Sometimes a little good news can be an indicator of progress, especially when the news is better than expected. Contrary to predictions, the unemployment rate dropped for the first time since April 2008 in July to 9.4%, with non-farm payroll employment dropping by 247,000 jobs.
Over the last three months, job losses have averaged 331,000 a month, versus an average of 645,000 over the prior six months. So, even though the economy is still losing jobs, it is losing less jobs.
That said, the job market still has a long way to go and there is a lot of competition for every available job. It's important to spend some time checking out the job market, so you know what type of jobs are available for someone with your skills - just in case you have to find a new job sooner than you planned.
If you have already lost your job, here's information on filing for unemployment. It's important to file as soon as possible, and you may be able to file your unemployment claim online.
In addition, with so many unemployed workers close to running out of unemployment benefits the National Employment Law Project is asking for help in getting an additional unemployment extension passed.
More: Unemployment Extension | Help Extend Unemployment Benefits