The article presents a sociological analysis of how young researchers in Kazakhstan have been able to develop their academic careers. We obtained a holistic overview of the status and career success of young academics based on data from a survey (consisting of personal formalized interviews as well as in-depth interviews), including an understanding of how young researchers are able to succeed and contribute to the development of academia in the country and what obstacles they encounter in this process. Particular attention is paid to the welfare status, life goals and values, and professional context in which early-career researchers work today, as well as to the modern challenges, risks, opportunities, and motivations that determine and shape their career paths in Kazakh academia. [Translated by Kenneth Cargill.]