Ukrainian millennials

Young worries. “Youth”, a popular magazine for teenagers, has asked its readers to describe modern Ukrainian
millennials (those born between 1982 to 2000). These are some of the answers.

A Nazar

I think millennials are similar worldwide. But, of course, there are some differences because of each country’s unique
character. Ukraine is in a deep crisis now, so modern youngsters face quite a lot of problems, like lack of money,
poor housing and joblessness. Many school – leavers don’t have any plans for the future. A lot of them just want to
leave home, go to the university and see what happens after that.

The number of university applicants is growing every year. But what about life after uni? The Ukrainian economy
can’t provide enough jobs for young people, even graduates, as the rate of unemployment is extremely high. As a
result, thousands of millennials dream of working abroad. So, more and more young people find themselves in
Poland, Spain, Italy, Finland, Hungary and other European countries.

B Lesia

A lot of young people work part – time while studying and Ukrainian youth is no exception. Universities are mostly
located in big cities, so it’s not as difficult to find work as it is in rural areas. For example, you can find a ‘one – off’ job
only for a weekend or work on a regular basis for a few hours a day. Of course, most people would prefer to work for
a good company doing what they were trained to do. However, not everyone is so lucky, and so it is very likely for a
young person to earn money doing an unskilled job. The most popular jobs of this kind include delivering
promotional leaflets or newspapers, helping out in the building trade, or working in warehouses and stores.

A close friend of mine works in a fast – food restaurant. She is run off her feet – especially during the lunchtime rush
and holidays. The advantages are a flexible schedule and a discount on meals in the workplace. However, fast – food
shops fire and hire people all the time, so her job isn’t very secure.

C Katia

Life is not easy for young Ukrainians like me, but we never give up! I’m too busy to study and work at the same time.
My parents give me some money weekly. It’s not a large sum but I tend to save and then spend it on what I like. Of
course I spend it on what I like. Of course, I spend a lot on transport and food but I also have something for clothes,
music, entertainment and eating out. I could probably use my money more wisely, but it’s fun to go out and let my
hair down.

D Vlad

I’m sure our generation had got a much tougher life than our parents. I do expect to live in my own place one day,
even if it’s a flat and not a house. But many of my older friends still live with their parents. The reasons are a a great
rise in house prices, high rent demands, low wages and poor job security. All of these have had a great impact on
young Ukrainians. If you ask them “where would you like to live in the future?”, you’ll hear something like: “I’d love
to have my own house one day but I can’t even imagine it right now”.

E Serhii

I think Ukrainian teens are very hi- tech; they can’t live without the sophisticated gadgets. I own a smartphone, a
laptop and a tablet. They make my life much easier, whether it is to contact someone or check an email. Even when
I’m lost, I use the GPS on my phone to find my way. Not every teenager has lots of gadgets, though. My friend Dima,
for example, has a smartphone but he borrows his dad’s laptop or mum’s table. Even one gadget is enough to listen
to music and keep in touch with friends. I use WhatsApp all the time but avoid Facebook – I don’t like the idea of
sharing my private life online.
Read the text and match the speakers (A-E) with the statements below. Some speakers can be used more than
once 1 Many young Ukrainians can’t move out of their family home

2 Most young Ukrainians are interested in technology.

3 I’m lucky to be financially supported

4 it’s unusual for young people are trying to get into university.

5 More and more young people are trying to get into university

6 Young Ukrainians often do jobs that don’t need training.

Vocabulary

Match the words in bold in the text to their synonyms below. Then use ypur answers to write sentences related to
the text.

1 possible 2 different 3 advanced 4 effect 5 unemployment 6 amount 7 increase 8 safe

Speaking

Choose one of the young people from the text and comment on what the person says and say whether you agree or
disagree with their opinion

Lifestyle

What activities do young people in your area enjoy the most? What do you do in your spare time?

Olha’s blog. Hey fellow bloggers! I have to write about the lifestyle choices of young people from a European
country for a school project. I chose Ukraine because my great- grandmother was Ukrainian. Any suggestions from
my Ukrainian friends out there? Thanks !
Post a comment
I have to admit that I’m a shopaholic! But it’s not just me. Most of my friends spend all their weekends in malls, like
Ocean Plaza, Sky Mall, Gulliver and Dream Town. My dad’s always telling me that shopping can become a habbit
which can get out of control and lead to financial disaster, but I’m trying to become more money- conscious. To be
honest, though, I sometimes hide things I buy because I don’t want my dad to get angry. The problem is that I just
can’t resist the word *sale*! So, I often buy things I don’t need. I like everything about shopping: the vibrant
atmosphere of the shops, trying things on, listening to the shop assistants’ opinions and, best of all, getting
discounts. The mall is also a place for me to hang out with friends, discuss the latest trends and have some fun.
Posted by : Sofia

I’m a very sociable girl and I love going out. Ever since I got a smartphone, my favourite activity has been takibg
selfies. A smartphone with a frontfacing camera is simply awesome. I can see myself as I take a picture. Then with
the help of new phone apps, I can edit my photos, choose my favourite and post them online on social media
websites such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Then. I wait for “likes” or other comments from my friends or
followers. I take selfies every couple of days. If I go out with friends, I dress up and take about fifteen selfies and then
choose the best one. I also like taking group selfies – usies. I know some people say that what I do is narcissistic.
There is probably some truth to that. But some of the greatest artists from Leonardo da Vinci to Pablo Picasso also
produced self- portraits. So, what’s wrong with that? Posted by : Natasha

I’m a computer freak, so I spend most of my free time online. When I get home from school, I turn on my computer,
wait until it boots up, and then I go online. I still have dial-up connection, but I’m switching to a broadband Internet
service soon. It costs more per month, but webpages load faster with a high-speed connection, and, I can upload
files quicker. I sometimes scan the local news headlines on my favourite news website Ukr.net and read up on the
latest local and international news. Then, I switch to You Tube, and view video clips. I also like visiting online shops,
especially Rozetka and Ali Express. I realise there are problems with surfing the Internet including scamps, identity
theft, and viruses, so I’m very careful not to give out my personal information. I also don’t download or open files I
don’t recognize. Using the Internet can be fun and a convenient way of shopping and finding out new information,
but yiu really do need to be careful. Posted by : Vova
I love exercising at the gym. I work out four days a week, sometimes twice a day if I’m working on a specific skill like
pull ups, double jumps or handstands. Sunday is my rest day but even then, I have to do something active or I get
bored. I may go for a hike or take a really long walk. I also work out every single day when I’m on holiday. That’s why
I really enjoyed my recent trip to Zakarpatiiia. It’s a place where there is so much to do – biking, walking, swimming
playing tennis and other activities. There was never a dull moment. I think I’ll always be at least slightly addicted to
exercise. Maybe it’s because I like the feeling of being strong and confident. My classmates say I’ve become a
completely different person since I started going to the gym. And I’m happy to hear that! Posted by: Alex

Vocabulary

Choose the correct words. Use the other words to make sentences to make sentences on the text.

1. Alina had edited/posted her holiday photos to make the colours look brighter.
2.