In a significant move, Boeing announced that it would lay off 10% of its workforce due to financial struggles and the ongoing machinists’ strike. This will affect a wide range of employees, including executives, managers, and machinists. While the layoffs will undoubtedly disrupt lives, there are strategies to help those impacted not only survive but bounce back stronger than ever. Drawing insights from Boeing’s announcement and expert advice on overcoming job loss, here’s a guide to navigating this challenging time.
Boeing’s Layoffs and End of 767 Freighter Program

Bridget Chavez of KING 5 Seattle reported that Boeing’s layoffs, expected to roll out over the coming months, come on the heels of a machinists’ strike that has deeply affected the company. Alongside the layoffs, Boeing announced the end of its 767 freighter program, which will wind down by 2027. This move has left many workers, particularly machinists, disheartened.
The layoffs will affect thousands of employees. In an email to staff, CEO Kelly Ortberg stated that Boeing needs to focus on core areas and reduce spreading resources thin. Despite these layoffs, Boeing is still committed to completing its remaining 767 freighter orders and evaluating other programs within its Defense, Space & Security division. However, the layoffs, compounded by the financial hit from the machinists’ strike, create an uncertain future for the aerospace giant and its workforce.
The Emotional and Financial Toll of Job Loss

The news of layoffs was met with disappointment from Boeing’s workforce, especially among machinists currently on strike. As Chavez reported, many are concerned about the ripple effects these layoffs will have on families and communities. “It’s going to hurt a lot of people, hurt a lot of families,” said Dano Williams, a striking machinist. This feeling of uncertainty is shared by thousands of workers facing job insecurity.
While the emotional toll of losing a job is undeniable, there are ways to cope and recover. Bryan Creely, a career expert and host of A Life After Layoff, suggests that it’s important to process the loss and allow yourself time to grieve. Feeling disappointed, angry, or disillusioned is a natural part of the process. However, once those emotions have been acknowledged, it’s time to plan your comeback.
Learning from the Experience

According to Creely, one of the first steps after a layoff is to assess what went wrong. While layoffs often aren’t a reflection of an individual’s performance, it’s important to learn from the situation. “Sometimes, it’s just being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Creely explains. For those caught in a large corporate restructuring, understanding the factors that led to your role being cut – such as project priorities or a company’s financial standing – can help you make more informed career choices in the future.
For many Boeing workers, this may also be an opportunity to reassess the aerospace industry’s stability and explore whether staying within the same sector is the best path forward.
Establishing a Clear Career Strategy

After accepting what happened, Creely advises that individuals start by creating a clear strategy for their next move. This is an opportunity to pivot or realign with career goals. Whether you decide to pursue a new field or strengthen your existing skills, having a plan is key to bouncing back. As Creely puts it, “You want to go forward with the highest degree of strength.”
For Boeing employees, this could mean looking at transferable skills in areas like manufacturing, engineering, or even new technologies that are less vulnerable to the fluctuations in the aerospace industry.
Sharpening Your Job Search Tools

Once you have a clear strategy, Creely emphasizes the importance of sharpening your job search tools – especially your resume and LinkedIn profile. Many people, he notes, think their resume is fine, but it might not be getting the traction needed in a competitive market. If you’re applying to jobs and not getting responses, it’s likely time to revisit your resume and make sure it clearly highlights your strengths.
LinkedIn is another critical tool, particularly in today’s job market. A well-optimized LinkedIn profile can help recruiters find you, saving you time and effort. Creely stresses the importance of utilizing LinkedIn not just for job searching, but for networking with potential employers and industry contacts.
Networking: The Power of Connections

Networking is vital during a job search. Creely points out that while LinkedIn is a powerful online tool, in-person networking should not be ignored. Boeing workers can attend job fairs, Chamber of Commerce events, and other networking opportunities to build connections in industries they’re interested in exploring.
Being part of a community, both online and offline, can open doors to opportunities you might not have considered before. In fact, many jobs are never posted online and are filled through word-of-mouth referrals. Making sure that people in your network know that you’re available for new opportunities can be a game-changer.
Building Multiple Income Streams

One of Creely’s key pieces of advice is to develop multiple income streams. He explains that relying solely on a single paycheck puts you at risk if that income suddenly disappears, as Boeing employees are now experiencing. By diversifying income sources, whether through side businesses, freelancing, or investments, you can create a safety net that makes you less vulnerable in the future.
Announcing Your Comeback

When the time comes, don’t be shy about announcing your next steps. If you’ve found a new job or started a new venture, Creely recommends sharing it on LinkedIn and letting your network know. “It’s like a Phoenix rising out of the ashes,” he says, encouraging workers to embrace the opportunity to show how they’ve grown since their layoff.
For Boeing workers, this may be a time to reflect on the skills and experiences gained during their time with the company, and how those can be leveraged into new opportunities.
Inspiring Experiences

People in the comments shared their stories and experiences: “Getting laid off/fired can be the best thing that happens to you. I was fired from my last job in May 2022 and felt like a failure but after a week, I realized it was not a great role for me and I wanted to take my time to get something else that I wanted to be with long term. I got a new role by November with my dream role and company and love every day that I work. I work less hours, it is way less stressful and I got a 12,000 raise with much better benefits and equipment and get to work from home. Just a couple days a month for meetings I need to be in person. I also learned that my old company laid off a bunch of people so they have been planning to let me go anyway.”
Another commenter said: “My mentality changed after losing my job in April 2023. I will treat my future jobs as one-year contracts that could or could not be extended.
Right now I finished a certificate course on AI and did a part-time ticket sales project, which could come in handy when I get my next interviews. The interview part is where I keep falling short though.”
Bouncing Back After Job Loss

Losing a job is never easy, and the recent layoffs at Boeing have sent shockwaves through the aerospace industry. However, it’s possible to not only survive but thrive after job loss. By learning from the experience, establishing a clear plan, and sharpening your tools, you can bounce back stronger than before.
Boeing employees, like anyone facing layoffs, must take these steps to ensure their long-term career success. While the road ahead might seem uncertain, resilience and preparation can turn this setback into an opportunity for growth.
Turning Challenge Into an Opportunity

What do you think? How can you turn the challenge of job loss into an opportunity for personal and professional growth? What new skills or industries could you explore to make yourself more resilient in an unpredictable job market?
To dive deeper into this topic, check out the full videos on KING 5 Seattle’s YouTube channel here and on the A Life After Layoff channel here.

A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa writes about homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Whether it’s canning vegetables or setting up a rainwater harvesting system, Lisa’s goal is to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.