Between Home and Duty: Exploring the Work-Life Balance of Security Guards

This qualitative phenomenological research focuses on the experiences of school security guards as they balance the demands of their security work with responsibilities at home. The interviews conducted have identified major themes, including shifts in work schedules, emotional and physical stress, expectations related to family roles, and personal strategies for coping with imbalance. The results will explain how communication, personal discipline, time allocation, and peer support help guards manage competing responsibilities and maintain their well-being. This research will serve as an avenue towards a meaningful understanding by school administrators and agencies involved in school security of policy developments and interventions that foster a healthier balance between work and life and ensure greater job satisfaction for security personnel. Struggles and Strategies in Balancing Work and Family Responsibilities, Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems that Sustain Them, Time Management Struggles due to Shifts and Long Hours, Financial Pressures and Work-Related Stress, Practical Time Management and Planning, Stress-Relief and Self-Care Practices, Emotional Strain and Fatigue from Irregular Schedules, Impact on Family Relationships and Social Connection. The research points out that emotional regulation, professionalism, and resilience are the basic traits for security guards to maintain a balanced life between professional and personal life. Guards who remain calm under stress, possess patience, and communicate politely are better placed to deal with the physical and emotional needs of their work without letting stress adversely affect their family relationships. Organizations and security agencies thus need to invest in comprehensive programs based on emotional intelligence, stress management, and work-life balance. Offering ongoing institutional support in the form of mentorship, counseling, and wellness programs can highly contribute to guards' resilience and job satisfaction.