On Labor Day, the labor outlook for California workers looks good after a glance at the numbers: The state has added more than 800,000 jobs since 2010.
But it isn't that simple. California still has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, and many of those added jobs are low-paying and part-time.
In Santa Monica, Vincent Udeoji, originally from Nigeria, spends his nights driving a cab. His daytime job is teaching math to special education students in West Covina.
He said he needs to work multiple jobs to support his family.
"I have four kids, so I have to take care of them and people back home," Udeoji said. "One job cannot afford what I need."
California has seen the creation of jobs in the construction and hospitality sectors, but many of these jobs are temporary or part-time.
Tom Hollinger and his wife, Ana, own art galleries in Los Angeles and Chicago. They said they've noticed that the wealthy still spend freely while the majority are struggling.
"People are working for a lot less than they made 10 years ago," he said. "Salaried people are now working hourly."
But he and his wife said they noticed high-end restaurants and hotels are always full.
"At one level, you can describe the economy looks to be in a turnaround," he said. "The other reality for the majority of people, it's a tougher time. It's going to be a difficult, long road back.
The new unemployment numbers come out on Sept. 20. California is expected to see continued job growth in areas of software development, nursing and food services.