seeking employment with sketchy experience

Hey all,

I just graduated and for the past four years, the majority of my income has been grant/scholarship money. I’ve had paid jobs and such but they haven’t really been anything stable – in other words, nothing really suitable to provide a reference for me. Stuff like research studies, free lance/commissions, semester-long stints…I also have a fair amount of volunteering stuff, but nothing so long-term that someone would remember my name.

1. So when job applications ask for a list of jobs, I don’t really have anyone suitable to list as a contact.
2. It seems like even relatively entry-level jobs are requiring years of experience nowadays, especially jobs I think I’d be relatively good at. I think I’d make a great receptionist but do I have four years of experience plus references? Alas, no. So I have no idea what kind of job I should be looking/hoping for. I feel either overqualified (in terms of jobs high school kids could get) or underqualified :/
3. Are there ways of generating some income in the meantime? I know this question is asked a lot. Mturk sounds promising. Is ChaCha still worth it? I’ll do anything you can legit do from home.

Thank you :)