New nationwide statistics show the unemployment rate is the lowest it has been since February 2009. But while some are taking a sigh of relief, others say recovery is far from over.
More than 240,000 jobs were created in the private sector in this past month alone. The new numbers were released Friday by the US Department of Labor. While it seems like the economy is looking up, some say there are still years of work ahead.
Rebecca Palmer, a University of Virginia fourth year student is facing the job market in just a few months. "Most people had no idea what they were going to be doing and were still looking," she said.
But good news for the soon-to-be-graduates - the job market is looking up.
"It's reassuring to hear that unemployment rates are getting better," added Ashley Meinhardt, another UVA fourth year.
The rate released Friday stands at 8.3 percent nationwide, the lowest it's been in three years. However, it does not mean everyone is finding work.
"They just don't have the confidence to hire permanent people," explained Joyce Robbins, who runs a Charlottesville temp agency.
She has seen the economy on the upswing around the city, but she says it's a slow, steady process. "I think we've got a long ways to go. I really do. I think it's going to be another, you know, five, six years before people really feel good about employment," said Robbins.
Congressman Robert Hurt seems hesitant to celebrate. The representative said in a statement Friday, "Many areas in the 5th district still face double-digit unemployment rates due to years of failed big government policies."
However, Democrats in the state General Assembly see this unemployment drop as a feat for the country and the commonwealth. Delegate David Toscano stated, "This clearly shows that the initiatives of the administration are working and we've had steady job growth over a period of many, many months."
As of December, Virginia's unemployment was at 6.1 percent. Charlottesville had an even lower rate with 5.6 percent unemployment.
