Balancing the Blackboard: Work-Life Interface of Single Childfree Women Teachers in Public Elementary Schools in San Pablo City, Laguna

Abstract

In a fast-paced world where work often permeates life and vice-versa, much of the discourse on the work-life interface (WLI) still centers on employees with nuclear families. This renders single childfree women’s (SCW) struggles invisible. Yet, these individuals also navigate complex responsibilities and social expectations, especially in demanding professions such as teaching. Using a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with SCW teaching in Philippine public elementary schools to gain a deeper understanding of their perceptions of their work and life roles, experiences of work-life conflict (WLC), perceptions of work-life balance (WLB), and the coping strategies they use. A thematic analysis on interview data revealed that despite the absence of childcare responsibilities, SCW teachers face WLC due to heavy workload and demanding non-work responsibilities. It was also found that participants still perceive a WLB amidst these struggles. Lastly, participants utilize a combination of makeshift boundaries, internal reframing, and reliance on community support to cope with WLC. The study highlights the need for more inclusive workplace policies and theoretical models that acknowledge the diverse realities of individuals without children.