“In Avrora, I feel like I’m under a warm blanket — it’s warm, cozy, and just great here!”
How did your journey with Avrora begin?
My story with Avrora started 3 months ago. Actually, as soon as I was discharged from military service — about a year ago — I was already thinking about changing jobs.
I returned to my pre-war job, since my position had been kept for me, and at the same time I was looking for new opportunities.
I often checked Avrora’s vacancies, but somehow I lacked either confidence, or maybe there just weren’t roles that really suited me… so I didn’t apply.
And then, at the end of September last year, I finally found a vacancy that I really liked and that matched my profile. That’s how my story began.
Were you familiar with Avrora before you saw the job openings?
Of course! Like any average Ukrainian 😊 Going to Avrora to grab something on sale or pick up kitchen items… And since I’m also a dog owner — buying toys and clothes for my dog at Avrora is an absolute must-have!
What influenced your choice in favor of Avrora as an employer?
First of all, my desire to grow — both professionally and personally.
I could see how Avrora itself was developing: new stores opening all the time, new promotions, new products… it kind of subconsciously shows you that the company is constantly moving forward.
I also have friends who work here. I followed their stories, talked to them — and realized this is a company that can offer real opportunities for growth. At the very least, it encourages people to develop and learn. And that’s how this “match” happened.
Overall, after these 3 months, I’m satisfied: I can see both my career growth (even if it’s still small, it’s there) and my personal growth. I don’t know about other departments, but in mine — even though I do similar tasks — the work never feels monotonous. Every day brings something new, even within the same scope.
Do you remember what you associated the company with before joining? Has that changed after 3 months?
Before joining, I saw it the same way most people who don’t work at Avrora do — just as a store where you can buy things. We had, let’s say, purely “market relations” 😊
But once I got inside, with each day, week, and month I kept discovering something new: new opportunities, new knowledge. And of course, my perception changed.
How do I see it now?.. Maybe it will sound a bit selfish, but here I feel like I can achieve something big. Even if it’s something personal, for me it will be truly big.
Can you tell us how you joined the military?
Actually, my story with the army could have started much earlier, because my father is a career officer. I didn’t grow up in the kind of family you see in old Soviet movies — with strict discipline and rigid rules. Ours was much simpler, but I had my father’s example: I was raised by him not strictly, but with care and support.
I was so inspired by his life story! He studied at a Suvorov military school, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.
At that time, the only such cadet school was in Saint Petersburg, and this was around 2014. My father didn’t let me go there — for obvious reasons. I was already starting to understand the political situation and where things might be heading, but I was still a child, so of course I was upset.
Later, I planned to enroll in a military university, but it didn’t work out due to health reasons. Still, my father always supported my desire to serve.
In early February 2022, there were already news reports that a war might start, but everyone around kept saying, “Nothing will happen.” I think you remember that time. I went to my father and said, “I want to join the Territorial Defense reserve. Are you okay with that?” He looked at me and said, “No, I’m not against it. I would join myself, but I’m already a reservist assigned to a specific unit.”
So when the war began, all of us — me, my father, and my brother — went together to the enlistment office, leaving our mom with our cats and dogs. That’s how we joined the military.
Our family was reunited for the first time about eight months later. We were finally able to sit together at the same table once the situation had somewhat stabilized and people started being allowed to return home on leave. That was the first time we all saw each other again.
What was your role in the military, and where did you serve?
When I went to the enlistment office, I was 19 and didn’t really understand what positions even existed — I didn’t think too deeply about it. For some reason, I imagined I’d be a rifleman or something similar, and mentally prepared myself for that.
After being assigned to a unit, I joined the 116th Territorial Defense Brigade, where roles were distributed. They looked at me and said: “You’ll be an accountant.” And accounting and I are completely incompatible! I was honestly upset at first — I had prepared myself for trenches and tough conditions… and here — accounting. But in the end, I was only formally listed as an accountant and actually did different work.
About a month later, I moved to the position of clerk in the fuel and lubricants service, where I spent quite a long time handling documentation.
Later, I was transferred to a rifle company. And here’s a funny moment: I was assigned as a grenade launcher operator 😊 And my assistant was a man twice my size 😊
After some time, following treatment, I worked in recruitment for the unit: conducting interviews, selecting candidates, and supporting recruits until they joined the unit and received their rank.
I served only in the Sumy direction, fortunately. Although even that turned out to be quite traumatic for me.
There’s usually a strong sense of teamwork and unity in the military. Do you feel something similar in your current team at Avrora?
Honestly? In my opinion, the team spirit at Avrora is even better 😊
Although it’s hard to compare: the conditions I lived in with the guys in freezing temperatures in Sumy versus the comfort, warmth, and coziness of an office are completely different.
What did it feel like to join a completely different team — essentially a radically different environment? How did your new colleagues perceive you?
I have a suspicion (if my colleagues are reading this 😊) that they were somehow warned that I was, let’s say, a “unique person” joining the team. Because at the beginning, this topic — my service and veteran status — wasn’t really discussed.
Maybe it was just my perception, or maybe it really was like that, but it felt like they communicated with me a bit cautiously at first.
I truly love my colleagues, and if you’re reading this — know that I’m very grateful for that period!
This topic (my service and veteran status) came up gradually and carefully: sometimes I would mention something, sometimes they would ask. At the same time, the questions were always very neutral — just out of genuine curiosity. And it felt like they were reading my reactions, trying to understand whether I wanted to continue talking about it or not. Of course, I think they were interested.
Now I can talk about it openly — I’ve worked through it with a psychologist 😊
By the way, I’d really recommend all veterans to work with a psychologist, overcome their insecurities, and come join Avrora!
Do you think it’s important to increase the number of veterans in the company, and what should be done for that? What criteria do veterans use when choosing a workplace?
I’m not sure I’m ready to give a definite answer to that. But the fact that there are additional benefits (let’s call them that) for veterans, along with dedicated support — that’s actually really great.
I can’t say I was in the most intense combat zones, but I do have certain limitations, certain fears — just like any person. And it can be a bit challenging to work with us, because our mindset and habits are different. That’s why it’s so valuable that this is taken into account and that there’s a kind of individual approach.
Because of that, those fears around communication with people start to fade. To be honest — I was afraid. I’ve had difficulties with communication and with trust in general. But everything has been going quite smoothly, and those fears are gradually disappearing. I feel like I’m under a warm blanket — comfortable, calm, and safe.
So answering whether it’s necessary or not to increase the number of veterans — that’s difficult. I think it’s not for me to decide, but for each individual 😊
But I truly want to say thank you for this special approach.
It’s really great, and I genuinely appreciate it.
Have you used any of the additional benefits for veterans during your time at the company?
Yes, I’ve already started learning English, and as a veteran, I get full compensation for it. I also used a free legal consultation almost immediately after getting hired. And there’s also compensation for sessions with a psychologist — I highly recommend it!
You mentioned that Avrora feels like a “warm blanket” to you. What would you advise veterans who are considering whether to join Avrora?
It’s definitely worth it! At least take the chance and come for an interview.
I had a three-month break where I stayed at home, wasn’t working, worked with a psychologist, tried new hobbies… basically, I was searching for myself.
And during that time, I found a vacancy and applied. I went to the interview with the mindset: “I have nothing to lose.” I wasn’t nervous at all. And when I got the job — I was over the moon, honestly! Even though I didn’t really expect it. I just came to “try my luck” 😊
So honestly: for anyone who wants to join, especially veterans — it’s absolutely worth it.
At least come, spend some time here, and feel the atmosphere — even just as a guest. Because from the very first minutes of being there, I could feel how great, comfortable, and growth-oriented the environment is.
