New jobs report shows slowed growth for U.S. economy

Job seekers seeing more listings that go fast

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Posted: 07/06/2012

By: Marissa Bagg

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Mary Mitchell has plenty of time to spend at home with her twin boys. But all that time off is a huge stress. Mitchell was laid off last year, and hasn't been able to secure steady work since.

"The first day I started looking I thought, I need to get a job now, I need to get a job now. Every day is a deadline, it's been a year," says Mitchell.

Mary's story is one that echoes throughout South Florida and the country. Only 80,000 jobs were added to the economy last month, according to a new Labor Department Report.

Despite the grim update, one local Florida Atlantic University Economics Professor says there's improvement as well.

"Even within these numbers there's indications things may not be as bad. We see the average work week getting longer and also average wages are getting higher," says Bill Stronge.

Although gains aren't happening as fast as Mary would like, she says more jobs are opening up.

"There's been new listings but they go quickly," says Mitchell.

She stays afloat by taking temp jobs and getting financial help from family. But she doesn't know how much longer she can makes things work, without a full time job.

"Hoping to keep the roof over our head, food on the table and their needs are met. It's tough," adds Mitchell.

A reminder that although the economy is improving, our neighbors still suffer.