Around half of Americans can't afford an unexpected $400 expense. Two years of savings in the bank seems like solid financial security by comparison. I have wo

Around half of Americans can't afford an unexpected $400 expense. Two years of savings in the bank seems like solid financial security by comparison. I have worked as a programmer for forty years, through ups and downs, layoffs, recessions. And raised three kids. You roll with it, keep your skills sharp, stay in contact with colleagues, don't burn bridges. Plenty of work always available in the tech industry, paying far more than most people make. Avoid companies that don't make a profit or have narcissists and sociopaths in charge.