The private sector isn't alone in feeling the pinch of labor shortages.
The military is also looking for folks.
This week, the U.S. Army announced signing bonuses of up to $50,000 dollars for new recruits in high demand fields who agree to serve for six years.
Maj. Gen. Kevin Vereen, head of Army Recruiting Command, told the Associated Press recruiters are having a tough time. School closing and public event shutdowns closings because of COVID-19 meant recruiters couldn't meet with prospects as they had in the past. And a competitive job market adds to the problem the Army has in filling the ranks.
The Army hopes to recruit about 57,000 this year. And for those who choose to go into certain fields for six years, that could mean a big up-front payday.
Most new enlistees get much less -- an average of about $14,000. But those in fields like missile defense, special forces, signals intelligence and fire control usually command top dollar, the Ap reported. And since needs change month to month, there is opportunity for military police, medics, infantry and other careers to command top bonuses as well.
"We're in a competitive market," Vereen told the AP. "How we incentivize is absolutely essential, and that is absolutely something that we know that is important to trying to get somebody to come and join the military.′
COVID-19 has created a lot of problems. But if there's a silver lining to that dark cloud, it's the opportunities available for those who want to work.