Seven Ways to Stay in the Game When You're Unemployed

Some states have seen their unemployment numbers dip. Not California. Its unemployment rate is at an all-time high at 12.4 pecent, making it harder for the unemployed to feel optimistic. But, thanks to federal on-the-job training programs and local work source centers, there is a ray of light.

"I really thought I would retire there, so it was a huge blow to be let go," said Debbie Gazzola of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. Losing her job as an office administrator after 26 years was bad enough, but Gazzola also lives in the Inland Empire, an area in Southern California hit hard by the recession.