Rickair brings up a good point. The period from 2009-2011 was dismal for passenger airlines, but freight did pretty well. Companies parked their employees and sent boxes instead. I expect this trend to accelerate as more people work from home.

Many Part 121 freight FLYING jobs are pretty competitive, but there are other ways to work in this sector if you are motivated. A lot of pilots would turn their noses up at the thought of driving a delivery truck or working the ramp, but it might be a good way to get in the door at a company you really want to work for. I fall solidly into the "working stiff" category, so I'd take a job like that in a heartbeat.