u/Forward_Glass9358

You think some jobs are untouchable, right? My partner spent almost thirty years at the same company, always receiving the highest evaluations, and everyone respected him immensely, to the point that he received a large bonus after his annual review. But then a new manager arrived, as part of a new CEO's plan to shake things up. One by one, long-term employees left the company. After just two months, my partner was asked to leave. Suddenly, the household that had two incomes was down to one.
This is a story many people know. For over twenty years, we relied on both our incomes. Then, without any warning, all of that changed.
Fortunately, for the last six or seven years, we had been regularly putting my partner's entire salary into a broad-market index fund. We never touched that money for our regular expenses, relying solely on my salary to cover household costs.
So when my partner lost his job, the regular transfers naturally stopped. But we managed just fine. We were always careful not to overspend, and we ensured we lived within our means.
That's why I'm telling this story: job termination can happen to anyone, at any time, even to someone as respected and senior in their job as my partner.
Build your savings. Then increase them further. Try to add another percentage point to your workplace savings plan. Transfer money to an interest-bearing account or a well-diversified investment portfolio - whatever suits you. Reduce unnecessary expenses. Seriously, live below your means. Focus on buying essentials, not just what you like. A good $35,000 car will get you around just as efficiently as a luxurious $85,000 model. And it might last you twelve years or more, not just four or six years.
I truly hope no one else has to go through such difficult circumstances. But we are very fortunate that my job provides stability. For now, at least.