10 Ways to Find Work Today

Finding a job can be demoralizing and frustrating. Not only are you competing with 14.6 million unemployed people across the country for jobs, there are bills to pay and you need to find some way to bring some money in.

After a while of filling out countless job applications and being unable to find the career of your dreams, it's time to get realistic and find some part-time work or temporary gigs until the economy fully rebounds. Here are 10 options that the Financial Highway recommended for finding work today so you can get some of those bills out of your in basket:

1. Craigslist

The website has tons of temporary jobs, from painting houses to handing out fliers on the street corner. Melissa, who didn't want her last name used, told AOL Jobs in an e-mail that she has found a few quick freelance jobs on Craigslist, but the drawback is that each job gets hundreds of responses, so applicants have to be fast when the job is posted because the people hiring will only go through the first 25 or so applications. She offered these steps to improving the odds of getting a part-time job from Craigslist:

1. Monitor your category often.
2. Have a professional e-mail response and resumes ready to go.
3. Respond ASAP.
4. Mention specifics (brand name companies on your resume, rare/coveted job skills) in the subject line.
5. Have a "hook," such as "+new biz pro" that could make you stand out from the crowd.

There's also NotifyWire, which alerts you via e-mail or text message when the job you want has been posted. To be sure you're not scammed by a fake job listing on Craigslist, be aware of 20 ways to identify them.

2. Contact old employers

If you left on good terms, this is a way to pay the bills. It's a good idea if the job is still a good fit, or if they have something better to offer. I tried this when I was laid off two years ago. It almost led to a job, but most of the pay would have gone to commuting.

3. Temp agencies

These businesses take a good chunk of your paycheck for the honor of finding you a job, but it could lead to a full-time job with benefits.

4. Day labor jobs

If you're willing to do manual labor, you should be able to find work most days of the week at your local day labor office. You'll have to sit around at the office waiting for work to come in. It's a job that more U.S.-born out-of-work citizens are doing.

5. Apply for jobs you're overqualified for but truly want to do

Walking dogs, for example, is fun if you like dogs and exercising. You'll get paid for doing something you enjoy doing, which is what work should be about.

6. Social networking

Tell everyone on your social networks that you're looking for work, even short-term or one-time jobs while still looking for full-time work. And learn how to expand your social network. Anyone with a young child needs a babysitter, or use your job skills in new ways, such as helping with web content or building something.

7. Seasonal jobs

Retail stores always need help during the holidays, so apply early for these jobs that have great side benefits during the month or so of employment.

8. Head overseas

If you're willing to move to another country, go teach English there, or volunteer abroad in exchange for room and board. Take a few months to a year to explore the international job market.

9. Speak to a job counselor

You'll have to go through some red tape, but many government agencies have job counselors to help people find jobs. At the very least, it will increase your network of people to help you find a job.

10. Sell yourself

Sell your hair, your eggs, your sperm and blood and plasma for some income. You can also participate in medical and psychological studies. This isn't a true job or a long-term solution but it can put dinner on the table as you're looking for something else.