Authors : Jhon Rian B. Salvacion; Owen Heart B. Paler; Ryan Enrico Medina; Khey S. Navarro; Elma Fe E. Gupit; Jose F. Cuevas Jr.

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 1 - January

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3fpzsv9c

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2uwx58er

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jan193

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : With the modern academic scene, most students in college have to engage in work and study simultaneously to be able to carry on with their education and pursue personal and professional goals. This research ventured into the experiences of working college students juggling part time work and studies. The primary aim was to find out how these working students manage their duality of work and study, the problems they face, and the coping mechanisms they employ to balance both work and academics. Recognizing the increasing number of students engaging in part-time employment, this study sought to shed light on their lived realities to foster better understanding and awareness within the community. With a qualitative phenomenological research approach, the study was conducted in one of the higher learning institutions in Ozamiz City and involved ten student participants, which were selected using purposive sampling. Data were gathered using in-depth interviews and interpreted using Moustakas' transcendental phenomenological technique. Based on the analysis, six major themes were found: Financial Motivation and Family Responsibility, Time Management Struggles, Overlapping Schedules and Conflict, Stress, Fatigue, and Health Consequences, Time Management and Prioritization, and Positive Attitude and Motivation. The findings confirmed that employed students face severe challenges in balancing studies and work, but they also develop valuable life skills and a strong sense of responsibility. It is therefore recommended that the Local Government Unit (LGU) may implement programs and initiatives that promote student welfare, such as providing financial assistance, mental health support, and skills development opportunities. Such initiatives will do great help in empowering working students to maintain balance and achieve success in both their academic and personal endeavors.

Keywords : Balancing Work and Study, Coping Strategies, Lived Experiences, Part-Time Employment, Student Journey.

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