Work-Related Stress on Academic Engagement of Part-Time Students

Work-related stress for part-time students refers to the challenges and pressures that arise from balancing academic duties with part-time jobs, resulting in a triple burden of work, study, and limited personal time. This study examined the work-related stress in relation to the academic engagement of part-time students at a private higher education institution in Ozamiz City. The study assessed work-related stress among part-time students in terms of schedule, workload, and work hours, evaluated their academic engagement through class attendance, assignment submission, exam performance, and school activities, and determined the significant relationship between work-related stress and academic engagement.  A descriptive-correlational research design was utilized, with 100 part-time students chosen as respondents through purposive sampling. Data were gathered using a self-made questionnaire to assess factual results. Data analysis utilized mean scores and the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient. The results revealed that the overall work-related stress was very high, while the academic engagement of part-time students was high. A significant positive correlation was found between work-related stress and academic engagement, indicating that higher stress levels were associated with greater academic involvement. The study concluded that despite experiencing intense work-related stress, especially from long hours and heavy workloads, yet, part-time students remained actively engaged in academics, particularly in examinations. It is recommended that institutions implement flexible academic policies, offer support services, and collaborate with employers. Teachers should provide academic flexibility, while students are encouraged to manage their time effectively and seek support when needed.