Jobs

Despite signs of an economic recovery, jobs are still scarce. Increasing unemployment means more people are having to start over, like commentator Peter Basch.

Most stories about the newly unemployed are all about doom and gloom. But some people are riding out unemployment on severance packages and savings. Reporter Julie Rose finds that this new-found freedom can't last forever.

Does money make people happy? Gretchen Rubin has been studying the subject and has written a book called "The Happiness Project." She talks with Bill Radke.

The number of workers filing new applications for jobless benefits fell last week to the lowest level in 17 months. Bill Radke explores whether or not this is significant with Diane Swonk, chief economist at Mesirow Financial.

Even if the recession is over, the prospect of a growing economy without a comparable increase in employment has given rise to the phrase "jobless recovery." Marketplace's Mitchell Hartman reviews this past year's labor market with Kai Ryssdal.

Many states have exhausted the funds set aside for jobless benefits. Marketplace's Mitchell Hartman explains what they are doing to keep payments flowing to the unemployed.

Many former financial employees who found themselves casualties of the recession are still finding they're out of work. Many are ready to take lower-paying jobs to compensate, but Mitchell Hartman reports that may not be necessary.

A $154 billion job-creating bill passed the House last night with a focus on extending benefits, funding local governments and infrastructure. The bill had no Republican support. Jeremy Hobson reports.

With the Christmas shipping deadline looming, today is the busiest day of the entire year for FedEx. What's the chaos like for those workers? Bill Radke talks with Greg Mullgaard, a manager at FedEx's hub at Los Angeles International Airport.