Effects towards the Academic Perfomance of Working Students in Notre Dame University free essay sample

Many undergraduate students considered working as one of their fundamental responsibility. Most of them strive to meet multiple and simultaneous demands of school roles, work, and as a member of the family. Thus, managing work and academics is one of the most challenging and difficult role of a working student. Initially, it may seem easy for them to study and work at the same time but as time goes by, it becomes harder for them to handle both schedules that often create high levels of stress and anxiety making it less likely that students will complete their chosen degrees at the right time. (Laura W. Perna, 2013) Being a working student is very crucial and difficult. Conflicts in schedules may arise with regards to prioritizing numerous responsibilities making it necessary to consider the possible consequences that may occur. Basically students work to support and help to cope up with the constant increase in tuition fees which has a great impact on their academic performance. It requires them the essence of time management in balancing their academic requirements, extracurricular activities and at the same time their responsibilities as an employer to maintain their academic performance. The pros and cons of working while in college depend not necessarily on the job itself but instead on how often a student works. Having a part-time job while in school gives students insight into what it’s like in the work environment and also what it means to earn money. Having a job could also be an eye-opener to some people that money is not gained very easily. Having a job also comes with convenient cash. With a paying job, you can easily pull out some cash when you have immediate needs. Work breeds independence. You will be a master of multi-tasking even before you start your very own professional career in the future. By then, it would not be as challenging as it would be without any experience. Adversely, having a job may bring also disadvantages towards a student’s life. If you have a job, this automatically means that you will have less time to do your other activities and also study. This might cause you to have bad grades. Overworked teens tend to sleep and e xercise less and spend less time with their families. Getting a job might also cause an overwhelming load of stress for students. (Alyanna Balanay, 2012) Studies have shown that working 20 hours a week or less has no significant impact on a student’s grades. In fact, students who work 15 hours a week or less while attending college have higher grades than students who don’t work. Researchers believe that working pushes students to manage their time more effectively and to eliminate unproductive activities, such as watching television. However, a full 50 percent of undergraduate part-timers clock in 20 hours or more per week, and these students are more likely to drop out of college than students who work fewer hours. (Laura Fletcher, 2011) An individual’s decision to study for a college degree has to be the most important step towards a bright carrier. One should keep in mind that whether they are building a good bio-data, developing a good reference list or learning better time management skills, these student jobs not only help you financially, but also help to get a good job after graduation. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM The study aims to determine the effects experienced by the working students of the different colleges of Notre Dame University Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions: 1. What is the profile of the participants in terms of: a. Age; b. Sex; c. Course degree; d. Economic Status; e. Monthly income of parents; f. Number of working hours; 2. What are the effects of being a working student towards the academic performance of the respondents in terms of: a. Physical; b. Psychological; 3. What are the common psychological, and physical effects of being a working students towards their academic performances REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE In an era where unemployment remains stubbornly high and employers complain that job candidates lack skills, more and more people are attending college. Higher educations have caused tuition rates to soar, and job loss has forced many families to reduce the amount of financial assistance they provide for their college-bound children. As a result, more college students than ever, approximately 72 percent of undergraduates work part-time. Students who work part time face serious challenges balancing work with school, but in the process they may gain some benefits. (Retrieved May 14, 2011, from http://everydaylife.globalpost.com) Life inside and outside of the classroom often overlap. Homework assignments and study time compete with extracurricular activities, hobbies and chores. Students may feel that they do not have enough time to keep up with demands of school and life. While it is impossible to add more hours to a day, students can increase productivity by implementing time-management strategies. Managing time may be a personal challenge, but strengthening this skill can help improve academic performance. (Erin R. Wheeler, 2012). Students who are also employed are probably working to help pay for college. Those same students may likewise be on scholarship, which adds even more pressure to excel. Poor job performance can result in job loss; poor academics can result in scholarship forfeiture. Either can mean that a student can no longer afford tuition and may risk her college education. Those students who work hard at school and jobs and then squeeze in time for a social life and family obligations often do so at the peril of their own health. Late nights, poor diet, alcohol and drug use, and a lack of exercise are a good combination for bad health. The stress of a student’s balancing act can bring on a host of mental and physical maladies and can exacerbate existing conditions. Anxiety, depression, substance abuse and eating disorders are just a few of the unintended consequences of trying to maintain an impossible schedule. And as they strive and fail, students may take additional hits to their self-esteem, feeling like they just cannot measure up to impossible standards. (Linda Emma, 2011) With the freedom to choose how to spend your time, you may find yourself struggling to maintain your grades and keep up with new friends. If you find yourself wishing for  more hours in the day, focusing your priorities and learning some time management skills can help you balance your college schedule. (Shelley Frost, 2011) Students also face more indirect conflicts with high academic achievement from areas like finances and family support. Financial problems can still impede success. Limited finances can affect a students ability to budget school expenses. Some students go to college because of parental pressure or influence. However, others may go to school of their own volition and have little to no financial or emotional support from parents and other family members. (Neil Kokemuller, 2009) Taking on a part-time job while studying at university can boost your bank balance and your skills in the workplace. But to get the most out of the experience, make sure you know your employment rights and what practicalities you need to deal with. Students who work part-time are legally entitled to be treated the same as comparable full-time workers; that is, workers on the same type of contract with the same employer. This is a right you enjoy from day one of your employment. (retrieved 2008, http://targetjobs.co.uk/work-experience) Working students are more likely to be under stress that may affect your health specifically your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behavior. Being able to recognize common stress symptoms can give you a jump on managing them. Stress thats left unchecked can contribute to health problems. Signs and symptoms include headache, muscle tension, fatigue, and sleep problems which hinder the student’s learning process and lead to poor academic performance. (Mayo Clinic, 2013)