Adding University to work and life: the work–life balance and well-being experiences of women who combine employment, HE learning and care of the family

Abstract

In this article, we considered women's experiences of undertaking Higher Education (HE) study (Foundation Degree in Early Years (EY)) drawing on research based in the North of England, UK. The study, informed by a social constructionist approach, explored ten women's experiences of work-life balance and well-being alongside Higher Education (HE) study through semi-structured interviews. A focus group explored women's personal perceptions of work-life balance and well-being. The findings were analysed thematically and we argue that the formation of a third sphere of commitment (HE study) disrupted WLB and created some disequilibrium, which impacted upon the women's well-being. The women underwent a transformative process as initial academic inexperience and lack of belonging in University was replaced by confidence and student identity. This transformation was made possible through personal adaptations, diverse strategies and motivation that indicated individual and collective resilience. One noticeable strategy involved the overlapping of commitment spheres, including HE study taking place at home. While being challenging to manage, this contributed to an important cultural shift as study became normal for households, creating the 'learning family'.

Understanding the Experienced Opportunities and Threats of Online Learning in a Professional Development Programme

“…Most often, adult learners find themselves having to balance study commitments with other commitments such as work and personal life or family life (Fenech & Raykov, 2018). Enrolling in higher education while working disrupts Work-Life Balance creating because it forms the third sphere of commitment alongside family and employment (Smith, Fisher & Ramprogus, 2020). According to Smith et al (2020), this disruption impacts the learners' well-being.…”

“…Enrolling in higher education while working disrupts Work-Life Balance creating because it forms the third sphere of commitment alongside family and employment (Smith, Fisher & Ramprogus, 2020). According to Smith et al (2020), this disruption impacts the learners' well-being. The challenge of many adult learners working along their studies results in them prolonging earning their degrees (Kalliola et al, 2017).…”

Kepuasan Hidup Pekerja Perempuan: Sebuah Tinjauan Konseptual

“…Pekerja Perempuan menerima dorongan dan dukungan moral yang berasal dari teman kerja dalam menjalankan peran gandanya. Pekerja perempuan cenderung menempatkan kolaborasi, dibanding kompetisi dalam membangun jaringan bersama koleganya (Smith and Fisher 2020).…”

“…Aspek pertama, yaitu tantangan adalah bagian dari proses pengemban kapabilitas pekerja perempuan, melalui tanggung jawab dan kompleksitas pekerjaan yang dihadapinya. Bertahannya perempuan dalam bekerja dibentuk atas dasar komitmen dalam menjalankan peran beragam yang berpotensi tidak akan pernah seimbang antara pekerjaan dan kehidupan (Smith and Fisher 2020). Burke et al (1999) menyimpulkan bahwa terdapat korelasi positif antara tantangan pekerjaan dan kepuasan hidup pada sampel kelompok professional perempuan di Filipina.…”

“…Aryee (1992) menyimpulkan bahwa tidak terdapat hubungan antara kompleksitas pekerjaan, variasi pekerjaan dan kepuasan hidup. Komitmen pekerja perempuan atas tantangan pekerjaan dan tanggung jawab di rumah tangga menjadi pemicu buruknya kondisi work life balance dan well being (Smith and Fisher 2020). Pekerja perempuan yang memiliki motivasi dan determinasi untuk berhasil dalam tantangan pekerjaan dan rumah tangganya, dapat menciptakan work life balance dan berkompromi dengan personal well being.…”