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Ok, I know that it might be not the typical post for the board, but my question is mostly to the guys who already have their wives here and their wives are not homestay wives (or looking for such). And don't start to shoot me too. I have nothing against women who prefer to stay at home, but I would rather work and make some money as well as take care of the family.

So my question is what business opportunities/job options are there for Russian women? Or may be not even Russian, but someone billingual? Is there anything you would suggest to learn or read or try to do?

I do have american education and good job with big US corporation, but I am not very keen on the idea of two weeks of vacation, crazy hours till retirement and all other fun staff you get (or do not get) working for employer....

Any ideas?

Russian Wife

... in response to business opportunities?, posted by RW on Nov 21, 2001

There are opportunities for business consulting firms that specialize in Russia. Russia is slowly breaking down old socialist barriers to foriegn investment. This would allow for an alternative to China for Western companies. Russia has a better educated labor force than China.

Consultants offering turn-key Russian solutions to Western companies could easily earn revenues in the 10's of millions yearly. The Russian political climate is almost ready for a Western economic invasion.

This evening I saw an advertisement on NTV by just such a company. It's happening now. Start learning Russian and make the big bucks.

-blm

... in response to business opportunities?, posted by RW on Nov 21, 2001

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... in response to business opportunities?, posted by RW on Nov 21, 2001

I don't know much about the USA, but maybe it is interesting for a few readers to know that in Norway it would be easy for Russian immigrants to get work, both skilled and unskilled persons. That's due to the fact that we have very little unemployment and that we need people in many professions. In Northern Norway there are always a shortage of people who are willing to  work in the fishing industry. We have also a big shortage of nurses and engineers. People with economical educations such as accountants will probably have great chances to get work, at least if they are willing to start on the bottom and work their way up.Doctors will have more problems as their education is not accepted in the European Union. They will need to pass all the exams again, but it's possible. I know there are some Russian doctors working here. In general we have great respect for the Russian educational system in particular in sciencs subjects. Russian people are also good workers, most of them work very hard and are reliable. That's why they are very much wanted in some parts of our country.

Johnny W

... in response to Re: business opportunities?, posted by Johnny W on Nov 21, 2001

Very true. I`ve met MD in Ukraine who wanned to work in Norway or Irland ( there is a kinda same situation with Ireland ). Don`t you have to take Norwegian language exam for the jobs in Your country ?

... in response to Re: Re: business opportunities?, posted by Johninm on Nov 21, 2001

Hi

All immigrants in Norway get free education in the Norwegian language. Almost everyone speaks English here, and there are many companies that use English as their "working language", especially exporting companies. However, you're right. In some jobs (nurses and doctors) you must be able to communicate in Norwegian.

When companies announce for new people, good knowledge to English very often is one of the demanded qualities. So if you speak English, you will have good possibilities to get a job. If you also have a good education, you will even have better possibilities.

Salaries are high here. We probably have the best social security system in the world. The working day is by law set to 37,5 hours per day (shorter for shift-workers). Everybody is entitled to 5 weeks summer holidays, and we need it. It's dark up here where I'm living now :-(.

Johnny W

... in response to business opportunities?, posted by RW on Nov 21, 2001

I have a Lithuanian wife; so I speak from experience. My wife has a Master's degree in law from her country.
Good jobs that pay more than the minimum wages are very difficult to find for RW in America; unless they have special skills that can be used here. For American employers, any education abroad is of NO value. My wife was advised not to tell about her education to prospective employer, as well as her knowledge of Russian language, these are disadvantages, not advantages.

The only possiblity is to develop a business that involves dealing with other Eastern Europeans.

The good news I can give is that FSU people tend to stick together and help each other a lot; that is the brightest spot. They also prefer to do business with each other and have a strong sense of loyalty to their community.

Mark

... in response to Re: business opportunities?, posted by mdante99 on Nov 21, 2001

RW; in case if you wanted to know what my wife looks like, go to www.travelandtrips.com; her photo is on it.
This is one of the few websites originating in USA, that is also in Russian language. My wife designed the Russian part.

Mark

... in response to Re: Re: business opportunities?, posted by mdante99 on Nov 21, 2001

Thanks, Mark. Good website. BTW, I went to college in Worcester, MA (woo-stah) :)

You are absolutely right, if Russian language is the only marketable skill it's almost impossible to get a decent job. My case is a little bit different, I just don't want to be stuck in the "cubicle" all my life, so I am looking for other opportunities..

Best wishes and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your wife

... in response to Re: Re: Re: business opportunities?, posted by RW on Nov 21, 2001

.....A R/W who speaks Massachusettes well!  

I grew up outside of Boston. Plymouth in fact, so I had a little bit *too* much of Thanksgiving as a kid. :-)

lol...A Russian accent mixed with Ma. would be formidable to understand, I can't even imagine how it would sound, it 's "haaard" enough as it is to understand the folks back home.

I think I know that school in Woostah. Isn't it an all girl school?
Or am I thinking of the famous one in Wellsley?

... in response to Pretty good...., posted by LP on Nov 22, 2001

Russian with Boston accent..... :)

It was funny when I moved to the West coast people would ask: "where are you from?" and I would say ... "oh, Woo-stah, Ma".. they will nod and say "yah, I was wondering what your accent was..." lol

No, it was not all girl school :) It was Clark University. The only place in USA where Freud gave his lectures, they even have his sculpture there.... But I can't complain, was a fun experience living on the East coast, especially on US government scholarhsip.... :)

How is your flying? My hubby got called on a trip today... :( On the other hand, good thing to see him working .... :)

... in response to Re: Pretty good...., posted by RW on Nov 22, 2001

"I was wondering what your accent was"...Thats great!

You're right. It is a good thing to see him working, looks
like it'll be back to normal fairly soon but it could take a while.

I've been furloughed for a month, just waiting for the call.
I've actually been enjoying it. lol..I need the rest.

Been doing some part 135 (captain on a CJ2), and part 91 FO on a G IV. A fractional wants me also and I may do it if I get bored. (Ask your hubby, he'll explain. :-)

Thanks for asking and have a nice holiday.

... in response to business opportunities?, posted by RW on Nov 21, 2001

Are actively seeking bi-lingual Russian-speakers to make follow-up calls on many home loan applications they have received. I am sure it has to do with the fact there is a large FSU community here in the Denver area - but maybe it is true elsewhere. The work, as I understand it, can largely be done from the home - with only a minimum of time spent in the office. A lot of freedom and independence.

I hope this helps.

- Dan

... in response to business opportunities?, posted by RW on Nov 21, 2001

It all depends on your skills.  If you have the strength, capital and time you could open up some sought of business.  

If I were you I would immediately place advertisements for Russian language instruction in your local area.  Private instructors charge $20 per hour.  That cash money can help supplement your income.  Also, you may want to consider a part time position or working for a temporary employment agency - that way you would have more freedom - remember, time is always money.

... in response to business opportunities?, posted by RW on Nov 21, 2001

In American in case you haven't noticed their is a worker shortage of all types of people, skilled and unskilled.  The fact that you've got multi-language skills means you even more qualified.

Your question sounds kinda vague, what kind of a answer are you looking for ??

... in response to Re: There's plenty of opportunity, posted by wsbill on Nov 21, 2001

to older aged people and will be offered severnce packages.  There really is a worker shortage.  This time next year our economy will be going gangbusters, watch.

... in response to Re: There's plenty of opportunity, posted by wsbill on Nov 21, 2001

....Skilled and unskilled? Geez, I wonder why all the layoffs? Unemployment claims highest in 25 years. Gotta get less sleep, guess I missed the big economic recovery.

RW, with your skills, I've two words for you: marriage agency. (Or other MOB services.) I know several people who are doing quite well at it.
Get to work your own hours, travel, meet interesting (!) people, ect...

lol...You could also try the airlines, I hear they're losing FAs faster than they can replace them. I hear Alaska is an OK company to work for, not nearly as good as SW, but you won't starve. :-)

... in response to Worker shortage??, posted by LP on Nov 21, 2001

Thanks. I think one person working for airline in the family is plenty :)
Alaska was a company he wanted to work for since he was a kid, so it's not a point of starving :) Though yes, SW is fun airline.

Happy holidays,

RW

... in response to Worker shortage??, posted by LP on Nov 21, 2001

The school system is actively looking for Russian Speaking teachers.  No doubt for the huge influx of FSU folks relocating to Memphis and surrounding areas.