Lived Experiences of College Instructors With Meager Salary: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

This study explored the experiences of College instructors with a meager salary. This qualitative research focuses on the phenomenology method as it aimed to understand and explain the lived experiences of the respondents. Purposive sampling was used to determine the participants. To gather relevant data, an in-depth interview was conducted with the five (5) participants who are well-knowledgeable in the phenomenon. They were all part-time College Instructors who are willing to be interviewed. The gathered data were coded and analyzed based on the research questions. The research resulted in two major themes which emerged out of the experiences shared by the instructors: (a) Hurdling Colossal Challenges and (b) Strategic Intervention. The theme Facing Colossal Challenges is divided into sub-themes: reservations, worry, and stress. The theme Strategic Intervention is composed of thriftiness and resourcefulness. There were recommendations given in this study wherein the instructors and the school administration may consider elevating the status of the teachers.