Everywhere I have worked I have had a three month notice period and the employer could only give me notice for a valid reason such as down sizing or misconduct.

Everywhere I have worked I have had a three month notice period and the employer could only give me notice for a valid reason such as down sizing or misconduct. This is in the UK and Norway, I think it is probably similar in other European countries. Generally the period can be negotiated when you give notice and employers will often simply pay you you some part or all of the salary that would be due and let you leave earlier unless they need you to finish some work or train someone else.