Revealed: the hobbies which could cost you your job

18 October, 2008, 04:51

If you're a biker or ballooner, a snowboarder or surfer, it seems that it may not be good for your career prospects. Moscow’s job market appears to be discriminating against adrenaline junkies or those who have a hobby that’s a lit bit out of the ordinary.

One example is Andrey Kovalev, a deputy in Russia's ruling party, United Russia, and the lead singer in his own band. Often after a Friday session at the State Duma Andrey rushes to the airport to play outside Moscow.

He says he became a deputy because he felt the need to help people.

“But rock music is my something I can’t live without,” he says. “Yes, people say rock music is a protest, how can you be a protestor and a deputy of the ruling party? But I think it works for me.”

For some however this kind of hobby could cost them their job. Sabina Valkyrevna jokes that she was born on a bike. She's been fired twice, not because of her job performance but because of her hobby.

“I used to come to work 15 minutes early and change into a suit. None of my tattoos were uncovered. There were never any complaints about my work. Just about the fact that I ride a bike,” she recalls.

Sabina was in a car accident that left her disabled for a year. She was on sick-leave when she found out she was sacked. Sabina says her bosses accused her of failing to submit work but she claims the real reason behind her dismissal was her motorbike.

Headhunters admit that a hobby you mention in your CV can cost you a job or get you one.

“We work with a company that was looking for employees who'd be interested in hang-gliding. Of course it was not a necessary skill. But between a few equally skilled potential employees a fan of hang-gliding would definitely get the job,” said headhunter Svetlana Kulicheva.

Sabina's hobby didn't do her career any good, but she says she will never give it up. Her motto is – if you don't ride you don't understand.

Fortunately there are some who do.

“I can understand employers who don't want to hire people with dangerous hobbies like riding a bike. There's always a risk the employee may be out of action for months,” explains Andrey Kovalev. “My advice to people who choose bikes for life and any other extreme sports – find a job where people understand you,” he says.

And headhunting agencies suggest if you see a job you want, you should check whether your hobby fits in with the office culture.