Black Males' Perceptions of the Work–College Balance: The Impact of Employment on Academic Success in the Community College. Issue 3 (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wood, J. Luke; Harrison, John D.; Jones, T. Kenyatta
• Other Names: Maurino James P. guest-editor.; Giesler Mark A. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of men's studies. Volume 24:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 326
• Page End: 343
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: college -- Black men -- education -- masculinity; Men's studies -- Periodicals; Men -- Periodicals; Men's movement -- Periodicals; Masculinity -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 155.332
• DOI: 10.1177/1060826515624378
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1060-8265

Abstract

This study discusses the impact of employment on academic success among Black male students in the community college, from students' perspectives. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with 28 participants from a southwestern community college. Findings from this study illustrated that students, in general, discussed employment as a barrier to their academic success. In particular, students noted the difficulty in adjusting to new working schedules, being too tired to fully apply themselves to their studies, and tenuous relationships with supervisors/employers. Recommendations for preparing students for and facilitating a successful work–college balance are extended.