THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT AND JOB AUTONOMY ON THE LIFE SATISFACTION OF WORKING STUDENTS

Abstract

Working students represent an increasingly significant population in higher education who often experience the dual pressures of academic and employment responsibilities. Managing these competing demands can lead to stress, fatigue, and a decline in overall life satisfaction, particularly when sufficient social support and job autonomy are lacking. In this context, understanding the key factors that enhance life satisfaction is crucial to improving the well-being of working students. This study aims to examine the influence of social support and job autonomy on life satisfaction among working students at Universitas Pamulang, Tangerang Selatan. Working students frequently struggle to balance their studies and work commitments, which can negatively affect their psychological well-being and satisfaction with life. Identifying the factors that contribute positively to their life satisfaction is therefore essential for developing effective support strategies. This research employed a quantitative approach using a survey method. Data were collected from 100 respondents through an online questionnaire (Google Form) distributed during October 2025. The instrument consisted of structured questions measuring three main variables, social support, job autonomy, and life satisfaction, using a five-point Likert scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, including validity, reliability, classical assumption, and multiple regression tests. The results of the t-test indicate that social support (t = 10.734, p = 0.000) and job autonomy (t = 3.142, p = 0.002) both have a significant positive effect on life satisfaction among working students. The F-test (F = 201.720, p = 0.000) also demonstrates that both variables together significantly influence life satisfaction. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (Adjusted R² = 0.802) shows that 80.2% of the variance in life satisfaction is explained by social support and job autonomy, indicating their strong and meaningful contribution to the well-being of working students