As the job market slowly starts to loosen up, job seekers are finding themselves facing another grim reality. Many of the new jobs on the market are paying less than they did before the recession hit.
It's not just hurting their financial security, it's also slowing down the economic recovery.
The first step in finding a new job starts with a perfectly tailored resume. It's a skill some people are learning thanks to the Bakersfield Career Services Center.
For Donay Green, the job search has been a tough one. He was laid off 18 months ago.
"I get a few e-mails that say 'thank you very much but not exactly what we're looking for'," he explained.
A computer programmer by trade, Green says he's starting to see more job postings that he is qualified for. But, he has also noticed the pay is about $10 to $15 an hour less than what he was making before.
"It's still okay pay to survive on," said Green.
It's a problem Danette Scarry with the Bakersfield Career Services Center, says is hitting a lot of job seekers who are hoping to find a similar job to what they had before.
"You want either what you had or better, and that's what they all come in the door hoping for, and some people get it. Some people have that opportunity and others don't," said Scarry.
And, that can force some tough decisions for job seekers... either take a position below what you had before or wait and see if a new position opens.
"You may miss an opportunity you could get into now and then continue to look while you're at that job," said Scarry.
For Green, it's something he's open to, but says it's more of a last resort option for him.
"I have thought about, like the solar industry or the oil fields, but that just isn't me," said Green. "But, I would be open to doing that if that's what I have to do."
Career counselors say there is a danger in waiting too long for that perfect job. Some companies may see your lengthy unemployment as a negative.
If you are looking for work, you can either call or stop by the Career Services Center for help. Their number is 325-4473.
It's not just hurting their financial security, it's also slowing down the economic recovery.
The first step in finding a new job starts with a perfectly tailored resume. It's a skill some people are learning thanks to the Bakersfield Career Services Center.
For Donay Green, the job search has been a tough one. He was laid off 18 months ago.
"I get a few e-mails that say 'thank you very much but not exactly what we're looking for'," he explained.
A computer programmer by trade, Green says he's starting to see more job postings that he is qualified for. But, he has also noticed the pay is about $10 to $15 an hour less than what he was making before.
"It's still okay pay to survive on," said Green.
It's a problem Danette Scarry with the Bakersfield Career Services Center, says is hitting a lot of job seekers who are hoping to find a similar job to what they had before.
"You want either what you had or better, and that's what they all come in the door hoping for, and some people get it. Some people have that opportunity and others don't," said Scarry.
And, that can force some tough decisions for job seekers... either take a position below what you had before or wait and see if a new position opens.
"You may miss an opportunity you could get into now and then continue to look while you're at that job," said Scarry.
For Green, it's something he's open to, but says it's more of a last resort option for him.
"I have thought about, like the solar industry or the oil fields, but that just isn't me," said Green. "But, I would be open to doing that if that's what I have to do."
Career counselors say there is a danger in waiting too long for that perfect job. Some companies may see your lengthy unemployment as a negative.
If you are looking for work, you can either call or stop by the Career Services Center for help. Their number is 325-4473.