EFFECT OF BEING A WORKING STUDENT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF GRADE 12 HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE AT BESTLINK COLLEGE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

The study reveals that working while studying significantly affects the academic performance of Grade 12 students in the Humanities and Social Sciences strand. As the cost of education rises in the Philippines, many senior high school students are taking on part-time or full-time jobs to support themselves. This trend presents unique challenges for students who need to balance their academic responsibilities with work obligations.   Key factors impacted by student employment include time management, class attendance, and financial stability. High-intensity jobs, particularly those requiring 35 or more hours per week, tend to negatively affect academic outcomes by reducing the time and energy available for school activities. Common consequences of these challenges include procrastination, stress, and burnout, which often result in poor academic performance. To investigate this issue, the researchers utilized a descriptive quantitative research design and employed purposive sampling to collect data from 200 Grade 12 students in the Humanities and Social Sciences track. Data was gathered through a face-to-face survey questionnaire, which was validated by the research adviser, a statistician, and a grammarian. The results indicate that being a working student significantly impacts academic performance. In terms of time management, students reported a strong agreement with their ability to handle deadlines (3.26), maintain a personal-life balance (3.28), and address issues related to procrastination (3.22). Class attendance was also rated as strongly agreed upon (3.28), influenced by transportation problems (3.10), health-related concerns (3.32), and poor time management. Financial limitations had a moderate effect (3.14), with students noting challenges in saving emergency funds (3.22) and the need to work more hours, which diminished their academic focus and energy levels. The study concludes that employment among Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences students significantly influences their academic journey. Recognizing the specific challenges they encounter can help establish support systems and policies that enable students to succeed academically while addressing their financial needs.