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 10 women’s experiences of work–life balance (WLB) and well-being alongside HE study through semi-structured interviews. A focus group explored women’s personal perceptions of WLB 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’.

KEYWORDS:

• Work–life balance (WLB) well-being
• resilience
• motivation
• gender
• foundation degrees
• widening participation
• adaptation
• trio of spheres

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the women who shared their experiences to make the research possible, and the colleagues who facilitated contact with the participants

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joanne Smith

Joanne Smith is Associate Teaching professor at the University of Bolton in the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing. Her research interest is work-life balance, well-being, widening participation and gender.

Jenny Fisher

Jenny Fisher is Head of Department, Social Care and Social Work, at Manchester Metropolitan University. Her research explores ageing and wellbeing, community spaces, social eating and sense of place.

Vince Ramprogus

Professor Vince Ramprogus joined Bolton University as Emeritus Professor of Health following his retirement from Manchester Metropolitan University, where he was Pro Vice Chancellor (Health &Communities) and Dean of the Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care. Prior to joining MMU Vince was Associate Dean at Northumbria University. Much of his academic career has involved developing and implementing innovative approaches to learning, teaching, research and practice and leading significant changes as part of national strategy or policy.