Maybe you just want a little extra spending money – or you're trying to catch up with the bills. Some freelance work can go a long way in bridging your personal budget gap. But instead of following the same worn-out job-search track, why not blaze your own creative path?

Here are five unusual suggestions:

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Be a movie extra. The best way to get your smiling face flash by on the silver screen (or end up on the cutting room floor) is to register with a casting agent. Check out Cenex Casting , which charges extras a $20 photo/electronic image fee or Moviex.com , which charges potential extras $14.99. Extras don't have to be in a union to get work, and in fact, it's hard for them to get accepted into the Screen Actors Guild. That said, union members do earn more than non-union workers – up to $200 for eight hours work depending on if they're working in a movie, television show or commercial, qualify for benefits and even overtime.

Walk a dog. Dog walkers generally earn from $10 to about $15 an hour – per pooch - so this is a great way to get cash in your pocket. Of course, you've got to be committed to showing up for a walk – even when the weather's lousy – and it helps if you know how to handle your furry friends.

An easy way to earn that experience and to collect references is to help out in obedience classes, says Dianne Eibner, a professional dog walker and author of The Face in the Window: A Guide to Professional Dogwalking.

"When I started, I offered to take the dog to a trainer because the owners didn't have time to do it. I was able to get experience and I didn't have to pay for the classes," said Eibner. She also urges new dog walkers join the Professional Dog Walkers Association, which has a code of conduct for members and posts advice and training tips at http://www.angelfire.com/on3/pdwa/

Be a personal chef. There's a good reason fast food is popular; people don't have enough time to cook. Those who prefer to forgo greasy fries or burgers often turn to personal chefs to get balanced, delicious meals. In fact, some 6,000 personal chefs cook for 72,000 clients, according to the American Personal Chef Association (www.personalchef.org), which has seminars, tools and job net working for its members. You don't have to launch into a full-time business to be a chef, though. Start small, with a weekly drop-off of homemade dishes or baked goods that clients can heat and eat throughout the week.

Walk a person. If you're an athlete why not capitalize on the simple truth that plenty of individuals want to get in shape but don't have the motivation to exercise consistently. No, we're not talking personal training. That requires some training in things like nutrition and physical therapy. We're thinking something more low-key but equally valuable: a personal workout partner. You get paid to, say, make that early morning call to get lazy-bones up and out, then meet them at the gym or track for 45 minutes to an hour of physical fitness. You get paid to do stay in shape and keep others who are less motivated on track.

Tend bar. Obviously, it helps if you've got some experience beyond, oh, partying through most of your 20s. That's not to say playing bartender at a party isn't one way to get some experience. You also should try to find "guest bartender" nights where you can, presumably, learn on the job and you don't have to commit to a full-time schedule. Still, a bit of bartending school isn't a bad idea if you really have no idea how to mix basic cocktails. See the American Bartenders Association (www.americanbartenders.org) has links to schools nationwide.

Knit a sweater. If you're among the talented few who can quickly knit a sweater, blanket, hat or other clothing, why not make some money for your skills? An easy bet is selling kids' clothing, which takes no time to complete for those who can knit and purl in their sleep. Grandparents are potential clients, but don't forget to advertise at work, your child's school or through word-of-mouth. Don't forget the web, either. Why not auction off your wares at oh, www.ebay.com or at clothing-specific sites like www.mykidscloset.com?

Be a personal assistant. Hire yourself on a one-time only basis, to organize someone's home or office, or as ongoing assistant to a busy person who needs an extra pair of hands. You may be asked to schedule someone's appointments, pick up cleaning, answer their mail, do their shopping or organize events or book their travel plans. What you make depends on your area and the scope of services you provide. Those looking for work should arm themselves with resumes and, ideally, have related experience.

Participate in university studies. This is the kind of job that's easy to do once you find it. But if you've got a college near you, check out it's job board or call various departments to participate in various studies.

Finally, don't forget the web. There are plenty of online listings for freelance work, such as www.guru.com, www.freeagent.com and www.a2zmoonligher.com.

Inder Gugliani, CEO of www.a2zmoonlighter.com says workers with specialized skills are in the highest demand for freelance work. "If you're a small business owner, putting your own people through tasks they're not very good as is not nearly as efficient as hiring someone who can do the job," Gugliano said.