The Challenges and Coping Mechanisms of Hospitality Management Working Students
Keywords:
working students, challenges, coping mechanismsAbstract
This study explored the lived experiences, challenges, and coping mechanisms of Hospitality Management working students in Dipolog City. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through focus group discussions with ten (10) participants who were all female and employed in hospitality-related jobs while pursuing their studies. The findings revealed that working students faced multiple and interconnected challenges, particularly in balancing academic and work responsibilities. The results showed that students commonly experienced difficulties related to academic workload and overlapping tasks, financial constraints, and family expectations. These challenges often led to stress, fatigue, reduced motivation, and decreased self-confidence. Many participants reported struggling to focus on their studies due to work demands, while financial pressures such as tuition and school expenses further intensified their situation. Additionally, family expectations placed emotional strain on students, who felt responsible for supporting their families in the future. The study also found that these challenges had significant effects on students’ academic and personal lives. Participants described feeling mentally drained, overwhelmed, and emotionally exhausted, sometimes experiencing anxiety, self-doubt, and physical symptoms like headaches and lack of sleep. Despite these difficulties, working students demonstrated resilience by adopting various coping strategies. These strategies included effective time management, task prioritization, and engaging in self-care activities such as walking, socializing, and taking breaks. Furthermore, strong support systems, particularly from family and friends, provided emotional encouragement and practical assistance. Faith and spiritual practices also played an important role in helping students remain hopeful and motivated. Overall, the study highlighted that while working students encountered significant challenges, they could cope through resilience, support systems, and adaptive strategies, underscoring the need for institutional support to improve their well-being and academic success.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Leo Carl S. Gayapa, Juliet S. Bureros, Mary Jane P. Fiel, Danika A. Richardson, Karl Nhor Anthony T. Apilan (Author)
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