Layoffs for airline and travel workers - recovering after mass layoffs

Many were shocked when entertainment industry titan, Disney, announced that it would lay off 28,000 employees from its (normally) popular theme park destinations in #Florida and #California. Airline giants, American Airlines and United Airlines have also announced furloughs, pay cuts and layoffs due to the pandemic, which will impact a combined total of over 60,000 employees.

With talks of a pandemic relief package uncertain, the fate of many airline employees remains similarly uncertain. The airlines are losing an unsustainable amount of money, and if financial aid isn't injected into the industry, there could be a larger wave of layoffs coming for airline employees.

So what should you do if you’re among the tens of thousands of workers in these industries who are now laid off or soon expecting a layoff? Here is some advice tailored to your situation and skillset.

I was laid off...what did I do wrong?

The first thing to know if you were just laid off is that it’s not your fault. In many cases, layoffs are caused by a larger failing in the economy or your company, but not a failing in you. Even though we may know this rationally, it can be hard to shake the feeling that if you had done something differently you might still have a job. This simply isn’t true.

Why did my company let employees go?

If you worked in an entertainment or travel company, you likely witnessed the impacts of the #Coronavirus pandemic at work first hand. As the risk of illness threatened the public, stay-at-home orders increased and travel bans were enacted. Many people settled down to shelter in place, and reduced the time spent with the public. With no customers, airline and event tickets and theme park passes hit rock bottom sales. Many of these companies have been forced to either cut pay, enact furloughs or lay off employees to stay afloat during the pandemic.

If there are no jobs in my industry, where can I go now?

If you were affected by layoffs, or think that you might be affected by upcoming layoffs, you’re put in a difficult place. If you had been laid off in a different environment, your first instinct might have been to apply at other similar companies in the entertainment of the transportation industry, but in today’s world, many of these companies are likely facing the same issues. So where do you go now?

If you’re asking this question, it may be time to examine your skills and aptitudes. Members of your industry may have industry-specific skills, however no matter where you work, there are skills that will qualify you to comfortably transition into a thriving industry.

What are my skills?

If you have experience working in the entertainment or transportation industry, chances are you are what is known as a “people person.” Those who thrive in this industry are known for their outstanding customer service, friendly demeanor and innate ability to multitask, problem-solve and communicate effectively with others.

These skills, though vitally important for the mentioned roles above, are just as important in other career paths. You’ve been building up important transferable skills in your current position that other employers might be looking for in their next employee!

If you’re unsure what skills your previous jobs have helped you master, take a general skill inventory. Think about all of the things you have learned in past jobs they may include things such as:

• Cash management skills
• Working knowledge of POS systems
• Managing groups
• Organizational skills
• Delegating responsibilities to staff

Who’s hiring employees like me?

There are a large number of employers who are looking for well-rounded workers like yourself! Here are some companies that are looking to hire now:

• Fedex Ground
• Target
• C3/CustomerContactChannels
• BroadPath
• Walmart
• Lowe's
• UnitedHealth

**And remember... ** When applying for these jobs, or any position outside of your traditional realm of expertise, be sure to emphasize your transferable skills. Showcase your strengths in your resume and cover letter. When it comes time for the interview, show up prepared and ready to show why you are the best candidate for the role!

**What are your thoughts on layoffs? Share in the comments below. **