"Americans are worried about the security of their current job, and they're worried that they, their kids and their neighbors may not find good jobs and new opportunities in the future," John McCain said Monday, nicely capturing the mood of much of the country.

While the jobless rate held steady in June at 5.5 percent, nonfarm payrolls dropped by 62,000 jobs and more new claims for unemployment benefits were filed.

In Georgia, unemployment stood at 5.8 percent in May, up significantly from the 4.4 percent of May 2007.

As national angst grows, Washington is pondering what it can do to improve the economy, or at least look like it's doing something. Last week, President Bush signed a bill extending unemployment benefits, and federal stimulus checks are helping to prop up the economy for now. But no government has discovered a way to smooth out all the ups and downs of a free-market economy.

This time around, the U.S. is being whacked by record-high energy costs that have fueled inflation, and by subprime mortgage loan troubles that have helped drag down housing and related industries. Employers have grown nervous watching all this, and have greatly slowed hiring or laid off workers to survive.

"Economic insecurity is the dominant issue today," says Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. "People are concerned that, if I do lose my job, then what?"

Georgia still has bright spots. A new Kia vehicle plant and related suppliers near LaGrange are expected to create as many as 10,000 to 12,000 jobs. The Columbus area will also see an estimated 11,000 new jobs thanks to an expanded role for Fort Benning.

Over the long term, improving the state's work force can help minimize joblessness. "I believe if you build the work force, jobs will come," Thurmond said.

Technical education programs and two-year colleges can be especially good drivers of job growth, given that today's jobs often require more technical skills. "Lifelong learning" is not just a buzz phrase, it's a requirement for those who want to thrive in a rapidly shifting economy.

"You need to look at yourself almost as an independent contractor," Thurmond said. "Always continue to upgrade your skill set."

As always, nations, states, companies and households willing to prepare for the future stand the best chance of being counted among the job-market winners.

—- Andre Jackson (aajackson@ajc.com), for the editorial board.