A hustle to have the life we imagined.
The reality of the life of a working student.
Where the urban quickens and dreams unfold against the backdrop of walls, the university stands as a beacon of education, ambition, and resilience. There, several students undertake a Herculean task—the delicate art of balancing academics, work, and leisure.
The prevalence of working students in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines' (PUP) academic array is not a twist of fate but a reflection of the country’s economic realities.
The contemporary landscape sees a lot of students engaged in part-time and full-time jobs alongside their studies. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) states that there are around 216,000 working students in the Philippines.
The rising cost of education—combined with the desire for financial independence—has resulted in a generation that challenges the traditional boundaries between academics and the economy. This propels students into the dual roles of being learners and earners.
Do we just take this as a nod, though?
Against the backdrop of economic problems and academic goals, each working student's story serves as a poignant reminder of their determination, sacrifices, and dreams.
To explore how the quest for autonomy shapes their choices, influences their academic pursuits, and fuels their aspirations for a brighter future, working students cut off the narratives that illuminate those who view education not only as a means of intellectual enrichment but also as a pathway to economic empowerment.
Uptakes from working students…
Even with graveyard shifts at work, mixed with the taxing late-night meetings for school, one still thrives to achieve success.
Riana, a 20-year-old third-year Advertising and Public Relations student from Quezon Province took on the challenge of being financially independent. She entered the in-demand BPO industry and has been working as a call center agent for almost two years.
“At first, I just wanted to gain experience and then eventually resign. However, I liked what I’m doing sa work ko right now that’s why I thought, why not try to keep it and keep going? Since, considerate and understanding naman ‘yung work environment ko sa mga students,” she narrated.
Although it helps her gain experience, she never finds juggling being an employee and a student easy. In her situation, however, she claims that having a considerate workplace is an advantage. She had not expected the compassion their management had for working students like her. In addition to having regular days off, being able to choose the best shift aligned with her class schedule was such a blessing. Her workplace gave enough space for her to feel valued.
But this does not put an end to her struggles.
“One factor talaga na struggle ko is minsan hindi ko na alam kung anong uunahin na gawin—kung work or school ba. Also, another factor pa is ‘yung kulang ka sa tulog. Although, I learned to be organized kung ano ba yung gawain na mas dapat unahin, as of now, main struggle ko pa ‘yung time management especially if sunod-sunod ang gawain at deadlines,” she expressed.
From early morning shifts to late night study sessions, striving for a balance of academic excellence and career growth is the main focus.
Lovely Anne, an 18-year-old aspiring teacher from Sta. Ana, Manila, comes out of her comfort zone and acquires experience working as a part-time sales crew.
“Naisip ko mag-work kasi mas maganda magkaroon ng experience. Kasi lumaki kaming pick me, pick me, na mga sobrang hirap sa buhay. Like ‘yung sobrang matrabaho kaya nag-try akong pumasok… chinallenge ko ‘yung sarili ko…” she said.
Her secret to finding balance is time management and good prioritization of her tasks and responsibilities. Indeed, the journey is not devoid of hurdles. Whether it's tight deadlines at work or hard exams at school, flexibility serves as her guiding light.
“As a student, nahihirapan lang talaga ako gumising nang maaga… Traffic pa. Tapos [‘pag] late, diretso absent. Kaysa sa pagiging employee naman, ‘yung struggle ko talaga is ‘yung pag-control sa mga customers. Kasi, ang panget ng trato sa amin. Ang struggle ko talaga is ‘yung pagiging toxic ng mga customers kahit na sabihin mo pang customer is always right,” Lovely Anne narrated.
Despite working hard to maintain both their employment and studies, they may still be subjected to misconceptions. Some may invoke unnecessary remarks like, “baka kapag nag-work ka, hindi ka na mag-aral,” or “kaya ka siguro nagwork, para makatakas sa mga gawaing bahay.” These remarks contribute nothing but deflate their motivation.
Every working student is with their unwavering resilience.
Having to focus only on one’s studies is indeed a privilege. Some students have to pursue the success they envisioned by doing a Herculean task.
The economic imperatives that drive Filipinos into the workforce while they pursue education serve as a furnace in which their character is molded, each day becomes a testament to their dedication and tenacity.
Although leisure is frequently overlooked, having time to at least breathe is a must. Amid deadlines and exams, they still make time for relaxation, socialization, and personal hobbies, emphasizing its restorative importance in maintaining their life's delicate balance. Challenges abound, ranging from the emotional toll of burnout to the scholastic requirements of balancing grades and job success.
The likes of Riana and Lovely Anne reflect the spirit of individuals who, despite the obstacles, manage to pursue their dreams despite the harsh realities of life. This results in a symphony that motivates others to pursue their dance of work, academics, and pleasure.
Resilience becomes the anthem that guides them through their trip, a melody that refuses to be drowned out by the clamor of challenges.
Burnout, academic expectations, and the unrelenting march of time may all provide challenges, but working students answer with persistence, transforming setbacks into a waving casket for personal and professional progress.
Article: Franchesca Grace Adriano and Shainah Limpiado
Graphics: Cathlyn De Raya
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