Propose an alternative solution to a sudden destruction in demand for these roles. This is why your job is not who you are, but merely a means by which you support yourself. I apologize if your life path has lead you to where your identity is your work. I never said we shouldn't take care of these people. They deserve a similar quality of life, even if their role no longer exists, and I apologize if that wasn't made clear by my comments. To be clear: We absolutely should take care of people collectively whose roles have evaporated.
I am not willing to have communal tax dollars to pay pilots, aircraft lease payments, and fuel for unneeded air travel capacity, or workers to build planes that'll never fly, and I don't think that's unreasonable. I would be totally fine taking those tax dollars and putting those folks on Social Security early (or whatever safety net is going to keep them comfortable). Take that safety to go find new work you enjoy. Or go fish. Or woodwork. Or spend time with loved ones.
