A study about the impact of working while studying on tertiary students' work-life balance experience in Aotearoa New Zealand
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Authors
Haddapitiya, H.M. Nirmala Roshini
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Degree
Master of Applied Management
Grantor
Southern Institute of Technology
Date
2024
Supervisors
Halstead, Paulette
Type
Masters Dissertation
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
Working while studying
Work-life balance
New Zealand
Work-life balance
New Zealand
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
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Abstract
Working while studying is a common phenomenon among tertiary students. Students work mainly to cover their living expenses and tuition fees. This situation creates a conflict between life priorities of students such as balancing their work, study, and family responsibilities. The aim of this research was to explore the impact of working on tertiary students’ work-life balance in New Zealand. To achieve this aim, four key objectives were set out including a) the relationship between working and studying; b) the reason students work while they study; c) the perceived challenges students face during studies; and d) strategies used to overcome work-life balance (WLB) issues. The interpretivism philosophy was used for this research and data was collected through a qualitative online questionnaire using a snowball sampling method to gather responses. The data was analysed using descriptive analysis and categorised into groups under the research objectives. The key findings have identified that working students received immense support from their workplaces to maintain a healthier balance while providing financial stability to their families. Working while studying provides many advantages for students. The findings identified that there is a need to increase the awareness of institutions to promote and restore students’ work-life balance challenges. Institutions can focus on designing and implementing programs that will allow students to cultivate the skills necessary to balance their numerous responsibilities, including their daily personal needs. These programmes may help them make a well-balanced healthy WLB during their study period. Most students able to manage their time effectively by prioritising their needs. A general conclusion is that students have positive WLB experience with the support of their employers. A recommendation for this study is higher the number of participants and compare students’ views according to their student type, study level and institution type. It may help to generalise the situation among the whole body of New Zealand tertiary students to have a more detailed understanding.
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CC BY-NC Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International