No. But people in my area were laid off. This is usually not a huge deal in western europe because of the notice period. In Germany it's usually 3 months, so if

No. But people in my area were laid off. This is usually not a huge deal in western europe because of the notice period. In Germany it's usually 3 months, so if the company tells you "You're out" (which is extremely unlikely btw, you are laid off either if a) you did something terrible, or b) company goes bankrupt), you still have 3 (full) calendar months to find a job and all. Since the 3 months notice period is quite standard in the country, when you apply for a job, they understand that you may join only 3 months from now. The main (perhaps the only) reason I would never work for American companies is the lack of any laws that prevent them from firing me without notice. It's just so backwards.