Does the thought of being "jobless" for any amount of time scare you?

It scares the hell out of me and that's for. Just because I am well-educated and highly marketable for the moment doesn't mean that I won't be considering a career change years from now due to a possible new administration in the White House. I have a wife (who I want to be housewife so that our future kids could be raised properly), rent, college loans and bills. I am scared of massive layoffs. I work in the aerospace industry which could easily become unstable if the wrong person is in the oval office. With the way things are going, I NEVER want to purchase a house and have a mortgage. It's just another $200,000 of debt.

Anyone else feel this way? This question is geared for people who are currently working 9-5. If you don't have to do this, congratulations to you... you're selfish responses are not warranted.

By the way, I almost got laid off 5 months into my job, straight out of college!!!

I am 30 years old. I have been working since the age of 14. I was out of work once in those years for about a month. Worst month of my life.
Sounds like we may be in the same industry. Administration may be a small matter. You would figure that more money would come our way if a Republican was in office. However, in times of war, funds are re-distributed to the war effort. I had greater funding in the late 90s than I do now.

The only time it should be scary is if you don't have any marketable skills (you say you do), and if you don't have enough money saved for a reserve.

Save up at least 6 months of expenses. I have close to 9 months saved up. Do that and you're able to have options for your future.

As a side observation, you're foolish not to get a house. Why do you think those people /companies you rent from have property? To gain income from people like yourself. Why not buy, and pay yourself every month?

The thought only scares me when I think of it happening after I have kids. (I don't think the White House has as much to do with the problem as you seem to.)

Does your wife also want to be "housewife?" If she doesn't, then kids might not be on their way very soon after all, which will save you some dollars.

Yes, but it's not unusual. The average time a person stays at a job now is like 2.5 years. It's scary, and I'm saving as much as I can, in case. The days of the union and job protection are long gone. Even with a union your job is not safe. You are not alone....as least you have a wife that can join the work force to pitch in if needed.