Are you considering pursuing a career while juggling school and work? You’re not alone in thinking that this may be the answer. According to the National Center for Education, with costs of living and financial pressures increasing, approximately 85 percent of part-time college students are employed. This trend will go on, specifically among healthcare workers in the area of Los Angeles.

While having a job along with going to school and meeting family commitments can be hard to balance, experts say that it is worth it in the long haul. If your dream is a career as a medical or dental assistant, Licensed Vocational Nurse, or if you want to look for opportunities as a pharmacy technician or optical dispenser, when you plan for the future and manage your time wisely, career advancement can be attainable.

OntarioHealthCareSchools.com has advice to help people with the trials of going to a local career college or a nursing school while they are working to make money, and how they can get the most advantages from their current employment and education. Students should find employment with hours that are flexible. If you go to school at a certain time of day, many employers will let you work on another shift and arrange your work time around your school time. Initially, you might want to work a manageable number of hours. Then, if you are comfortable taking on more, ask your employer to add additional work time or days.

Don’t let money hinder your goals; instead, ask about financial aid. If you can’t afford the cost of an education, ask for funding from your college financial aid office. Many students do not fully understand the tuition payment process and will have questions. Based on your financial position, you may receive a government grant or loan at a low-interest.

While working, look at your budget and, where you can, spend less on unnecessary expenses. For instance you may be able to cut back in clothes, personal care, travel, entertainment, and food expenses. Remember that your reward will be higher pay when you earn your certificate or degree, which will make your current sacrifices worth the trouble. It may happen sooner than you realize, because many programs can be completed in as little as ten months.

Don’t sweat the details; ask for help. Your career college will help you with day to day issues that might seem overwhelming. If you need information about public transportation, people to contact for carpooling, or someone to watch your child, you can find advice at the student services office at your school. The people there can even assist students with issues such as conflict resolution, or other personal needs.

Use your current job as a learning tool: Even if your present day job is not where you see yourself in the future, you should still study the operations of the organization. When it comes time to look for your next job, this could prove to be invaluable knowledge. Think of each job interview as an excellent chance to hone your skills. Then speak with the job placement assistance department at your career college, when you’re nearing the completion of your certificate, for assistance in finding a job in your chosen profession. The assistants will be there to guide you in the direction you need for success. They will aid you in planning for your career, as well as extend your interviewing skills to the fullest. They want you to succeed and are happy to help in any way they can.

When looking for a job, try to find something that relates to your education. When entering a new field, experience counts, no matter how small. If you want to become a dental assistant, for instance, you could get your feet wet with an entry-level job before finishing your degree.

Arrange a schedule and be faithful to it: A specific amount of time should be reserved for studying, work, and rest. To be sure you’re able to concentrate on your homework assignments and lab work, make sure you are well-rested. Make your friends and family aware that you have to study without being interrupted.