Jeannie Cascone has been looking for a job since May. She was laid off by Washington Mutual when half of her team was let go.

“It is very hard times right now. It is hard, but we all have to get through it,” Cascone said.

Cascone said finding work has not been easy.

“Even though I see a lot of job options that are open, I call back the day after I’ve applied, but that is closed. I’m like okay,“ Cascone said.

Devastation from Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike has contributed to the national unemployment numbers seeing a dramatic spike.

A new report out Thursday shows the unemployment rate jumped to 6.1 percent, the highest level in five years.

In August, Washington's unemployment rose to 6 percent with 200,334 people unemployed.

Worksource, Washington State's employment division, has seen a rise in the number of people taking classes and using resources. Worksource is aimed at getting the unemployed back into the workforce.

Cascone is taking a computer course at Worksource.

“I have to find a job. I have to find someone that wants my skill set. I have to get out there and figure out who the people are,” Cascone said.

Cascone’s husband was also laid-off just last week. She said she is nervous that both of them are out of work.

“I am absolutely nervous. That gets me more motivated to get out the door,” Cascone said.