More than 26 million people have filed for unemployment since local governments began shutting down non-essential businesses during the coronavirus pandemic — and some surveys indicate millions more have been unable even to file.
Hopefully, many of those layoffs are just temporary. But as time goes on, concerns are growing that more and more job losses will be permanent as companies scale back in the months to come.
Kimberly Finn was among those who were recently laid-off amid the pandemic.
"Money is a little tight, yes. I have been laid off, so money is very tight," she said.
Sarah Meadows is also out-of-work, a daycare worker with few prospects until the crisis passes.
"School is out, and daycares are closed," she said. "So, I can't even look for work now."
But while it may be hard to believe during this time of mass layoffs, some companies are desperate for workers — and those who don't qualify for unemployment or can't cover the bills may want to check some of them out.
Delivery companies need drivers, packers
Amazon is seeing a record-breaking surge in orders this spring and needs tens of thousands of people to sort groceries and dry goods in its warehouses — and then get them to homes.
Jason Wheeler is a site leader at one of Amazon's hundreds of warehouses nationwide, which together needs to hire more than 100,000 workers this spring.
"My side alone has hired over a hundred Amazonians, and needs to hire more in the coming weeks," Wheeler said. "We will continue to do our part for the community, the state, and the country."
But it is not just Amazon that needs people to sort, pack, and deliver.
United Courier is a shipper of medical equipment and supplies, which now includes the essential personal protective equipment for hospitals.
United Courier is a shipper of medical equipment and supplies, which now includes the essential personal protective equipment for hospitals.
"The people in the supply chain, they are actually out there beating the bushes every day," Meyers said.
Where to apply for work
Reports in Fast Company and USA Today say those that need work should check out these businesses, which likely are hiring.
Amazon: The world's biggest retailer needs more than 150,000 new workers this year to pack, sort, and deliver.
Grocery and drug stores: Hiring is up 123% this year, according to Fast Company — especially at Kroger, Walmart, and CVS . Walmart alone plans to add more than 100,000 employees this year.
Grocery delivery services: Instacart and Shipt both need thousands of workers to deliver grocery orders that shoppers want to be brought to their door during the pandemic.
Restaurant delivery services: Uber Eats and Door Dash , needs help filling the enormous spike in orders families are placing as restaurant dining rooms remain shut down. These jobs can be a huge help for Uber and Lyft drivers who have lost most of their income hauling passengers.
Trucking firms: Trucking companies need help getting grocery and medical supplies to stores — though many of these jobs will require a CDL license.
Pizza chains: Hiring is up 100% — Domino's and Papa John's need immediate workers to help with the surge in takeout orders.
Home improvement stores: Lowe's needs to hire 30,000 workers, and Home Depot is also hiring.
Pizza chains: Hiring is up 100% — Domino's and Papa John's need immediate workers to help with the surge in takeout orders.
Dollar stores: Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Family Dollar are each adding thousands of staffers to restock stores.
Tobacco shops, cannabis/CBD clinics, and vape shops: Help Wanted ads are up 100% in the industry.
Gun and rifle ranges: Hiring is up 269%, as people train to protect themselves.
Pet shops and breeders: Hiring is up 400%, as people rush to adopt new dogs and kittens.
Dollar stores: Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Family Dollar are each adding thousands of staffers to restock stores.
Meyers says while her firm has to be very selective since they deliver to hospitals, any company in the delivery chain probably needs workers right now.
Pet shops and breeders: Hiring is up 400%, as people rush to adopt new dogs and kittens.
And good driving skills are not required, because just about every delivery firm has a warehouse behind it that could use some extra help right now.
As always, don't waste your money.
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