The COVID-19 pandemic thought gave us many life’s lessons, and one such lesson is not depending on one income source. In that sense, to ride the crest of a post-pandemic, a part-time job is the perfect foil to cushion your expenses. In a similar manner, let’s get back to reality. Of course, we all like an extra income, but finding part-time jobs in Sri Lanka is not easy if you are light-hearted. Having said that, reading this blog post will give you an idea as to how to approach your searches.
Why do part-time jobs in Sri Lanka?
In developed countries like Australia or the USA, there are many part-time jobs available irrespective of one’s gender and age. In that sense, part-time work is embedded in their social fabric. But, in Sri Lanka, it is not the case. Here, part-time jobs are considered ideal for the young, which is really sad. Did you know that there are many middle-aged people looking to find part-time jobs in Sri Lanka as an income source?
However, the employment market does not recognize this fact. Likewise, it is a social and cultural perception that doing a part-time job is reserved only for the young. Furthermore, another reason for this is our strict labor laws, which do not recognize part-time work. For this reason, employers are not really motivated to give prominence to part-timers in a formal setting.
Benefits of doing part time jobs in Sri Lanka
There are many benefits of doing part-time jobs in Sri Lanka as a student. From making some extra money on the side to gaining valuable work experience, here’s why you should consider taking on part-time work.
Earn extra pocket money—What better reason is there to get a part-time job than to earn some extra cash?
Gain transferable skills– A part-time job can help you gain skills that a university or college degree won’t teach you.
Become more confident – If you’re shy and introverted, a part-time job can help you come out of your shell and aid in growing your confidence.
Develop interpersonal skills – As well as confidence, part-time jobs in Sri Lanka, provides you with an opportunity to learn how to interact with different personalities.
Gain independence – Working part-time can help you gain independence as you will be responsible for your own schedule, money and duties.
Manage your time wisely – Going to classes, working a part-time job, and juggling many different tasks can help you improve your time management.
Expand your professional network—No matter where you’re working, a part-time jobs in Sri Lanka gives you the chance to network with other people.
Make new friends – Getting a part-time job can enhance your social life and give you the opportunity to make lifetime friends.
Get work experience: Any work experience adds credibility to your CV, which can help you stand out as a viable candidate when you’re applying for an internship.
Maintain your health—Doing a part-time job helps you stay active and healthy. Furthermore, it is good for your mental psyche.
In this blog, you will find the types of part-time jobs available in the job market and how to approach them:
Jobs with Pick Me or Uber
If you have a scooter or a motorbike you can easily work for these companies as per your schedule. Without a doubt, they are two leading mobility solutions providers in Sri Lanka. Here, even retired persons can work for these companies and earn rewards. However, the more time you put into the job gives you more rewards.
Restaurant and cafe jobs
Sri Lanka has a vibrant cafe scene with many restaurants springing up every month, especially in Colombo. These establishments require part-time staff to fulfil their staffing needs. Here, if you are young and less than 30, you will have many part-time prospects. The key is to call their recruitment managers and ask for part-time work without waiting for their vacancy advertisements to appear in the media. However, for this, you will require communication skills.
Online Tutoring
Online tutoring has become the rage during this COVID-19 infested period with schools being closed down. From grade one to the advanced level, students attend online classes. Indeed, this is a lucrative market to explore, but you will need to be qualified at least up to the Bachelors level. Did you know that a part-time Advanced Level Math tutor charges around Rs 3000 for a lesson? Also, a part-time biology teacher charges Rs. 1500 per online class. Just imagine how much you can make per month if you have at least 10 students under your wing.
Working in a Saloon
Here again, to work as a beautician or as a hairstylist, one must be trained. If you are trained in these aspects and don’t want the burden of managing a saloon yourself, your best bet is to work part-time for a set shift. However, to search for your perfect opening, you must have communication skills either in Sinhala or English. For one thing,
This is required as you have to convince the saloon owner that you have competent skills to work without supervision. Notably, this trade is wonderful for mothers who have grown children. In fact, they can do housework in the mornings and work part-time at a saloon from the afternoon to late at night.
Call center customer service jobs
There are many part-time call center and customer service jobs going around in Sri Lanka. Uniquely, this industry keeps growing as Sri Lankans have a very service-oriented mindset, which is required for this type of job. However, one must have a good knowledge of English along with communication skills to prosper in these work environments. By all means, the pay is decent, and you have to keep an eye out for openings by searching at Top jobs under the KPO/BPO category. In most instances, you will be required to work US or UK shifts.
Graphic designing
The advent of digital commerce and the proliferation of websites have necessitated many opportunities for aspiring graphic designers. But to work as a graphic designer, you will be required to have related qualifications. To search for employment in this field, you can browse employment websites like Top Jobs or Job Envoy. Also, you can find job postings on LinkedIn. In particular, if you like to work with international clients, search for openings at Freelancer and Upwork. But to monetize your work, you will have to register beforehand. In general, working as a part-time graphic designer is the perfect foil if you are studying for a bachelor’s degree in Sri Lanka.
Working in a spa
Here, I am not implying working in a massage parlour, which has many negative social connotations. Actually, I am referring to a spa. There are many professionally run spas, especially in Colombo, patronized by affluent customers, both local and ex-pat. In fact, there are well-managed spas run by star-class hotels in Sri Lanka. However, to find part-time work, ideally, you should have followed a course in massage and reflexology. If you have the necessary skill sets, then there are sure to be openings for these types of jobs.
Content Writing
The demand for content writers has grown by leaps and bounds during the past few years. By all means, this is partly due to the e-commerce business taking off the roof. For instance, many are working as part-time content writers for digital marketing companies and for companies designing websites. Also, in this space, you will find a niche for bloggers. Additionally, traditional advertising companies and public relations companies in Sri Lanka employ content writers for their work. To enumerate, the key here is to have a knack for writing in English with good grammar skills. Ideally, if you have studied at an international school, you will have some inbuilt skills required to excel in this field.
Most people start working part-time to create solutions in their lives. They have young children, want to get MBAs, and need to care for ageing parents. All too often, some part-time professionals have found strategies that are succeeding. My best advice is to keep an open mind when approaching part-time jobs in Sri Lanka.