Dancing Between Deadlines and Duties: A Qualitative Inquiry into Working Conditions of Senior High School Students

Abstract

Working students are plunged to poor conditions. I explored the working conditions of working students as outcomes of their strain. Using descriptive qualitative research design, I interviewed 10 study participants selected through purposive sampling. Through thematic analysis, I ascertained that the most difficult challenge of working students is balancing time between work and school, which leads to chronic time pressure, physical exhaustion, and compromised academic performance. Educational leaders may consider flexible academic arrangements, such as adjusted deadlines, hybrid learning options, and accessible mental health services; while employers may implement student-friendly policies like flexible schedules and reduced workloads during peak academic periods. Future directions may include the use of multiple linear regression to examine time-related factors in balancing school and work predict the level of strain arising from competing work–school demands.