The unemployment rate fell to 8.1% from 8.3% and yet it only did so because nearly 400,000 people gave up on looking for work. It continues to be difficult for people to find a job let alone one that pays enough to meet their needs.

This increases the likely event that the Fed will enact a new round of quantitative easing. But will it help our economy and the people who just want a chance to take control of their lives with a decent job?

I've been thinking about what makes someone give up looking for work and what would make me give up looking. I am sure it gets frustrating after applying and applying and getting nowhere. I feel it would be easy to get demoralized and feel that no one wanted you anymore.

So what do you feel would make you give up looking for work? If you are out of work and going through this, please share your thoughts and advice for others.

It seems to me the Stock Market and Big Money have come back and left all the rest of us behind. What do you think?

Many people give up after a lot of rejections or few hits on their applications.

They give up looking for a job because that they are not lack of money in the way of their life!!! or that they have find a better life that can fufill their mental needs!!!

We have had people quit work (even in this economy) because they didn't really need to work. There definitely are a wealth of reasons - including health.

I was out of work for 3 1/2 years before I finally landed a minimum wage, 35 hours a week job. There was literally no response to all the applications I filled out. It was very frustrating, especially being told that an employer received hundreds of applications for that one position. There really has not been enough jobs available for the unemployed, and most people have taken pay cuts just to be working at all. In my last job I was making double what I get paid now. I can't afford to live alone on my pay and I can barely make ends meet.

I gave up for periods of time due to many reasons. Looking for work and dealing with life events became too difficult. One event was going through a divorce, another was moving out of the area, and another was becoming a full time caregiver for a sick loved one. These things took months of time and energy and there was no way to look for work during these periods. Some things are also more important than money, and caring for someone you love takes precedence over everything else.

Debbie,

I agree. Although I write about investing I think money has become too much of a focus in everyone's lives. I have been a caregiver for a sick loved one and it takes all your energy and focus. It was the most rewarding "job" I have ever had because love and family are the most important things in life. I commend you for doing that as many people would not.

The United States government needs to get people working in decent paying jobs. Not just for the money. Work brings a sense of accomplishment and control into a person's life. And there are many people out there who do need the pay.