Ukrainian accountant: Maria Pinak

My name is Maria Pinak, I'm 20 years old. I moved from the village of Zhyrivka to the city of Lviv, about 25km (16 miles) away, about eight months ago.

URBAN MIGRANT Name: Maria Pinak Age: 20 Lives: Lviv, western Ukraine Work: Accountant

Right after school, I finished a one-year accounting course in Lviv and returned back to my village.

I stayed there for a year, looked for a job. I found some work at a local bar as a waitress, but it was hard work, very long hours, and not very interesting, so I did not last long... I almost lost hope.

And then, through my aunt, I learned of the opening here at the book warehouse for an accountant. I have good computer skills, so I came in for a trial period and it worked out. I really enjoy the job!

It's an opportunity to grow and develop. I feel like I have changed already, became more open-minded, mature.

'Different lives'

When I moved, I just packed my bag and went. My aunt and a cousin live in Lviv, so I have been living with my cousin since I moved. Had it not been for them, I probably would not have gathered up the courage to move.

The family support is important. I would have been afraid to rent a room from strangers. I go back home to my village every weekend to visit with my parents and friends.

Maria Pinak may go back to college to study business management

The city is definitely different, I have a group of girlfriends, we get together and go for coffee two, three times a week. We share stories from work, news.

I have friends back in the village as well, but some of them are already married and have children, other work at local bars and restaurants, mostly helping out in the kitchen. We have different lives and increasingly less in common.

My village is rather well developed, we have gas, electricity, water. It's the opportunities that are different in the city.

I think the move was worth it. I did not encounter any major difficulties.

I haven't thought about settling down yet, just taking it one day at a time. I'm still young. I know that getting a higher education will bring me more opportunities. But I haven't made a final decision yet.

I could settle in Lviv long-term. But one needs to have access to the village as well - the fresh air, fresh produce from the garden. My cousin has a baby and they spend a lot of time in the village during the summer. I miss my family... I imagine I will always be going back there to see them.

Interview and pictures by Mariana Budjeryn

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