I don't use my knowledge (of foreign languages) to get benefits, although I could, if I had no morals.
Some foreigners think that knowing at least basic Russian (or any other language) will help them to get what they want easier... Guess what? it won't. In the end life will compensate everything.
Humans are social animals who need to: drink & eat (clean), move/be active, stay away from unnatural environments (electro-magnetic radiation for instance), learn what they truly enjoy. Forced learning (self-forced including), dependence on others' opinions, "trends"/fashion, attempts to "fit in" etc are not going to ever satisfy one's nature. Such a pathetic excuse for a human being will always try to find another "hobby" to get rid of his insecurities.
Russian language (or any other language for that matter) won't help you to buy an alcoholic beverage of a better quality, let alone "to charm" more Russian women. It's just a language, if you like it learn it. If you don't - don't waste your time.
I don't use my Finnish for hunting Finnish men, although I find them attractive.
New way of thinking, so to speak, next stage in understanding and comprehension, at leats if you'll understand structure of the lannguage. Simple memorization can to allow you to read labels on alco bottles and may be to seduce russian girl.
to read classic Russian novels for instance: Chekhov, Dostoyevsky, Pushkin
as per utilizing your skills in business or science, I am afraid the market is too full with Russian speaking people, furthermore, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) are now in demand.
Read the labels on the Vodka bottles ?
meet hot russian chicks?
you could go and live and work there
