Colorado Labor Day workers enjoy a day off, many still job searching

It’s the first Monday of September, and a day dedicated to the achievements of our country’s workers.

This Labor Day may be a time of relaxation and fun for many, but others are still looking for work.

“This process has been very frustrating,” explained John Skidmore, who has been unemployed since July.

“I keep applying to whatever I can, whenever I can. The struggle to meet your daily needs, food, hygiene, it’s tough,” said Skidmore.

Skidmore isn’t alone. Nationally, 5.4 percent of the U.S. population are unemployed.

Here in Colorado, 4.2 percent of people are out of work.

Shawna Fuller, a friend of Skidmore’s, also understands the struggle of finding a job. However, she’s finally celebrating this Labor Day.

“I’ve been looking for work for almost two years,” said Fuller.

Fuller finally found work through the Pikes Peak Workforce Center. An agent directed her to a job fair, and she was hired on the spot.

“I actually now have something to look forward to and it’s my first Labor Day that I can say I have a job,” said Fuller.

Fuller says she is living proof that things can turn around, despite how bleak the circumstances.

“I go to work with a smile on my face, I come home with a smile on my face,” added Fuller. “I hope that everybody gets the opportunity that I did. I would love to see people that have jobs that they enjoy going to work every day.”