Collect Unemployment or Take Less than Perfect Job?

TYLER - Last month more than half a million jobs were lost in the United States.

People want to know, should they take just any job that comes their way or stay on unemployment until they find the right job?

According to a representative from Workforce Solutions of East Texas, Stephen Lynch, if you recently got laid off, it's important to apply for unemployment benefits right away and take temporary jobs if they come your way.

He says that's because with the money from temporary jobs coming in, it could actually prolong your unemployment benefits, giving you time to look for the best possible job.

But Mr. Lynch also says, you need to be realistic when looking for a new job, especially if you had your previous job for a long time. It's going to be difficult to find another job that pays as well or has similar benefits.

Ashley Smith has been looking for a job for two months, and she says it's been hard to find one that pays well.

"The jobs I've been offered though pay minimum wage or barely over, and that's just not enough," Ms. Smith says.