Challenges of Working as Agricultural Extension Agents and Balancing Family Responsibilities

Abstract

The career of an extension agent can be challenging as well as rewarding depending on the job duties and family responsibilities. Agricultural extension agents play a critical role towards the survival of extension related activities that improve the production and sustainability of farming communities for future generations. In today’s workforce, employees must able to balance work productivity and supporting family with the best time management practices. Past research regarding extension agents who were involved with 4-H activities shows a high level of stress due to different job responsibilities, which effects work quality and family responsibilities. The current research studies extension agents involved with 4-H programs in the United States to measure correlations between work and family responsibilities through the implementation of the Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Test (LWMAT). The level of stress accumulated by extension agents is caused by more than marital lifestyle [t(178.56) = -3.48, p < .01, d = .36]. The regression model of agents’ scores on the LWMAT also hints that other factors may be influencing the marital distress, as the regression model developed from the significantly correlated variables explained only 16% of the variance in the agent’s scores of marital distress. We suggest different coping mechanism for this “Sandwich Generation” to relieve stress based on prioritizing, planning, and building a strong social network.