2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 22
Available Online: 25 October 2026
Author/s:
Portuguez, Sharlene Mae L.*
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pasacao Campus), Philippines (sharlenemae.portuguez@cbsua.edu.ph)
Sibulo, Bea P.
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pasacao Campus), Philippines (bea.sibulo@cbsua.edu.ph)
Oco, Shiela B.
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pasacao Campus), Philippines (shiela.oco@cbsua.edu.ph)
Modino, Ma Isabel A.
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pasacao Campus), Philippines (maisabel.modino@cbsua.edu.ph)
Onrubia, Bea Mae B.
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pasacao Campus), Philippines (beamae.onrubia@cbsua.edu.ph)
Paceño, Abegail D.
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pasacao Campus), Philippines (abegail.paceno@cbsua.edu.ph)
Abstract:
This study explored the lived experiences of Science Major working students in managing their academic and work responsibilities at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – Pasacao during the School Year 2025–2026. Specifically, it aimed to identify the challenges encountered by working students and examine the coping strategies they employed to balance their dual responsibilities. The study employed a qualitative research approach using a phenomenological research design, to understand the lived experiences of working students in managing their academic and work responsibilities. The participants consisted of five (5) Science Major working students from 1st year to 4th year, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured, audio-recorded, in-depth interviews using a researcher-developed interview guide. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed through thematic coding and thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and subthemes related to the participants’ challenges, coping strategies, and experiences in balancing their academic and work responsibilities. The findings revealed that working students experienced challenges related to compromised academic focus and performance, conflicting schedules between work and academic responsibilities, demands and pressures of dual responsibilities, and physical and mental exhaustion. Despite these difficulties, participants viewed employment as a rewarding experience because it provided financial support for their educational needs and personal expenses. To cope with these challenges, working students employed various strategies, including time management and planning, prioritizing academic responsibilities, utilizing vacant time productively, seeking support from peers, maintaining open communication with professors, adapting to immediate demands, and strengthening their motivation through personal sacrifices and financial goals. The study concludes that Science Major working students demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and determination in balancing academic and work responsibilities. However, they continue to face significant challenges that may affect their academic performance and well-being. Therefore, the study recommends the development of institutional support programs, flexible academic policies, and student-centered interventions to assist working students in achieving academic success while maintaining employment.
Keywords: working students, lived experiences, science major students, academic responsibilities, work responsibilities, coping strategies, phenomenology
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26438
Cite this article:
Portuguez, S. M. L., Sibulo, B. P., Oco, S. B., Modino, M. I. A., Onrubia, B. M. B., & Paceño, A. D. (2026). Lived experiences of working students in managing academic and work requirements of Science Major Students at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture–Pasacao SY 2025-2026. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(22), 95-113. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26438
* Corresponding Author