If you are thinking about working while going to school, there’s a good chance you’re not the only one. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that with the cost of living becoming higher all the time, and with mounting financial stresses, nearly 85 percent of college students have jobs. In addition, as shortages in the workplace continue to increase, particularly among health care workers in the Los Angeles area, this trend is expected to continue.

Even though being employed while going to school — combined with family obligations — can be hard to balance, professionals say that learning pays off at the end of the road. Whether you are aiming to be a medical or dental assistant, Licensed Vocational Nurse or aspire to be a pharmacy technician or optical dispensing technician, when you plan ahead and budget your time it is not hard to go further in your career.

Following are several suggestions from LANursingDegree.com for handling the struggle of going to a local career college or nursing school while you are working, as well as how to make your current work and school situation a positive experience. First, find a job with adjustable hours. Regardless of whether your classes are during the day or evening hours, there are many employers who are agreeable to giving you a choice of which shifts you want to work, and who will plan your work schedule around your school hours. When you first start working, you may only be able to handle of few hours of employment, but as you adjust, you can request that your boss give you more days or hours to work.

Inquire about financial assistance: You should never let money prevent you from achieving success. If you can’t afford to pay for your education, ask the financial aid office at your college if you are eligible for funds. There are often several options available to students for tuition payment. There are grants and government loans with low interest rates, according to what students need financially.

Spend less money: Go over your budget and find out what areas you could cut back on. Perhaps you could cut expenses for personal care, travel, clothes, telephone bills, entertainment, eating out, or some other way. Keep in mind that your current sacrifices will be more than paid for when you finally receive your certificate or degree and begin enjoying higher earnings. Since many career college programs require only eight to ten months to complete, this could be sooner than you think.

Request assistance: Don’t worry about every little thing; your career college is able to help you with the daily problems that seem to be too much for you to handle. The student services office at your school can give you information about public transportation, people who you can carpool with, or even recommend a babysitter. In addition, students can get help with resolving personal conflicts and assistance with many other personal requirements.

Gain knowledge from your experiences at your current job: It doesn’t make a difference where you are presently employed; make it a point to study how they conduct their business. This knowledge will be priceless when you search for your next job. Think of every job interview as an occasion to put your skills into practice. When you are close to completing your education contact your career college’s job placement assistance department for assistance in securing a position in your preferred line of work. They can coach you on interviewing skills, as well as guide and advise you in your career planning.

Look for jobs that are in your chosen area of study: All experience is helpful when beginning a career in a new field. For instance, if you have an interest in becoming a dental assistant, maybe you can gain experience by obtaining an entry-level job before you complete your program and graduate.

Create a schedule and follow it: Make arrangements for studying, working and relaxing. In order to concentrate on your lab work and homework assignments more completely, make sure to stay well rested. Tell your friends and families that you need time to study without being interrupted.