As the state and national unemployment rate rises, students are trying to cut back on spending and find stable jobs to tide them over until the hardship ends.

According to the U.S. Board of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate hit 8.5 percent in March, while the preliminary number for California was 10.5 percent in February.

Unfortunately, unemployment rates are expected to go higher.

Students are looking for jobs, but they have noticed there are not enough available to meet the demand.

“There is an increase in students, but a decrease in job postings,” Linda Lew, career placement services technician, said.

In previous months, there were 150 to 200 jobs posted with the Career Placement Services Center.

Last month, the center had a drop in the job postings, reducing the numbers closer to 35 to 60.

“In this economy as things get worse, job postings decrease,” Lew said. “Last month there were approximately 37 postings for about 350 students.”

Like many students who are not secure in their employment status, Alexander Roysen, social work major, is trying to keep his current job until he can find another.

“I am looking for a job, but I am having a hard time,” Roysen said.

Arlander Roysen, Alexander’s bother, is a freshman student who quit his job to attend school.

Arlander Roysen, undecided, is making ends meet with the help of financial aid and a refund of last year’s taxes.

For some students who already have a secure job, saving their money seems like the best idea.

“I don’t spend my money on unnecessary things. I do buy food, but I try to go to less expensive places like Taco Bell and eat from the value menu,” Tricia Esquibel, liberal arts major, said.

When buying necessities, looking for the best price is the only option for Esquibel.

“I never buy things full price,” she said.

Myesha Palmer, business administration major, relies on the help of financial aid to cover what her job does not.

“Financial aid helps a little, but I am here now trying to get more,” Palmer said.

Palmer has a new job, but she does not feel secure with it.

“I just got hired by the city and that is not secure. It is funded by the government,” she said.

The cost of books has been a source of concern for some students; however, students in the Cosmetology Department have different concerns.

“We need to buy tools, kits and products and they cost a lot of money,” Max Goodman, cosmetology major, said.

Goodman had to find a new job that paid more because he was not making enough money to cover his expenses.

Although the economy is in a recession, Goodman said he is optimistic about his chosen profession.

“People will always need their hair done,” Goodman said.