OCU Economy Survey Reveals Lack of Optimism in Job Market

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY – According to labor department numbers fewer people are claiming unemployment benefits, but still too many to signal the tough economy is close to gaining jobs.

That's still causing plenty of concern over the job market; something found a number of times in a new poll by Oklahoma City University.

Part of the poll asked consumers if they or anyone in their families have lost a job in the last three months or seen a change in hours from a full or part time job. The results have changed dramatically compared to this time last year.

Professor Steve Agee and Oklahoma City University's Meinder School of Business conducted a consumer confidence poll and found people are not too optimistic about the job market. As of Thursday, 11 percent of the households are facing job loss compared to last year and 10 percent are seeing a shift in hours.

"Not only have people been laid off, but their hours have been cut, which is not good," said Agee. "I guess it's sort of a retrenchment trying to find that equilibrium point where companies like manufacturing plants are comfortable again about hiring."

Business students like Timothy Harlin know all too well what's its like fighting for a job in a fierce market.

"They'd say, 'We love to interview you, but we're just not hiring right now so talk to us in a few months. Whenever we have a spot we'd like to speak with you,'" Harlin said.

The accounting major is looking for a job in the financial market.

"It's pretty challenging, a little different than I expected," said Harlin. "I've always considered myself a contender, but with the current situation of the market it's pretty competitive right now."

Donald Carter is also having little luck with the search.

"Its part of every choice I make now," said Carter. "It's based on my future, so with not knowing or stability of knowing if I'll get a job sort of makes me uneasy."

But both students have some time to keep looking before they graduate. Until then they join the statistic of those on the edge in this job hunt.

Agee said our economy is recovering but we're doing so in a way where employment is not improving and probably won't anytime soon.