This article addresses the distinctive aspects of career development of people from the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). The ecological model of career development is applied to understanding how political changes can influence the career trajectories of individuals within a culture. The role of the political, social, familial, and educational influences on the world of work is examined for the USSR and post-Soviet times. Special focus is given to immigrants from the former USSR, and suggestions for practitioners who are working with individuals and families are provided. (Contains 1 table.)