One thing you have to know is that you can't be picky and have to accept whatever job comes your way. In Canada I worked at the Toys "R" Us and handed out the newspaper Metro in downtown Vancouver. In Australia I worked as an au pair and in a backpackers office, helping newly arrived travellers with bankaccounts, tax numbers, etc. Nothing had anything to do with my degree (journalism). All jobs were found after I arrived in the other country. I can't give you any advice with the current recession as I finished working 6 months ago when it wasn't so bad yet. I can give you the tip to book your travels through a backpackers organisation as they get better deals on flights and usually have job offers for you as well. The one I used in Canada was called SWAP. Good luck!