Development

Is it true that a new 1990s is upon us? What should we do and what should we prepare for?

Is it true that a new 1990s is upon us? What should we do and what should we prepare for?

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What kind of crisis?

The Russian economy will undergo significant changes in the near future. Many industries are facing sanctions, and a number of foreign companies are suspending their operations in the country. This is leading to the destruction of established partnerships and disruption of supply chains. These conditions will have a serious impact on the labor market: some companies will be forced to close, others will have to optimize their human resources, which creates new challenges and opportunities for job seekers and employers. It is important to adapt to the new realities to maintain competitiveness in the market.

The Government of the Russian Federation is taking a number of measures to mitigate the economic consequences of the current situation. However, these measures are unable to fully offset the costs and consequences incurred.

The period of economic turbulence will continue until the economy adapts to the new conditions. This creates significant risks to employment, and the likelihood of job losses remains high. It is important to be prepared for changes in the labor market and develop your skills to increase competitiveness and minimize the risk of dismissal.

Photo: Oleg Nikishin / NurPhoto

What to prepare for? Will everything be bad or not so bad?

At the moment, no one can give a precise answer. However, there are some frameworks that can be assumed.

There are two opposing opinions regarding the future economic situation: some believe that everything will return to normal in a few months, while others predict an imminent economic crisis. These forecasts cause confusion and anxiety among investors and entrepreneurs, as uncertainty affects decision-making. It is important to consider factors affecting the economy, such as policy changes, global events, and domestic economic indicators. Assessing current trends and analyzing possible scenarios can help better prepare for any outcome.

We are currently not simply observing an “economic crisis,” but are experiencing a geopolitical cataclysm that is radically transforming the economic landscape. The current changes are occurring against the backdrop of global shifts, and it is difficult to determine what stage of this cataclysm we are in, as well as when it will end. One thing is clear: many aspects of the economy and society will change forever. Returning to the previous state of affairs is no longer possible, although no one can currently predict the exact nature of these changes.

Comparing the current crisis to previous ones is not entirely accurate. Each crisis situation is unique and has its own characteristics. For example, the 1990s in Russia were indeed marked by significant changes, but that is where the similarities with modern challenges end. The key factors leading to crises vary, and each era requires an individual approach to analyzing and resolving the problems that arise.

The 1990s became a key period in the formation of a new economy in Russia. This time was characterized by the absence of a market structure, both in terms of companies and in terms of market regulation. There were also insufficient numbers of people with the skills to work in a market economy. Specialists mastered market professions on the job, which created additional difficulties. Moreover, both entrepreneurs and government agencies lacked experience managing economic crises, which complicated the situation and slowed entrepreneurial development. Today, the emphasis is shifting to economic restructuring. This includes finding new partners, reorienting markets, and adapting to restrictions. We are witnessing the potential disappearance of entire industries, simultaneously with the emergence of new ones. This process will not be easy and may cause painful changes, but it is important to understand that this is not chaos, but the evolution of existing systems. Restructuring requires a strategic approach and flexibility to successfully adapt to new realities.

In the 1990s, the country experienced a serious crisis in domestic production. Today, although dependence on imports remains, it has significantly decreased, particularly in the food sector. This indicates positive changes in the domestic economy and manufacturing sector.

The current state of the state and budget during the crisis plays a significant role in economic resilience. The Russian economy today is much better prepared for challenges than it was in the 1990s. This is due both to improved management competencies and the availability of state reserves. Although this does not provide automatic guarantees, this circumstance clearly demonstrates significant differences between the current situation and the crisis of the last century.

We are on the verge of transitioning from a pandemic freeze to a crisis. In terms of overall economic indicators, this has a negative impact: we are moving from bad circumstances to even more difficult ones. However, it is also worth noting a positive aspect: during the pandemic, many companies have mastered flexibility, learned to work under strict restrictions, and sought new opportunities for development. This experience is becoming a valuable asset, ensuring business survival in the current environment.

The current starting conditions are significantly different from those of the 1990s. While some aspects have worsened—for example, some markets have closed, while all were open back then—there are also positive changes in key areas. These differences create new opportunities for business and investment, facilitating economic growth. It is necessary to take these factors into account for successful adaptation to current market conditions.

Photo: Getty Images / NurPhoto

You have explained everything well, but what What should people do?

In a crisis, those who are able to adapt to changing circumstances and quickly respond to new challenges gain an advantage. Flexibility and willingness to change become key factors for success in difficult situations. Adaptation to new conditions allows not only to survive, but also to find new opportunities for growth and development.

We have identified two anti-crisis strategies focused on adaptation. Although this is not an exhaustive list of possible actions, in our opinion, they have the greatest potential for successfully overcoming difficult periods. These strategies will help companies better cope with market changes and increase their resilience.

Where does the data about these strategies come from?

The Skillbox educational platform has over 400,000 users. We actively interact with leading employers, which allows us to collect valuable feedback from our students. This helps us improve the quality of our courses and adapt them to the real needs of the labor market, ensuring the relevance and demand for the knowledge gained.

The Career Center provides up-to-date information on the labor market and actively assists users in finding employment. Some training programs include a job guarantee in the contract. Our goal is to help you successfully start your career by providing the necessary resources and support.

Analysis and processing of the collected data allowed our experts to identify two key strategies that will help reduce the risk of unemployment during the current crisis.

But is it really possible to protect yourself from job loss?

There are no universal recipes that guarantee 100% success, but there are effective methods for increasing crisis resilience. This concept covers not only reducing the risk of job loss but also increasing the chances of successfully finding a new one. Optimizing skills, continuous training, and developing professional competencies can significantly increase your competitiveness in the labor market. Active participation in networking events and building professional contacts are also key to strengthening your position during the crisis.

In this article, we will discuss two effective strategies that will help you boost your confidence in the job market. These approaches are aimed at developing professional skills and improving your competitiveness, allowing you to successfully adapt to changing employer demands.

Before we continue, let me share some important advice.

No one can accurately predict how the Russian market will change. However, it is safe to say that it will be different from before. This means it is important to be prepared for the fact that your current knowledge and skills may no longer be in demand in the new reality. For example, if you specialize in developing Instagram communities, you are likely to have a hard time finding a job in this particular field. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to new trends and adapting your competencies to changing market conditions.

Accept the current reality. Don't expect things to return to normal. Be prepared to change, learn new things, and start over. In times of crisis, success comes from adapting and changing with the times. Develop your skills and remain open to new opportunities to move forward with confidence.

Frame: TV series "Silicon Valley"

So what are these strategies?

We have identified two main anti-crisis approaches that focus on Adaptation and training, which is a key aspect of our educational company's work. These approaches will help organizations successfully overcome difficulties and develop in unstable conditions. Our goal is to provide high-quality education and tools that enable everyone to adapt to changing market conditions. We believe that effective training and flexibility in approaches are the key to success in any crisis situation.

We will provide more detailed information about them.

The essence is that you change your profession and acquire knowledge that will be in demand in the near future. This decision allows you to adapt to changing labor market conditions and increase your competitiveness. By mastering new skills, you open up prospects for career growth and an improved financial situation. It is important to choose a focus that meets current requirements and trends to ensure a successful future.

How do you identify the most promising career directions? Of course, there are several areas, but one stands out particularly clearly. IT professionals will undoubtedly have more career opportunities in the coming years than those in other professions. The development of technology and digitalization creates a constant demand for qualified IT specialists, opening up new horizons for career advancement. The reasons are as follows: The IT industry is on the rise worldwide, and Russia recently even passed special laws in its support (benefits for IT companies and their employees). The demand for IT specialists in Russia will only increase in the near future due to import substitution of many foreign services and software. IT specialists can work remotely, without dependence on local employers. The available labor market is very broad, even without moving anywhere.

  • An IT specialty is an opportunity to get a job at a foreign company and receive a salary in foreign currency (yes, this has become important again).
  • IT specialists can begin working in entry-level positions even before completing their studies, immediately gaining experience and increasing their value.
  • It is important to understand that no one comes to the world of programming or testing with ready-made skills. This is the result of training and practice. To become a qualified developer or tester, you don't need to have any special gift in mathematics. The main thing is a desire to learn, diligence, and practice, which will help you acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in this field.

    Explore real stories of people who made the transition to IT from various fields at different ages. These unique stories are inspiring and demonstrate that a career change is possible at any age and with any experience. Each of them highlights how a variety of life paths can lead to a successful career in information technology.

    Using the first learning strategy is a clear and simple process. You need to choose a training course from a company you trust and complete it with maximum dedication. It's important to remember that significant life changes require sufficient time and effort. Don't limit yourself to "half an hour a week." Take your studies seriously: complete homework, ask questions of your mentors, and actively participate in discussions. Ultimately, your efforts can significantly impact your future and career prospects.

    Skillbox courses offer a wide range of promising IT specialties. In our showcase, you will find unique offers with favorable terms: discounts up to 50% and the opportunity to receive an additional course for free. These offers will help you develop the necessary skills and accelerate your career growth in information technology.

    At the bottom of the page, you will find the opportunity to request a consultation if you are having difficulty choosing. We are ready to help you make the right choice and answer all your questions.

    Choosing a promising specialty is essential for a successful career. The right choice of profession allows you to not only ensure a stable income but also gain satisfaction from your work. When choosing a specialty, it is important to consider not only personal interests but also labor market demand. Research current trends and in-demand professions to make an informed choice. Understanding your strengths and skills will also help in your decision-making. Don't forget about training and development, which can increase your chances of success in your chosen field.

    If you are interested in IT but do not have sufficient knowledge, we recommend taking the free "Introduction to Programming" course. This course will help you understand the basic principles and fundamentals of work in this field and will also provide an opportunity to become familiar with key programming concepts. The knowledge gained will provide a solid foundation for further study of IT.

    Learning about IT professions is an important step for those who want to build a career in information technology. There are many career paths, such as software development, systems administration, cybersecurity, and data analysis. Each offers unique opportunities and requires specific skills.

    To successfully enter the world of IT, you need not only an understanding of the core technologies but also a constant updating of your knowledge, as this field is rapidly evolving. Courses, online training, and hands-on projects will help you master the necessary skills.

    It's also worth considering that IT professions often offer flexible work conditions and the opportunity to earn money remotely, making them attractive to many professionals. Understanding IT professions is the first step to a successful career in one of the most dynamic and in-demand fields today.

    The second anti-crisis strategy is suitable for those who don't plan to radically change their profession. The optimal solution in this situation is to quickly expand and improve your competencies. This will allow you to adapt to changes in the labor market and increase your competitiveness. Learning new skills and gaining additional knowledge will help you remain a sought-after specialist and opens up new opportunities for career advancement.

    In a time of economic downturns, employers are increasingly preferring versatile specialists capable of performing a variety of tasks. A copywriter who not only knows how to write texts but can also independently lay out a page on the Tilda platform will be a more attractive candidate for a company than a regular copywriter. This approach allows employers to optimize workflows and reduce costs, which is especially relevant in today's realities.

    An employee's value increases significantly if their skills allow the company to eliminate the need for third-party contractors. For example, a PR specialist with experience in event planning can significantly reduce the cost of event agency services. This not only reduces costs but also allows the company to more effectively control the event planning process, ensuring compliance with internal standards and brand strategy. Thus, having multifunctional specialists on the team helps optimize the budget and improve the company's overall productivity.

    The essence of the second strategy is to quickly develop your strengths by acquiring new skills and knowledge that will make you a more valuable specialist in the labor market. This approach not only strengthens your professional competence but also increases competitiveness in your chosen field. Investing in your own development promotes career growth and opens up new opportunities.

    When using this strategy, three main principles must be considered. These principles play a significant role in the successful implementation of the strategy and help achieve the set goals. Proper understanding and application of these principles will ensure effective task performance and optimized results.

    Consider related skills that can enhance your professional effectiveness. Identify which ones will help you improve the quality of your current tasks. Consider how possessing these skills can contribute to the achievement of company goals. Don't hesitate to discuss this with your manager and clarify what additional responsibilities they would be willing to entrust you with if you had the relevant qualifications.

    To implement the second strategy, we have prepared a selection of short courses in all areas as part of our sale. Browse the available courses and choose the ones that interest you. Don't forget that in addition to significant discounts, we have an offer: buy one course and get the second one for free. This is a great opportunity to combine interesting topics and expand your knowledge without additional costs.

    Choosing new competencies is an important step in personal and professional development. Developing skills opens new career opportunities and promotes growth in your chosen field. To effectively select new competencies, it's important to consider current labor market trends, as well as your interests and career goals. Continuously updating your knowledge and skills helps you stay competitive and adapt to changes in the professional environment. Investing time in learning and developing new competencies is a strategic step toward a successful career.

    What's the bottom line?

    Key points to consider:

    • We are at the very beginning of large-scale changes, the outcome of which no one can accurately predict—too many different factors are at play simultaneously.
    • What's happening will likely not be like the 1990s—the starting situation is completely different. But it certainly won't be easy.
    • In changing circumstances, those who are able to change with them—to adapt and learn—always have an advantage.
    • Currently, two adaptive approaches appear promising: expanding competencies and changing professions.
    • This article contains not only general considerations, but also specific advice on how to apply the chosen strategies. We recommend saving and rereading this text several times, thinking about what you've read.