Chapter 2

Methodology
Research design
This study will adopt a phenomenological research design, a qualitative
approach that focuses on exploring and understanding the lived experiences
of individuals, to investigate the unique and multifaceted experiences of young
workers who are simultaneously pursuing their academic studies at Christian
International College of Caloocan. Phenomenology is particularly suited for
this research because it seeks to uncover how individuals perceive and make
sense of their experiences within a specific context, providing rich and in-
depth insights into their everyday realities.
The decision to utilize a phenomenological approach stems from the goal of
gaining a deep understanding of the personal experiences of these young
workers, whose lives are shaped by the dual demands of balancing work
responsibilities with the pressures and expectations of academic study. This
approach is valuable because it allows the researcher to explore not only the
specific challenges faced by these individuals but also the personal meanings
and emotions that are intertwined with these challenges. The study will seek
to understand how these students navigate the complexities of managing their
time, energy, and resources as they juggle their commitments to both work
and study.
In addition to uncovering the challenges, this research will also aim to explore
the coping strategies employed by these young workers to maintain balance
in their lives. It will examine how they manage stress, prioritize tasks, and find
support systems that enable them to persist in their academic and
professional pursuits. By exploring their lived experiences, the study will
provide a deeper understanding of the personal and social factors that
influence their ability to succeed in both their academic and professional roles.
Ultimately, the phenomenological design will allow for a holistic exploration of
the experiences of young workers at Christian International College of
Caloocan, offering insights into the broader implications of work-study balance
on their personal growth, academic success, and overall well-being. This
approach is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the
intersection of work and education, shedding light on how these individuals
navigate and make sense of their complex lived realities.
Research setting
This study will be conducted at Christian International College of Caloocan, a
private educational institution situated in Caloocan City, Philippines, known for
its diverse academic programs that cater to a wide range of students. The
college is strategically located within an urban environment, making it
accessible to a large number of young individuals who pursue both academic
and professional goals. Many students at the college are employed in various
capacities, often balancing the demands of part-time or full-time work
alongside their academic responsibilities. This dual commitment of studying
while working has become a common experience for students at the
institution, and the context of this research is ideal for gaining insights into the
lived experiences of such individuals.
Christian International College of Caloocan is home to a dynamic and diverse
student population, which includes those who work in a wide variety of
industries. Students at the college often seek employment in fields such as
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), retail, food service, and freelancing,
among others. These industries are well-represented in the urban landscape
surrounding the college, offering students a range of opportunities to support
themselves financially while pursuing their education. The variety of work
environments in which students are employed provides a unique context for
exploring their experiences, as each industry comes with its own set of
challenges and demands that can impact their academic journey.
Data collection for this study will take place within the premises of the college,
ensuring that participants are comfortable and familiar with the environment.
Data will be gathered in locations such as classrooms, study areas, and
student lounges—spaces where students typically engage in academic work
or socialize with their peers. These areas serve as important settings for
students to navigate the balance between their studies and work
commitments. Additionally, for those with particularly demanding work
schedules or who are unable to participate in face-to-face interviews due to
time constraints, online interviews will be offered as an alternative method of
data collection. This flexible approach to data collection ensures that the study
can reach a broad range of participants, regardless of their specific work or
academic schedules.
The diverse urban setting of Caloocan City further enriches the research, as
students come from a variety of backgrounds and engage in various work
sectors that are emblematic of contemporary economic realities. Many of
these students work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments such as BPO,
where shift work and long hours are common, or in retail and food service,
where schedules can be irregular and demanding. Others may work as
freelancers, offering flexibility but also facing the challenges of self-
management and inconsistent income. These varying work experiences
provide a rich and complex backdrop for understanding how students
navigate their academic and professional lives
Sample
The transition from education to employment represents a significant
milestone in a young person's life, yet it often brings challenges that are not
well understood. As the global workforce becomes increasingly diverse,
young workers—defined as individuals aged 18 to 30—face a unique set of
experiences as they navigate the complexities of the modern job market.
While there has been extensive research on the challenges that adult workers
encounter, the voices and perspectives of young workers are often
underrepresented in scholarly discourse. This research aims to explore and
document the lived experiences of young workers as they confront the
multifaceted obstacles of their professional environments.
The challenges faced by young workers are diverse, ranging from issues of
job insecurity, lack of workplace experience, and discrimination to navigating
the demands of work-life balance, career progression, and mental health
struggles. These experiences are often compounded by the rapid pace of
technological advancements, changing employment structures, and shifting
economic landscapes, all of which influence the expectations and
opportunities available to young workers. Despite these challenges, little is
known about how young workers perceive and respond to these obstacles, or
how they navigate their personal and professional growth in such a dynamic
environment.
Through a qualitative approach, this study seeks to amplify the voices of
young workers, providing insights into the strategies they employ to cope with
and overcome these challenges. By interviewing individuals across a variety
of industries and professional settings, the research will uncover patterns in
their experiences and identify common barriers faced by young workers in
today’s labor market. Additionally, the study will examine how these workers
perceive their roles in the workforce, how they view their future career paths,
and how they balance the pressures of work with other aspects of their lives,
such as education, family, and social relationships.
Understanding the lived experiences of young workers is essential for
employers, policymakers, and educators who aim to create supportive
environments that foster career success, personal well-being, and long-term
job satisfaction. The findings of this study will contribute to the broader
conversation about youth employment, providing evidence-based
Recommendations to help alleviate some of the pressures faced by this
demographic.
Sampling Procedure
The sampling procedure for this study is designed to select young workers
whose lived experiences can provide in-depth insights into the challenges
they face in their professional environments. A purposive, or judgmental,
sampling strategy will be employed to ensure that participants meet specific
criteria relevant to the research objectives. This approach allows for the
selection of individuals who are most likely to provide rich, detailed, and
relevant data regarding the research question.
1. Population and Sampling Frame
The target population for this study consists of young workers aged 18 to 30
who are currently employed in paid positions. The sampling frame will include
individuals from a diverse range of industries, sectors, and geographical
locations to capture the broad spectrum of experiences within this age group.
Participants will be drawn from industries such as retail, hospitality, education,
healthcare, and technology to ensure a varied representation of experiences.
2. Inclusion Criteria
To be eligible for participation in the study, potential participants must meet
the following criteria:
Age: Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 30.
Employment Status: Participants must be currently employed in a paid
position, either part-time or full-time, for at least six months prior to
participation.
Willingness to Share: Participants must be willing to share their personal
experiences and challenges in the workplace and consent to participate in an
interview.
Diversity in Industry and Background: The study aims to recruit a diverse
sample of participants in terms of gender, ethnicity, educational background,
and type of employment to ensure the findings represent a broad spectrum of
experiences.
3. Exclusion Criteria
Individuals will be excluded from participation if they:
Are under the age of 18 or over the age of 30.
Are not currently employed or have been employed for less than six months.
Are unwilling or unable to provide informed consent.
Work in non-traditional employment arrangements (e.g., independent
contractors or freelancers) due to the specific focus on young workers in more
structured employment settings.
4. Sample Size
In qualitative research, sample size is not typically determined by statistical
power but by the need for rich, detailed, and varied data. Based on the nature
of the study and the goal of achieving data saturation (i.e., when no new
themes or insights emerge from additional interviews), the study will aim to
interview approximately 15 to 25 young workers. This sample size will allow
for the exploration of diverse experiences while ensuring sufficient depth
ofdata. Additional participants may be added if new themes or patterns
emerge
as the interviews progress.
5. Recruitment Process
Participants will be recruited through a combination of methods:
Social Media and Online Platforms: Posts and advertisements on platforms
like LinkedIn, Facebook, and job-specific online communities will invite young
workers to participate in the study. These platforms are commonly used by
young workers and provide an accessible way to reach a diverse sample.
Networking: The researcher will leverage professional and academic networks
to recruit participants. Contacts in educational institutions, professional
organizations, and industry-specific groups may help to identify potential
participants.
Referrals (Snowball Sampling): Participants who have agreed to take part in
the study may refer other potential participants who meet the criteria, ensuring
the recruitment of a diverse group of young workers.
6. Data Collection Method
Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews, which allow
participants to share their personal experiences in a flexible and open-ended
format. The interviews will be conducted either in person or via video
conferencing platforms, depending on geographical location and participant
preference. Each interview will last between 45 minutes to 1 hour and will be
audio-recorded with the participant’s consent.
7. Ethical Considerations
All participants will be provided with an informed consent form outlining the
study’s purpose, procedures, and potential risks. Participants will be assured
of their right to confidentiality and anonymity, with all personal identifiers
removed from the final transcripts and reports. Additionally, participants will be
informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any point without
consequence.
By employing this purposive sampling procedure, the study will ensure that
the voices of young workers are represented, with a focus on capturing the
diversity of experiences in their professional lives.
Procedure
As a researcher, I acknowledge that my own experiences as a young worker
have influenced my interest in this topic. My personal experiences of
navigating the challenges of early careerhood have shaped my understanding
of the importance of exploring the lived experiences of young workers.

Positionality:
Age, As a young adult myself, I may be more empathetic to the challenges
faced by young workers.
Professional background: My experience working in a related field may
influence my interpretation of the data.
Cultural background: My cultural background may shape my understanding
of the experiences of young workers from diverse backgrounds.

Assumptions:
I assume that young workers face unique challenges in the modern workplace.
I assume that the lived experiences of young workers are shaped by a range
of factors, including socioeconomic status, education level, and cultural
background.
Data analysis
This plan outlines a data analysis approach for a qualitative study exploring
the lived experiences of young workers. Given the qualitative nature of the
research, the focus will be on interpreting themes and patterns within the data
rather than statistical analysis. All interviews and focus group discussions will
be meticulously transcribed verbatim. This ensures accuracy and allows for
detailed analysis. The transcribed data will undergo a process of coding. This
involves identifying key words, phrases, and concepts that represent recurring
themes in the participants' narratives. Initially, open coding will be employed
to identify emergent themes without re-conceived categories. This will then be
followed by axial coding, where themes are grouped and categorized to
establish relationships between them. Finally, selective coding will help
synthesize the findings into a coherent narrative. Through iterative coding, key
themes will emerge reflecting the central challenges and experiences of
young workers. This data analysis plan provides a framework for a rigorous
and insightful qualitative study. The flexibility of qualitative methods allows for
an in-depth understanding of the complex experiences of young workers,
contributing valuable insights into this important population.
Data collection method
In exploring the challenges young workers face in the workplace, this
research delves into the experiences of five participants. The key findings
from their responses reveal a variety of obstacles related to communication,
health concerns, time management, and balancing work with education.
Additionally, the research highlights how young workers navigate these
challenges through coping mechanisms, support systems, and effective
strategies for managing their responsibilities.

One of the most significant challenges faced by young workers is

communication. As described by Participant 1 (P1), interacting with customers
can be difficult, especially when there is a lack of clarity or misunderstanding.
This issue is particularly common in customer-facing roles, where employees
are expected to communicate effectively and meet customer needs. P4
shared a similar concern, noting the challenge of customers not specifying
their exact needs, which adds difficulty to the process of providing appropriate
services. These communication-related challenges underline the importance
of clear and efficient interaction in the workplace, particularly in roles that
require customer engagement.

Another prevalent challenge among young workers involves the physical toll
of work schedules. Several participants reported health-related issues as a
result of their work routines. P2 highlighted the difficulty of waking up early
and commuting long distances, which have started to affect their health. The
strain of early mornings and long commutes is a physical challenge that often
leads to fatigue. Similarly, P5, a working student, described the challenges of
night shifts, which further exacerbate their exhaustion. These responses
reveal the physical demands placed on young workers, which can lead to
long-term health risks if not properly managed.
P3 explained that balancing work and school can lead to schedule conflicts,
making it difficult to fulfill both academic and professional commitments. This
struggle is especially prominent among young workers who are also pursuing
education, as they must juggle deadlines and responsibilities from both areas
of their lives. The tension between these demands often creates stress and
anxiety, especially when unexpected conflicts arise, such as P3’s experience
with field trip participation clashing with work duties.

For others, the challenge is related to the distance between home and work.
P4, for example, reported that the long commute from their home to their
workplace is a daily struggle, making it difficult to stay energized and focused
throughout the workday. This commute-related stress adds an additional layer
of difficulty for workers, impacting their overall job satisfaction and well-being.

Despite these challenges, young workers employ a variety of coping

mechanisms to manage stress and maintain motivation. Some workers rely
on personal goals to stay focused. P1 shared that setting goals helps them
remain motivated, providing a sense of purpose even when work becomes
difficult. Similarly, P3 emphasized the importance of spiritual support, citing
church songs as a source of encouragement. These emotional and spiritual
Family support is another key resource for many young workers. P2
mentioned that their family plays a crucial role in helping them cope with the
stresses of work. Family members provide emotional and practical support,
especially during difficult moments. Other participants, like P5, noted that
bonding with friends and engaging in stress-eating are helpful ways to
alleviate the tension from work. This highlights the importance of social
support networks in helping young workers navigate the pressures of the
workplace.

Financial goals also act as a motivator for some workers. P4 shared that the
desire to earn money for personal luxuries keeps them focused on their work
despite the challenges they face. These financial incentives provide a tangible
reason to continue pushing through the stress of their job. This suggests that
intrinsic and extrinsic motivators—ranging from personal ambitions to financial
needs—play a critical role in maintaining resilience in the face of workplace
difficulties.

When it comes to balancing work, education, and personal life, the

participants shared various strategies for managing their time effectively. For
some, time management is a key factor in maintaining balance. P1 explained
that setting clear time commitments and scheduling tasks helps them navigate
both their professional and personal responsibilities. Similarly, P2, who works
during the day and attends school at night, has created a structured routine
that allows them to dedicate specific times for work and study. This structured
approach minimizes overlap and ensures that neither work nor education is
neglected.

Other participants, such as P3, use alternating strategies, making the most of
free time by engaging in other activities during brief breaks. This flexible
approach allows them to fit in both work and school-related tasks while
maintaining a sense of control over their time. P4, whose classes are only on
Saturdays, finds it easier to balance work with personal commitments, as their
work schedule is less likely to clash with their academic responsibilities. This
highlights the importance of fixed schedules in reducing the complexity of
balancing multiple commitments.

P5, who works a night shift while also attending school, practices multi-tasking
to combine both work and study activities. By managing both responsibilities
simultaneously, they can stay on top of tasks without feeling overwhelmed.
This strategy of combining activities showcases the adaptability of young
workers who must make the most of their limited time.

Interference of Work Responsibilities with Personal Goals

Finally, the issue of whether work responsibilities interfere with personal goals
or growth was explored in the interviews. Several participants noted that work
often interferes with personal errands or other goals. P1, for example,
expressed frustration when their work schedule clashed with other important
commitments, such as personal errands. However, P3 acknowledged that
while work does sometimes interfere with personal growth, they continue to
prioritize their work responsibilities out of necessity.

Others, like P4, do not view the interference of work with personal goals as a
significant issue. They explained that they are able to juggle multiple tasks
without much difficulty. This sense of control suggests that for some workers,
managing work responsibilities is not a barrier to personal growth, especially
when they enjoy the work they do. P5 shared a similar sentiment, stating that
the fulfillment they derive from their work makes it easier to balance personal
and professional responsibilities. This suggests that job satisfaction plays a
critical role in how young workers perceive and manage the conflict between
their work and personal lives.

The challenges faced by young workers in the workplace are diverse and
multifaceted. From communication difficulties and health-related concerns to
time management struggles, young workers navigate a range of obstacles
daily. However, they also employ various coping mechanisms, including goal
setting, social support, and stress-relief techniques, to manage these
challenges. Effective time management strategies, such as structured
schedules and multitasking, play a key role in helping young workers balance
their work, education, and personal lives.

While work responsibilities sometimes interfere with personal goals, many

young workers find ways to make their work fit into their broader life goals.
Ultimately, this research highlights the resilience and adaptability of young
workers, as well as the importance of support systems and coping
mechanisms in overcoming workplace challenges.
Data collection procedure

To effectively address the research question regarding the key challenges faced by
young workers and how they navigate these challenges in their daily lives, a well-
structured data collection procedure is essential. The procedure involves a series of
carefully designed steps, including participant recruitment, conducting interviews,
organizing data, and analyzing responses to extract meaningful insights. Below is an
outline of the data collection procedure tailored to understanding the challenges
faced by young workers.

The first step in the data collection process involves identifying and recruiting a
diverse group of young workers from various industries. The participants should be
between the ages of 18 and 30 and should represent a range of job sectors, including
retail, customer service, part-time labor, and those balancing work with education.
To ensure that the data reflects a variety of experiences, the participants should face
different challenges, such as communication barriers, time management struggles,
and physical health concerns resulting from demanding work schedules.

Once the target participants are identified, informed consent must be obtained. This
includes clearly explaining the purpose of the research, the procedures involved, and
ensuring that participants are comfortable with having their responses recorded for
analysis. After consent is obtained, the data collection can proceed with the
interviews.

The core method of data collection will be through semi-structured interviews. The
semi-structured format allows for open-ended responses, which provides
participants the flexibility to discuss their experiences in-depth. This format also
allows the researcher to probe deeper into certain topics by asking follow-up
questions based on the participants’ responses.

The interview questions (IQ1–IQ5) are designed to elicit responses on various

aspects of the challenges faced by young workers, as well as their coping
mechanisms. For example, participants are asked to describe specific challenges they
encounter, such as communication issues with customers or time conflicts between
work and school. Additionally, questions about how they manage stress, balance
work and education, and deal with personal growth while managing responsibilities
help capture a holistic view of their experiences.

To maintain consistency and ensure reliability, the interviews should be conducted in

a quiet and comfortable setting. This could be in person, through phone interviews,
or via video conferencing platforms such as Zoom. Each interview should take
around 20 to 30 minutes to ensure that participants have enough time to reflect on
their experiences and provide thoughtful answers.

Audio recordings of the interviews should be made with participants' consent. This
ensures that responses are captured accurately. If audio recording is not feasible,
detailed notes should be taken during the interview to preserve the integrity of the
data. After the interviews are completed, they should be transcribed into written
text for analysis.

Once the interviews have been conducted, the next step is to transcribe and
organize the data. Transcribing the recorded responses is crucial to ensure that all
participant insights are captured. Transcriptions should be detailed, including all key
responses from participants, along with any non-verbal cues or emotional tones that
may provide context to their words.

Once the transcription is complete, the data should be entered into a data
organization system. This could be a spreadsheet or a database where each
participant's responses are categorized by interview question (IQ1–IQ5).

By organizing the data in this way, the researcher can easily access and compare
responses across participants, allowing for a more efficient analysis process.
The next phase of data analysis involves coding the responses to identify recurring
themes. This is the process of categorizing the data based on key concepts or
patterns that emerge from the responses. For example, common codes might
include terms like “communication difficulties,” “health concerns,” “time
management issues,” and “work-life balance.”

Once initial coding is complete, the researcher can group these codes into broader
themes. These themes will represent the key challenges faced by young workers and
the strategies they use to navigate these challenges. For instance, one theme might
focus on , such as the strain of long commutes and night shifts, while another theme
could address, which encompasses the struggle of balancing work with school
responsibilities.
This thematic grouping allows for a clearer understanding of how different
participants experience similar challenges and what coping mechanisms are most
commonly used. It also helps to identify patterns in how participants from different
industries or roles face similar issues, providing more comprehensive insights.

After completing the coding and thematic analysis, the next step is to interpret the
data. The analysis will focus on identifying the most significant challenges faced by
young workers, as well as the coping strategies they use. The researcher will analyze
how common challenges, such as communication issues and time management
conflicts, are navigated by participants and what support systems they rely on.

For example, if many participants report struggling with early mornings or long
commutes, this may suggest a systemic issue related to work schedules and
employee well-being. Similarly, coping mechanisms such as family support, goal-
setting, and stress-relief activities like exercise or social bonding may emerge as
common strategies.

The researcher will also assess how well young workers manage to balance their
work, education, and personal lives. The data will highlight various strategies
employed by the participants, such as time management, alternating work and study
schedules, and prioritizing certain activities. These findings will provide a deep
understanding of how young workers handle the complex task of managing multiple
responsibilities.

The final step of the data collection procedure involves compiling the results into a
comprehensive report. This report will summarize the research findings, including a
detailed analysis of the key challenges faced by young workers, their coping
strategies, and their methods for achieving work-life balance. The report will also
discuss the effectiveness of various coping mechanisms and highlight areas where
improvements in workplace policies or support systems might be necessary.

Additionally, the report will include a discussion of the implications of these findings,
particularly in relation to young workers' well-being and productivity. The conclusion
will provide recommendations for employers on how they can support young
workers in overcoming these challenges and improving their overall job satisfaction
and work-life balance.

In summary, the data collection procedure outlined above is designed to provide a

thorough and nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by young workers and
the strategies they employ to navigate these challenges. By following this procedure,
the research aims to contribute valuable insights into how young workers manage
their professional and personal responsibilities, offering recommendations for both
individuals and employers to foster a more supportive and sustainable work
environment.
Trustworthiness
Credibility
The response goes into detail about the specific challenges (namely
balancing multiple high-priority projects, deploying different skill sets, limited-
to-no collaboration, and a personal issue).
The mentioned problem-solving strategies (effective prioritization, task
breakdown, honest communication, and self-care) are both practical and
conform to general professional views.
The use of workplace resources such as supervisor support, employee
assistance programs, and teamwork adds credibility as these are genuine
solutions provided by companies. The response does not use hyperbole; it
acknowledges the difficulties but responds in a practical and achievable
manner.

Transferability
These strategies (time management, prioritization, communication, and self-
care) can be put into practice in all industries and types of work.
Digital calendars, to-do lists, and the ability to say ‘no’ apply to anyone who is
juggling work, school, or personal life.
This emphasizes professional development, suggesting that the experience
does not only involve overcoming adversity; it is about development,
applicable in numerous career paths.

Dependability
The fact that tackling problems through a systematic approach (breaking
tasks into smaller parts, seeking help, utilizing resources) indicates that this is
not just a once-off success, but rather something which can be repeated.
With the mention of ongoing, specific tools (calendars, to-do lists, self-care
routines), it suggests that the individual has a fairly consistent time-
management strategy. This emphasis on the working-and-living balance likely
indicates a fairly reliable long-term approach for managing stress.

Confirmability
Actions in the response are verifiable actions, such as the use of student
employee assistance programs, team collaboration, or even supervisor
guidance. These are all standard workplace practices that others can validate.
Practical techniques such as breaking tasks down into steps, having open
channels of communication, or encouraging mindfulness are aligned with
established productivity and well-being strategies, which serve to reinforce
that the propositions are grounded in known best practices rather than purely
opinion, it acknowledges struggles; on the other, it offers solutions: therefore,
objective and realistic rather than overtly positive or negative.

Reflexivity
As a researcher, I acknowledge that my own experiences as a young worker
have influenced my interest in this topic. My personal experiences of
navigating the challenges of early career hood have shaped my
understanding of the importance of exploring the lived experiences of young
workers.

Positional:
Age, As a young adult myself, I may be more empathetic to the challenges
faced by young workers.
Professional background: My experience working in a related field may
influence my interpretation of the data.
Cultural background: My cultural background may shape my understanding
of the experiences of young workers from diverse backgrounds.

Assumptions:
I assume that young workers face unique challenges in the modern workplace.
I assume that the lived experiences of young workers are shaped by a range
of factors, including socioeconomic status, education level, and cultural
background.
Ethical consideration
Ensuring participants understand the research purpose, methods, risks, and benefits
is crucial. This includes providing a clear explanation of the research and ensuring
participants are aware of their rights and responsibilities. Voluntary participation is
also essential, ensuring participants are not coerced or pressured into participating.
Additionally, confidentiality must be ensured, protecting participants' personal
information and data.

Protecting vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and prisoners, from
exploitation or harm is vital. Researchers must also be culturally sensitive, respecting
participants' cultural backgrounds and values. Furthermore, disability
accommodations must be ensured, providing equal access for participants with
disabilities.

Minimizing harm and maximizing benefits are essential principles in research.

Researchers must ensure the research does not cause unnecessary harm or
discomfort to participants. The research should also have potential benefits for
participants or society. Fair compensation for participants' time and effort is also
important.

Fair selection of participants is crucial, ensuring participants are selected without bias.
The benefits of the research should also be distributed fairly among participants and
society. Researchers must avoid exploiting participants for the benefit of others.

Honesty and transparency are essential in research. Researchers must remain

objective and unbiased in their methods and findings. Accountability is also vital,
ensuring researchers are accountable for their actions and decisions.

Data anonymization is crucial, protecting participants' identities. Data storage and

security must also be ensured, protecting participant data from unauthorized access.
Data sharing and collaboration must be done in a way that respects participants'
confidentiality.

By considering these ethical principles, researchers can ensure their studies are
conducted in a responsible and respectful manner.
Summary

Understanding the experiences of young workers who balance academic and

professional responsibilities is crucial in today’s dynamic work environment.
This study adopts a phenomenological research design, a qualitative
approach that seeks to explore the lived experiences of individuals. By
focusing on the realities of young workers enrolled at Christian International
College of Caloocan, this study aims to uncover the complexities they face in
juggling work and education. Through in-depth analysis, the research seeks to
provide insights into the challenges, coping strategies, and support systems
that influence their academic and professional success.

The phenomenological approach was chosen for this study due to its ability to
of individuals. Young workers face unique struggles that require a deeper
understanding beyond mere statistical analysis. Through phenomenology, the
research aims to document how students perceive and navigate their daily
responsibilities. The study will explore issues such as time management,
workload distribution, stress management, and interpersonal challenges, as
well as the emotional and psychological aspects of balancing multiple roles.

The study is conducted at Christian International College of Caloocan, a

private institution in the Philippines known for its diverse student population.
Many students at the college are employed in industries such as Business
Process Outsourcing (BPO), retail, food service, and freelancing, balancing
work alongside their education. The urban setting of Caloocan City provides
an ideal environment for this research, as it reflects the realities of young
workers managing both professional and academic responsibilities. Data
collection will take place in familiar settings such as classrooms, study areas,
student lounges, or online platforms to ensure participant comfort and
accessibility.

This study targets young workers aged 18 to 30 who have been employed for
at least six months. A purposive sampling strategy is used to ensure that
participants provide rich and relevant insights. The sampling process
prioritizes diversity in terms of industry, employment type, gender, and
educational background. Participants will be recruited through social media
platforms, professional networks, and referrals (snowball sampling). The
estimated sample size is 15 to 25 participants, with the possibility of including
additional individuals until data saturation is reached.

Data collection for this study will be conducted through semi-structured

interviews, which allow for a flexible and open-ended exploration of
participants’ experiences. The interview questions will focus on the key
challenges young workers face, their coping mechanisms, and the impact of
work on their academic and personal lives. These interviews will be
conducted in person or via video conferencing platforms** depending on
participants' availability. Each session will last between 45 minutes to one
hour, and all interviews will be audio-recorded with participants' consent.

The findings from the interviews will be categorized based on key themes
such as time management struggles, workplace communication challenges,
health concerns, stress management strategies, and financial motivations.
The study also seeks to explore how young workers balance their academic
and personal lives while ensuring career growth.

Data Analysis

A thematic analysis approach will be used to interpret the collected data. The
process will involve transcribing the interviews, coding key themes, and
categorizing findings into broader thematic groups. Initially, open coding will
be employed to identify recurring patterns, followed by axial coding to
establish relationships between themes. Finally, selective coding will be used
to synthesize findings into a coherent narrative.

To ensure , all interviews will be accurately transcribed and systematically

coded. Participants' responses will be cross-checked to maintain in data
interpretation. The study’s is ensured by selecting a diverse sample, making
the findings applicable across various industries and settings. Dependability
will be achieved by maintaining transparency in data collection and analysis,
allowing for the replication of findings in similar contexts.

Ethical principles will guide this study to ensure participant confidentiality,

informed consent, and voluntary participation. Before engaging in the
research, participants will receive a clear explanation of the study’s purpose,
procedures, and potential risks. They will also be assured of their right to
withdraw at any point. All data will be anonymize and securely stored to
protect participants' identities.

Additionally, the study will be mindful of cultural sensitivity and fairness in

participant selection, ensuring that individuals from different backgrounds are
represented. Researchers will avoid coercion and exploitation while
maintaining transparency in data reporting and analysis.

This study seeks to provide a holistic understanding of how young workers

balance their academic and professional responsibilities. By using a
phenomenological research design, semi-structured interviews, and thematic
analysis, the research aims to uncover key challenges, coping mechanisms,
and support systems that enable young workers to navigate their demanding
lives. The findings of this study will offer valuable insights for educational
institutions, employers, and policymakers, contributing to the development of
better strategies to support young workers in their academic and career
pursuits.