Lived Experiences of BPO Onsite Employed Students

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of BPO on-site employed students at the University of Cebu- Main Campus, including the challenges they encounter, how they manage pressure and stress, and the coping mechanisms they employ to balance their academic responsibilities with their work commitments. The qualitative research method was employed to achieve this, with sixteen (16) participants selected through purposive sampling. Data collection involved conducting semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions, and the qualitative data was analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis approach. The analysis revealed fourteen (14) emergent themes, categorized under four (4) overarching themes, which addressed the sub-problems. The overarching themes included the reasons for working while studying, categorized as "Reasons of Participants on Working While Studying" with four (4) emergent themes: Good Work Compensation, Competency, Interpersonal Skill, and Provider. The lived experiences of BPO on-site employed students fell under the theme "Lived Experiences as a BPO on-site Employed Student," with four (4) emergent themes: On Physiological Needs, Overwhelming Workload, Patience, and Night Life. The challenges faced by the participants were grouped under "Challenges Met by the Participants," with three (3) emergent themes: Time Management, Sleep Deprivation, and Irate Customers. Lastly, the coping mechanisms employed by the participants were classified under the theme "Coping Mechanisms of the Participants on the Challenges Met," with three (3) emergent themes: Me Time, Not Giving Care, and Positivity. The study's findings and recommendations addressed the challenges experienced by on-site employed students working in the BPO industry, providing valuable insights into their unique experiences.