Why do they become janitors: a socio-economic analysis of adaptation strategies The choice of a janitor (territory cleaner) profession is often stigmatized as a forced step, a marker of social failure. However, sociological and economic analysis shows that the motivation to engage in this profession in modern Russia and countries with a similar labor market structure is a complex set of rational adaptation strategies that go beyond the simplified thesis of "no choice." This is a decision based on a rational calculation in conditions of specific limitations and opportunities. 1. Economic rationality: balancing risks and guarantees. In the context of unstable employment and the informal sector, the profession of a janitor offers a number of economic advantages that for certain social groups outweigh its low status: Stable payments and formalization: Municipal or large contracting organizations often provide formal employment under the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, which means a guaranteed, albeit small, but regular salary, paid sick leave, and, most importantly, pension contributions. For workers of pre-retirement age or migrants, this is a key factor ensuring legal status and a future pension. Low entry threshold and predictability: The profession does not require long and expensive training, certification, or confirmation of a diploma. This makes it accessible to people with a career gap, those without specialized education, graduates of orphanages, as well as internal and external migrants from depressed regions or countries of the CIS whose diplomas are not valued in the local market. Flexible schedule and autonomy: In many cases, work has a shift or flexible schedule, and the activity itself is often carried out without constant direct control "over the soul." This allows for combining it with other types of employment (informal repair, taxi driving, personal subsidiary farming), care for children or relatives, as well as education during the day. Interes ... Read more