Working for the airlines these days is sort of like living in America. Times are tough, and you just hope the people in charge know what they are doing, even though you have huge doubts.

Last week, when I rode the crew bus to the employee parking lot, which seems to be moving farther and farther from the airport because of cutbacks, a strong sense of despair was in the air. Some held their heads in their hands, others closed their eyes, and one lady was even silently crying in the corner.

Times are extremely difficult in the airline industry, just as it is everywhere else these days. People are mad, sad, worried about life and the unstable industry in which they have chosen to work.

Tips for coping with turbulent times - Tips - MSNBC.com