My entire work life I have been in danger of being laid off, as has my wife, and we have both been shot in the back of the head a few times and never because of performance. A lot of industries and professions operate cyclically with little buffer so you have to look out for yourself. That means living below your means, always showing value, and keeping your skills fresh in case it happens or you see a better opportunity.
It's called the "real world" where most Americans exist unlike NYT idiots and worthless DC bureaucrats who seem to think that they are entitled to lifetime employment with increasing salaries and benefits and a great retirement program with no expectations of actually being productive. It never ceases to amaze me how these people really think someone like this is a sympathetic character. It's not quite as bad as the former pro athlete who made millions but blew it all on having an entourage and buying 6 cars while never saving a dime but it's not that different either.
I remember when I was in school the tradeoff was always presented as "work in education or the government and you get more security but less pay". Then gradually because of public sector unions and corrupt politicians that flipped to where working in federal government especially allowed you to actually make more than the private sector but still get the security. That's how the system collapses because you are encouraging people quite literally to be a cost to society instead of being a productive force for society. It would be like paying your HR Department more than Sales.
"The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help."
Ronald Reagan
