might not suffice. However, this does not necessarily mean such a person is poor.
Vasily Girya, owner and CEO of GIS Mining, highlights that food expenses account for 60% to 75% of many Russians` budgets. Considering rising inflation and the accelerated increase in prices for various services, the 38% figure seems credible. He suggests that the actual number of those living «hand-to-mouth» might be closer to 50%, as people may be reluctant to admit financial difficulties. He characterizes the pursuit of additional income as rational and mature financial behavior, predicting a continued increase in the proportion of citizens seeking extra earnings.
Pavel Kudyukin, a member of the Council of the Confederation of Labour of Russia, considers this situation fairly typical for less developed and less affluent countries. The proportion of the population living paycheck-to-paycheck (over a third) significantly exceeds the official poverty rate of 8.1% (in the first quarter of 2025). The phenomenon of «multiple employment,» including occasional side gigs, is characteristic not only of Russia but also of developed economies like the United States, a classic example of a powerful capitalist market.
