SONORA PASS

Firefly,

Sorry for the stress that comes with even having to think about getting furloughed; job security needs to stay our number one priority in every contract.

My experience was that the furlough transition was more challenging than the new jobs I ended up at. I am one of those people that enjoys running; I find it interesting that running in the rain is hard for me to start out, but actually much easier once I am doing it. Furlough was the same.

IF our company does furlough, the employment opportunities will likely vary depending on the economic circumstances. The COVID-19 responses will likely impact opportunities in many other careers as well in both the positive and negative directions.

That being said, I would try getting a group together to share potential career ideas and start building networks. Also knowing people who are willing to help is often just as important as having employment skills. Network with coworkers, family and friends.

It might be worth starting a new thread asking every furloughed pilot to share what they did, and if they have any helpful advice that they consider important.

Here are just a few ideas that come to mind:

Depending on which state you live in teaching might be worth looking at. The schools often have a hard time getting substitute teachers to fill in, and filling in at a district you might be interested in is a great way to network into a solid teaching job. A teaching credential is often not required for subs or interim teachers. The pay is not so impressive, and the job not glamorous, but it can be personally rewarding and provide solid benefits and family friendly schedule.

If you are interested in law enforcement, many of our pilots found employment on police forces or as a deputy. Correctional Officers pay well in my state and have excellent benefits.

I know some pilots worked in Pharmaceutical sales and some that helped operate and run assisted living care homes.

Healthcare will likely boom, and even a short phlebotomists course might land a entry level job in a hospital lab with opportunities to move up.

Some furloughed pilots took jobs in other modes of transportation including trains and trucking.

A hobby or interest might provide a potential venue to find employment in retail or services in that area.

If furloughs do come our way, the best thing is to take care of your family first, stay positive, and network. The help I received from my fellow furloughed pilots made a HUGE difference in everything from unemployment benefits to getting hired at a company that one worked for. Network.

None of us are immune to the potential of hitting the reset button, and it is always a good idea to think about what you might do just in case it does happen.

I hope we all prepare for this possibility, but find that we did not need to,

SP