On average, there are about two jobs for every one unemployed person, even with a stagnant economy and high inflation.

If your nearest retail store is looking for workers, it's not a fluke. The labor department reports a spike in job openings for retail, warehousing, shipping and education last month. Needs in manufacturing and health care declined.

"That's slowing down growth. At the same time, it's contributing to inflationary pressures," said Ernie Goss, an economics professor at Creighton University.

While higher wages may be good for workers, companies could pass on the extra costs to consumers through price increases. That tends to make inflation worse, which means your extra wages might not go as far.

"This is not a good time for either businesses or workers in terms of their inflation-adjusted wages," Goss said.

The Federal Reserve is trying to slow down the economy, which also reduces inflation, but it runs the risk of a rise in layoffs as businesses have less extra money to spend.

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