The news about unemployment isn’t good. Hundreds of thousands of layoffs, the highest increases in joblessness in years, employment down in everything from manufacturing to retail sales. If you are unemployed right now, things might feel very bleak indeed.

As a career advisor, it’s hard to know what to say. Try harder?

Of course, some job-seekers could benefit from an improved job search. Better networking, a more focused resume, and a more realistic job target would all improve your results. But some of you are running textbook job searches and still not getting offers. I know each of you will get a job. I just don’t know when.

And the timing matters. A good offer that comes too late to save the house is not good enough. You need cash flow, and you need it now.

That’s why I want you to take a part-time job. Now. When the economy is this uncertain, it’s time to focus on survival. Set a goal to get a part-time job by the end of the week and do what it takes to meet that goal.

What kind of job would that be? Anything from delivering newspapers to making coffee drinks. And what if somebody you know sees you doing that job? Think it over: Would you rather they saw you making lattes or read about your bankruptcy on the financial pages? The time for false pride is past. The time to get moving is now.

You may be reluctant to take this advice, so let me address some of the concerns people have about part-time jobs.

First, you will not jeopardize your "real" job search. At the most, you need 20-30 hours to conduct a focused job search. That leaves plenty of time for part-time work.

Second, you will probably not jeopardize your unemployment benefits. Most states allow applicants to accept some income while they receive unemployment. Your local workforce center can give you more details.

Third, you will not need to spend tons of time looking for the part-time job. I can guarantee there is one available within a short commute from your home, possibly within walking distance.

Fourth, you will not have trouble later when you receive your full-time offer. At that stage, you may decide to keep the part-time job on the weekends, or to quit. Just give as much notice as you can and get on with your life.

Fifth, even if the job pays very little, it is worth the effort. Even a few hundred dollars a month counts when you’re buying time for the better job offer to come through.

If you’re still hesitant, consider these words: pride, dignity, self-esteem, service, community. Remember that the rewards of work are more than financial, and that you will feel better about yourself if you are going somewhere each day, even if it is "only a part-time job."

—Amy Lindgren is the founder and president of ProtoType Career Services. She is also the employment columnist for Knight Ridder News Service.