By Lughadarini Yogaraja. 

Walk into any Colombo cafe these days and you’ll notice something curious. The person at the next table isn’t just sipping a cappuccino; they’re juggling work calls, replying to customers on WhatsApp, and probably editing a TikTok video to promote their small business. Welcome to the age of Sri Lanka’s side hustle generation.

\With inflation biting harder than a kottu knife at 2 a.m., young Sri Lankans are refusing to let their salaries define their survival. Instead, they’re turning hobbies, skills, and creativity into extra cash streams. Forget the old days of just “one job.” Today, your barber might also sell pre-orders for sneakers, your Uber driver could be studying coding, and your office colleague might be secretly running a cake business on Instagram.

Why Side Hustles?
Sri Lanka’s inflation has made the cost of basics feel like luxury shopping. A humble rice packet now competes with fine dining, and the dream of living independently in Colombo feels increasingly out of reach. For young professionals, one job alone often doesn’t make the cut.

But side hustles aren’t just about survival. For many, they’re also about freedom and self-expression. That online jewellery business or photography gig not only helps pay the bills, but it also provides an outlet for passion and creativity. A salary may bring stability, but a side hustle often brings joy.

This new culture of work is shaping urban life in surprising ways. Side hustlers are everywhere; some sell handmade crafts, others deliver home-cooked meals, and many take their creativity online through reels, memes, and content creation.

It’s also changed the way people talk about work. The question is no longer “What do you do?” but “What else do you do?” A marketing executive might casually mention they’re learning baking, while a teacher might reveal they’re running fitness classes on weekends. The boundaries between professional and personal lives are blurring, but in ways that feel exciting, not just exhausting.

The Challenges
Let's be honest, the side hustling comes with its own headaches. Balancing a 9–5 with a 5–9 means sleep takes a backseat. Burnout is real, and so is the stress of unpredictable income. Not every idea takes off; sometimes the hours spent promoting a product online result in just one order.

Then there’s the question of sustainability. Many hustlers admit that while the extra income helps, it can also feel like a never-ending cycle of work. There’s little time left to rest, travel, or even just do nothing. Inflation may have made hustling necessary, but it has also made relaxation a luxury.

Lifestyle Recommendations
For those who want to dip their toes into the hustle economy without drowning in it, here are a few simple tips:

• Start Small – Test your idea among friends and family before going public. That way, you avoid big risks and can fine-tune what works.
• Stay Consistent – A side hustle doesn’t need to take over your life. Even a few hours a week can build momentum if you’re regular.
• Set Boundaries – Don’t let your side hustle eat into your main job or your health. Fix clear hours for it, so you don’t burn out.
• Keep It Authentic – People connect with real stories. Share why you started your side hustle, not just what you’re selling.
• Celebrate Small Wins – Every new order, new client, or milestone matters. It keeps motivation alive when things get tough.

What’s interesting about Sri Lanka’s side hustle boom is that it’s not only about economics, it’s about reimagining work and identity. Instead of being tied to one career, young people are experimenting with multiple roles. You can be a banker and a baker, an engineer and a travel blogger, or a student and a part-time fitness coach.

This flexibility is reshaping how people view success. It’s no longer just about the promotion at work, but also about whether your small business has gained followers, your online shop got its first overseas order, or your weekend class is full. Success is being redefined as measured in creativity, resilience, and independence as much as income.

Sri Lanka’s side hustle culture is more than a financial necessity; it’s becoming a lifestyle movement. It’s about resilience in tough times, but also about rediscovering joy in what you do outside the office.

The next time you buy a cupcake through Instagram, take a yoga class in a living room, or notice your Uber driver handing out a flyer for their photography gig, remember you’re witnessing a quiet revolution. In a land where inflation tries to shrink possibilities, young Sri Lankans are proving that survival can also be creative, bold, and inspiring.