The Impact of Part-Time Employment on Grit and Academic Motivation of Secondary School Students in Lahore: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the impact of part-time employment on grit and academic motivation among Grade 10 science students in Lahore, Pakistan. Though part- time employment among Grade 10 students has emerged as a common phenomenon because of financial necessity, including the desire for professional experience. The influence of this employment on the grit and academic motivation of students and academic achievements remains indefinite. This study employed a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with 12 secondary school students. At the first stage, stratified sampling was employed to ensure representation from Lahore’s five tehsils, followed by purposive sampling at the second stage to select 12 male students (6 employed part-time and 6 unemployed) from boys’ secondary schools. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed through Braun and Clarke’s thematic framework using NVivo. Findings reveal that employed students exhibit significantly higher grit, characterized by greater perseverance, clearer goal orientation, and stronger resilience when facing academic challenges compared to their non- employed peers. They also demonstrate a stronger belief in effort over innate talent, reflecting a growth mindset. The study challenges the concern that employment detracts from academics, instead highlighting its potential to develop critical non-cognitive skills that support academic success. However, the cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions, and further longitudinal research is recommended to clarify whether employment cultivates grit or if inherently gritty students are more likely to work. Educational policymakers and schools are encouraged to consider integrating grit- building and mentorship programs that leverage the motivational benefits of part-time employment. Overall, this study underscores the positive role of part-time work in nurturing perseverance and motivation among Pakistani adolescents navigating academic challenges.