<prompt> Human: In 2015 I graduated with my Associate of Arts. Since then, Ive taken the last two years off and have learned so many important things about myself and life in general. I feel like Ive really gotten a lot from my break, but now Im ready to head back. This coming Fall Im going back and pursuing the 2 year program Early Childhood Education program at MHCC in hopes of pursuing a career in working with preschoolers and sowing into their lives. I cant wait to see what the road ahead brings!Okay, now heres my question: -- Is it worth it to pursue a work study at the college?--Background: I only have one more year of community college student loans I can take out, as the maximum is 12 terms. This means I have to save up for the entire second year, including books and extra. I currently work half time at a craft store and the hours will continue to be decent until the end of December. Which is fantastic! However, as continues the pattern of retail, they completely plummet at the beginning of January, not even living wages, and dont rise again until April. Im 23, living with my parents, and rent with them is low. Id spend the full next year saving up and nesting all my money for the next year but Im not sure how to approach it once classes beginMy thought is to work at the store until the end of December, as Id get potentially the hours I need, and then pursue the work study SpringFall term. However, is it worth just trying for a full year of work study? If youve done it before, what is it like, and what do you suggest?  <response>: Financial aid advisor in local community college here.1: you not only have to apply for work study on the FAFSA, you have to have it specifically showing as approved on your award letter. If you dont, its not an option. 2: not sure how other states or colleges might do it, but work study in Cali is rare, and given as an award by priority to those on TANF, disability, etc., So unless youre on a special government assistance program or military, you most likely wont get it.3: Work study comes with A LOT of baggage and red tape for you, the student. Id first try the colleges career center, or put ads around the school for tutoring in classes youve done well in. Talk to available career counselors and see if there are programs you can hire into that the school sponsors; for example, does the art department need models for their figure drawing class? Do math professors have enough teaching assistants? Do you have outreach programs? Hope the info helps! 