EXPERIENCES OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE IN YOUNG MARRIED FEMALE SCHOOL TEACHERS

Abstract

Pakistani society has included women in the workforce to make them psychologically empowered and financially independent, however it has made work life balance as one of their biggest challenge. The present study used qualitative research approach to explore school teachers’ experiences of work life balance and the role of school administration, colleagues, family members, husband and in-laws in maintaining it. Eight school teachers shared their experiences of keeping work life balance by completing an open ended questionnaire. The snowball sampling technique was used to choose the participants and thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Five main themes emerged from the data included planning and prioritizing strategies, supportive school administration, colleagues support, husband’s co-operation and understanding of in laws. The distinct subthemes of this study were: keeping a to-do list, proper planning of workload, clear deadlines, make family friendly policies, teamwork, sharing ideas, sharing resources, husband’s help in home affairs, taking care of kids, career support and understanding of financial contribution. This study has broadened our understanding about work life balance in young married school teachers. Moreover its findings can also be utilized to develop an indigenous scale of work life balance for school teachers.