© IJARW | ISSN (O) - 2582-1008 December 2024 | Vol. 6 Issue. 6 www.ijarw.com IJARW2315 International Journal of All Research Writings 124 WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND ACADEMIC CHALLENGES ON COLLEGE OF EDUCATION SECONDARY LEARNERS BURNOUT LEVELS Jurich M. Faunillan 1 , Dr. James Paglinawan 2 1 Faculty, Bukidnon State University 2 Faculty, Central Mindanao University ABSTRACT This study explores how work-life balance affects burnout levels among secondary education students in the College of Education in the Philippines. With students facing heavy coursework, part-time jobs, and personal responsibilities, the research aims to identify the stressors and coping strategies that impact their well-being. The study used surveys to assess factors like time management, support systems, health, and academic Workload. The results show that while students generally manage their work-life balance well, they still face challenges, especially regarding their health. A strong link was found between academic Workload and burnout, suggesting that increased academic demands can harm students' mental health. The study highlights the need for schools to create supportive programs focusing on mental health and self-care to help students balance their academic and personal lives. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the importance of targeted support and policies to address the specific challenges faced by Filipino secondary students. Educators can help reduce burnout and enhance academic success and overall well-being by improving support systems and promoting better time management. The findings provide valuable insights for developing better practices and support tailored to the needs of secondary education students. Keyword: work-life balance, time management, support systems, mental health, learners' well-being, academic challenges, learner's burnout levels 1. INTRODUCTION In recent years, the balance between work and personal life has become a significant concern in educational settings, particularly regarding its effects on burnout among secondary students in the College of Education. Work-life balance refers to effectively managing academic responsibilities, personal time, and any employment commitments. Achieving this balance is crucial for student well-being and educational attainments, which is their sole way of experiencing burnout. However, many students need help finding it due to academic challenges and misbalancing of work. Accordingly, an imbalance of work in the academe can lead to heightened stress and burnout, negatively impacting students' mental health and academic performance. Research indicates that students juggling multiple roles often feel overwhelmed, which can detract from their educational experiences and increase dropout rates (Hewlett et al., 2021; Workplace Options, 2022). Work-life balance is a multifaceted concept that varies by individual circumstances. For students, it encompasses managing time effectively between studying, attending classes, engaging in extracurricular activities, and fulfilling personal responsibilities. The increasing demands placed on students—such as heavy coursework, part- time jobs, and family obligations—can create a perfect storm for stress. A study by Fleming (2022) highlights that many college students report feeling disconnected and unsupported due to their inability to manage these competing demands effectively. This disconnect can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety, further exacerbating the risk of burnout. The pressure to excel academically while maintaining a semblance of a personal life can be overwhelming. Based on studies, many students work part-time jobs alongside their studies—often logging significant hours—which can contribute to increased stress levels. The constant juggling between various responsibilities leaves little room for relaxation or