Factors Associated with the Adaptation of Freelancing by Selected State University Students in Sri Lanka

The freelance career model has become a global trend in the 21st century, especially popular among the younger generation. Freelancing refers to a work arrangement where individuals offer their services to clients or businesses on a project-by-project basis, working independently with multiple clients simultaneously. Sri Lanka faces a significant unemployment issue, particularly among youth, which the government has struggled to resolve. This research investigates the factors influencing the adoption of freelancing among selected state university students in Sri Lanka. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, involving surveys and interviews with a sample of 382 students from four state universities. The findings reveal a positive inclination among students toward freelancing, with key relationships identified. These include the impact of personal restraints, payment restraints, freelance market characteristics, technical knowledge, and social restraints on freelancing adaptation. The study offers valuable insights for educational institutions, policymakers, and students to effectively integrate freelancing into the academic environment.