Imagine this...You can't seem to make ends meet, even with a job or unemployment check. The bills are piling up, and despite payment arrangements, it feels like you'll never catch up. You keep looking for work, but employment seems elusive. You're at the end of your rope and need a solution fast!

Did that scenario sound familiar? If so, you may be one of the 17% of Americans who are unemployed or underemployed (according to a 60 Minutes 2010 report). If you're ready to change your situation around, I have the solution for you: Telemarketing!! Yes, I know it may not be fun or glamorous, but take my advice and do it. By the way, if you're college educated, please don't think you're above telemarketing: 20% of those unemployed Americans are college grads. Here are several reasons why telemarketing should be explored if you are having a hard time finding work.

1. Jobs are plentiful. No matter how bad the economy is companies will always need someone to sell stuff or set appointments over the phone. Go to Careerbuilder & put in your zip code and see what comes up. Notice something interesting? Lots of jobs are available.That's usually the case with telemarketing. I can think of two companies (Dial America & Americall) that are pretty close to where I live that always advertise openings and an immediate start. The good news is that this carries over to the telecommuting community as well. Just about every telecommuting job board will have a plethora of telemarketing jobs.

2. You can get hired and start work quickly. What's the most painful part of starting a job? The actual start itself. Beginning in the midst of a pay period means that it'll be a few weeks before you see a full check. However, waiting around for a company to call you back for an interview is another. Don't mistake me for saying that every telemarketing company you apply to will call you immediately, but if you apply to enough companies, you can get at least a few to call you within a couple of weeks.

Please keep in mind that these companies have a lot of turnover. If they didn't, it probably wouldn't be so easy to get in. Of course they want competent people working for them and you always want to position yourself as someone that is going to be there for the long haul. It's also okay if you don't have long-range plans to stay in that industry or that company. With the turnover rate, these employers know that. Just don't mention your plan to exit telemarketing as soon as possible in the interview or once you start working.

3. Telemarketing looks good on your resume. With telemarketing experience, companies will look at you as a telephone professional. It will show versatility. It may not be the most desirable job or career to have but definitely requires skill. This may not be the career or job for everyone, but remember this is survival, and you're trying to earn some money until the position that you really desire becomes available. Don't look at yourself as just a telemarketer. You are a phone professional. That isn't just some euphemism. Talk to a few people you work with, and you'll find a good number who have been doing this work for a very long time.

4. You still have time to look for other jobs. While most telemarketing companies may give you full-time work hours like 3pm to 11pm or 12pm to 8pm, you won't be working around the clock. You can use your downtime to search for better jobs and schedule early morning interviews. It's MUCH harder to do this if you work a job outside the home that requires 8 hours of work plus commute time. Instead of running out and applying to the nearest fast food joint when you're in a financial bind, consider a telemarketing position where you'll actually have time to look for your dream job. 5. You need money, and they need bodies. Here's the bottom line: you're in a tough financial situation, and these companies need people sell their products/services and set appointments. It's a match made in heaven. It's a definite give-and-take here. Apply for the job, be honest during the interview and work your position to the best of your ability. You'll be using and honing skills that will help you in your future dream job. Telemarketing may not be the most exciting job, but it'll definitely bring you a regular paycheck. If you're currently struggling, you're crazy not to consider it.