If you got people in sickbay, while you have 100 idle workers. workers will disappear but cost for new worker will stay the same....Just now lost about 40 crew members because of it....
For money, try going to Midcamp, only spot where you can fill out skill slots with Non-combat/job skills: mining, fishing, woodcutting, fortune telling, fishing and farming.
(Can you keep a secret) I am having the same fear... XD