Are you thinking about juggling school and work? A new job can really be the pay off. It is highly likely that you are not alone when facing this issue. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, as a result of increasing financial pressures, including the rising cost of living, some 85 percent of college students are now employed part-time. This trend is for the long-term. Consider for example that in the Los Angeles area, shortages in the workplace continue to increase, especially among healthcare workers.

Working, furthering your education, and maintaining family commitments can be challenging, but in the long run, it pays off. With a bit of advanced planning and smart time management, it’s easy to advance your career whether your goal is to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse, or a medical or dental assistant, or to pursue employment opportunities as an optical dispenser or a pharmacy technician.

Select a job that will allow for a flexible schedule: There are a lot of employers out there who understand the need to work while getting an education and they will be willing to offer you different shifts, and to schedule you around your class times, regardless of whether you take day or evening classes. At first, you may want to work a minimum schedule, and then, if and when you feel able to handle more, ask your employer to increase your hours.

Look for financial aid: Money should never come between you and success; financial aid is there to help you achieve your goals. Check with your college’s financial aid office to see if you qualify for funding if you are unable to meet your educational costs. Usually, students have several different options for paying their tuition bill. For those with financial need, grants and low-interest federal loans are readily available.

Cut your expenses: One thing to remember while you are working and going to school is to streamline your living and personal expenses so you can decrease your overall budget. Keep in mind that when you receive your certificate of completion, your higher earnings will reward all the hard work you did. Since many career college programs can be completed in only eight to ten months, this may come sooner than you realize.

Ask for assistance: If you’re sweating the details, remember that your career college is there to assist you with any help that you might need. You’ll find the school’s student service office can help you with transportation information, contacts, or even daycare referrals for your children. Assistance with conflict resolution and other personal needs are even available to students.

Draw from your current job experience: Whatever your job title is, be sure to take note of the ins and outs of the way your organization works; you’ll find that this is invaluable knowledge to have when it comes to the progression of your career path. Think of every job interview as an opportunity to sharpen your skills. Staying in touch with your career placement department as you approach completion of your certificate will better assist you in finding placement in your chosen profession. They will be more than willing to assist you in career advising, planning, and to help you with successful interview techniques.

Seek out work that is related to your education: When entering a new industry, any experience helps. It’s quite possible to get an entry-level position in your desired field before you even graduate.

The best way to ensure a healthy schedule, while working and going to school, is to set aside time to work, study, and relax. For the best levels of concentration on your homework and lab assignments, it is best to make sure you have plenty of rest. It is important to let your friends and family know that you need quiet, uninterrupted time to devote to your studies.