Hey OP, are you worried? You've made it until now, if a layoff happens, you'll do just fine. I'm saying this because I have those silly thoughts all the time, m

Hey OP, are you worried? You've made it until now, if a layoff happens, you'll do just fine. I'm saying this because I have those silly thoughts all the time, mainly because of my poor upbringing, hunger, seeing my family members get shot and die and living in a third world country... but I can stop those thoughts and relax. Now for your question: Now I live in Germany, so 6-12 month fund isn't even necessary as in case of a layoff, as I've worked for long enough, I'll get 1 year reduced paycheck that will keep my bills paid. But I've saved the emergency fund nevertheless. Honestly, it's the only thing I have control. And of course, if I get laid off, I'll do what is needed to do. If companies want me to leetcode, I'll leetcode. If companies want me to prepare better for whiteboard interviews, I'll also do it. Here in Germany it isn't very common, they mostly give you a take home exercise, but in case of a layoff, you should be prepared to take action on what is needed for you to get back to a job. I wouldn't be overly concerned, people think of those scenarios as very dire, with mass unemployment. In case such thing happens and it is as dire as you think, social chaos will be huge and governments will need to find a solution for this problem. Even if that means sending all IT workers to start digging holes, to fill it out with dirty over again. Just be ready to work on whatever comes and on adapting yourself to any new situation. I hope we never have to dig holes together, but in case we do, let's make it fun :) If you are a skilled IT professional, that is healthy and can talk, write and deal with situations in an analytical way, you'll find a solution. I find it sad that people that are very dedicated to their jobs have this sort of thoughts, whether they will make ends meet in case something out of ordinary happens. It is very likely that you will. This might mean taking some paycut and needing to refinance or rethink your finances, but it won't be the end for you. Just chill and relax. Life also has up and downs and you likely have it better than most. Also learn to see your possibilities without your job. This comment makes me think you are too attached to your current situation. Maybe if you were digging up holes or working as a cashier on a wall mart, you'd still be happy and figuring things out. And to wrap up, enjoy your life, you only live once, to waste your time being worried about it.