Chasing Dreams Abroad: Landing Your Ideal Job Outside Russia

Embarking on the journey to find the perfect job is a universal endeavor, often fraught with challenges and uncertainties. This quest is particularly resonant in Russia, where many individuals aspire to wake up each morning excited and motivated by their work. However, the more alluring the dream, the more elusive it can seem in today’s fast-paced world. According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over 3 million people were registered at Russian consulates in 2016, seeking to renounce their citizenship and pursue a new life abroad. These courageous dreamers are tired of waiting for a better life and are determined to build one overseas. Their stories of leaving familiar surroundings to chase their dreams are truly inspiring.

Elizabeth’s Journey: From St. Petersburg to Rio

Elizabeth, a 33-year-old from St. Petersburg, is a prime example of such a dreamer. She transitioned from being an advertising manager to a freelance makeup artist in Brazil. After her father’s passing, Elizabeth found herself at a crossroads. She had always believed that securing a great job and buying an apartment would make her life perfect. However, once she achieved these goals, she realized she hadn’t experienced anything truly exciting.

During a trip, she decided to leave the corporate advertising world behind. Having visited Brazil several times for work, she fell in love with the country and even started learning Portuguese. She was always drawn to the beauty industry and cosmetics, and decided to combine these passions to build a new career far from home.

When a friend asked for help with makeup, Elizabeth saw an opportunity to take her first step towards becoming a freelance makeup artist in Rio. Initially, it was challenging both financially and emotionally, but deep down, she was confident that things would improve and that she had made the right choice.

Life in Rio: Challenges and Triumphs

Today, Elizabeth has been living in Rio for five years. She never saw her dream as unattainable, nor did she pressure herself emotionally or physically. She simply accepted things as they were and seized every opportunity that came her way. Her work is diverse, ranging from makeup for fashion magazines to parties and personal commissions. She has had the chance to work with branches of renowned magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and GQ, and even attended Brazil’s Fashion Week, meeting designers, celebrities, and other influential people.

However, her job turned out to be much more physically demanding than she had imagined. She often spent entire days on her feet under the scorching sun. Nevertheless, she adapted to life in Rio, where everything is different. Portuguese is a complex language, but Elizabeth was determined to speak it fluently. Through her perseverance, she earned the respect of her colleagues, and her life became much more interesting.

A New Lease on Life

Her previous job was money-focused, but now she lives life to the fullest. She realized that the office life was not for her and became more open, relaxed, and kind after moving to Rio. Moreover, Brazil offers more opportunities for leisure activities she loves, like waking up in the morning and lounging on the beach, or attending parties in summer clothes.

During a visit back to Russia to see relatives and old friends, Elizabeth realized how tough the career landscape is there. Her old life seemed distant, and friends commented that she had changed, now doing everything with a newfound passion and zest for life.

For more inspiring stories, visit For Women Magazine.