Benefits of Working in Colombo vs Smaller Cities
Choosing the right city for your career can make all the difference. There are pros and cons of working in a bustling metropolis like Colombo versus a smaller, quieter city. If you are baffled about selecting the most suitable city to work in Sri Lanka, you should read this piece to the end in order to make an informed decision. Let’s get started.
What Are the Job Opportunities Available in Colombo vs. Smaller Cities?
Colombo is the commercial city of Sri Lanka. Thus, the jobs available in Colombo are diverse compared to other cities in the country. Most reputable global and local companies have their headquarters in Colombo.
This diversity helps job seekers find jobs in various industries, and they get the opportunity to move from one sector to another according to their needs. Colombo’s corporate culture also tends to be fast-paced and competitive and offers higher salaries and incentives.
However, because of its competitiveness, some might find job security to be less stable in Colombo. We’ll explain both the pros and cons of working in Colombo later in the article.
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When it comes to outstation jobs, the first thing to note is that the opportunities are limited. Most of the jobs found in smaller cities in Sri Lanka are related to agriculture, manufacturing, and regional government positions.
If you are seeking a top-notch, high-paying job, outstation cities might not facilitate the opportunities you expect. Opportunities in industries like IT, finance, and healthcare are few, and these cities tend to have a more localized business environment.
Considering the fact that traditional industries based in remote cities are much more established, the job risk involved is far less compared to Colombo jobs.
Benefits of Working in Colombo vs Smaller Cities
Here is a detailed comparison of working in Colombo vs smaller cities. Read the points below and think about which option suits you the best.
Career Growth
If your ambition is to find a job in a renowned company, Colombo should be your go-to option as it is full of a wide range of career opportunities across industries. In addition, you can expect speedy career growth if you work in Colombo compared to other cities.
As we mentioned, this is different when it comes to other cities. However, if you are seeking a job in a specialized job market, such as agriculture or retail jobs, the outstation city would be a good pick.
Still, getting fast career growth with a job in such cities will not be a walk in the park. For those who prefer a steady career without high competition, smaller towns provide a secure and community-focused atmosphere.
Lifestyle
Colombo’s fast-paced environment can be thrilling for professionals seeking an active work life. However, it comes to you with certain challenges, such as longer working hours, commuting problems, and a more challenging lifestyle altogether.
If you don’t mind these challenges or you are a soul that enjoys urban living, there is no better place in Sri Lanka than Colombo.
In smaller cities, balancing work is far easier with shorter commutes, relaxed working hours, and lower levels of stress. Most Sri Lankan cities are still slow-paced, and you can spend more time with your family. For those who prefer a less hustle and bustle lifestyle, we highly recommend a job in a smaller city.
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Cost of Living
This is a defining factor when deciding between a job in Colombo and other cities in the countries. The cost of living in Colombo is pretty high, particularly when it comes to housing, transport, and overall daily expenses. This is especially true in high-demand areas and the central part of Colombo.
Additionally, professionals in Colombo have access to a wider variety of services, from high-end dining to private healthcare. If you are a family man with kids, the cost of schooling for your children can be pretty high compared to outstations.
However, the cost of living in smaller cities is more affordable across housing, food, healthcare, and transportation. It is easy to save money in such towns and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. This lower cost of living can be appealing to families or professionals seeking financial stability over high earnings.
Networking and Professional Development
In this aspect, Colombo is the clear winner. Since Colombo is a hotspot for networking events and industry conferences, individuals can easily build connections across sectors. Meeting with industry leaders and creating a bond with them can help newbies develop their careers faster, and Colombo’s professional environment is the ideal place in the country for this.
Comparatively, smaller cities have fewer formal networking opportunities. In smaller cities, reputation and word-of-mouth referrals are often key to advancing one’s career. However, you can still create strong local networks that are specific to a certain sector in smaller cities.
Financial Benefits
Salaries in Colombo tend to be higher, especially in industries like IT, banking, and international business. This obviously means that it provides you with a higher standard of living. Although the financial security is much higher in Colombo-living, one has to balance it with the higher cost of living, as we explained earlier.
In addition, most reputable companies in Colombo provide their employees with a wide range of additional financial benefits such as health insurance, bonuses, and incentives.
Income levels in smaller cities are generally lower, but this is balanced by the reduced cost of living. While financial benefits may not be as high as in Colombo, the lower expenses can result in similar levels of financial comfort.
Summary
We hope you now have enough data to weigh and make an informed decision on whether to work in Colombo or outstation. Both options offer unique benefits and drawbacks. It all depends on your goals and personal preferences. Have a great day!
