Lived Experiences of the School of Education Part-Time Third-Year Students

Abstract

Several studies and reports had highlighted the significant challenges faced by students who juggled work and school responsibilities. Many students struggled to balance the demands of their academic workload with the need to earn an income, often leading to increased stress, reduced academic performance, and a lack of personal time. This issue underscored the need for better support systems and flexible scheduling options to help students manage both commitments effectively. Recognizing this common issue, researchers aimed to explore and understand the circumstances of part-time students at Mandaue City College School of Education, specifically focusing on third-year students. Through qualitative phenomenological analysis, the researchers identified a central theme and several sub-themes reflecting the students’ experiences of working while attending school. The study highlighted five major themes: Motivation, Challenges, Strategies, and Positive and Negative Effects. A vital discovery was the underlying motivation that propelled students to undertake part-time work while pursuing their education. Students pursued part-time work to achieve financial independence and self-sufficiency, recognizing the long-term benefits of practical experience alongside academics. Financial constraints fueled this pursuit, emphasizing the need for additional income. However, students faced challenges like time management difficulties and potential compromised academic performance. Despite these obstacles, they exhibited resilience by devising effective strategies like task prioritization and refined time management techniques. The study illuminated the multifaceted nature of balancing work and school, shedding light on both its positive and negative results. While students derived satisfaction from their part-time employment and valued the autonomy it bestowed, they acknowledged the requisite dedication, discipline, and adept time management skills essential for success in both domains. In light of these findings, the research advocated for a comprehensive strategy to support part-time working students, including a time management program and school administrator support, to improve their experiences and navigate the complex interplay between work and education.