Over the past few years, we’ve surveyed thousands of independent workers about their employment situations and found that a significant portion are working, but not as much as they would like to, figures which have increased in recent times. That’s why it was no surprise when I spotted “Part-Time Workers Mask Unemployment Woes”, in The New York Times. The article explains that, while the national unemployment rate is 9.5%, this does not include those individuals who have given up looking for work or part-timers seeking full-time employment. Taking into consideration this broader view of both unemployment and underemployment, various states, like California, have rates topping 20%, twice as high as a year ago. And, while seasoned professionals are taking a hit in finding work, it’s especially hard for new grads. The recent Columbia alum magazine even profiled five recent grads and their employment prospects. One was the editor of the school paper who does not yet have a job and another was taking an entrepreneurial approach and starting his own business. So, how are you faring? What are your tips for getting all the work you need?