BALANCING WORK AND STUDY: EXPLORING THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' EXPERIENCES OF PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT

Abstract

The current study explored the university students’ experiences of part-time employment and the observed challenges faced by them. The sample of the study consisted of university students who are doing jobs with their regular academic degree. Methodology used qualitative data collections methods including semi structured interviews and focused group discussion. The data was analyzed by inductive thematic analysis methods. Various themes and codes emerged from data. Findings demonstrates that time management, health and wellbeing and comprising academic grades is a main challenge the students faced. The students get benefits, like skills and experiences, achievements and feelings of satisfaction by taking their own responsibility & managing their own expenses. Findings reveal that part-time employment offers students with valuable financial resources, increased independence, enhanced skills, professional experience, and improved employability. In this drive, research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between work and study and offers valuable insights for the educators, policymakers, employers, and students seeking to promote the student success and well-being. This study has implications for educational administrators’ and policy makers to initiate such programs for the welfare of students to take their own expenses easily while not compromising their academic degrees.