I had a realization about employment that really changed my perspective, especially after being laid off during a wave of redundancies. I started to see my salary as just a corporation's monthly subscription to my skills and time. This thought struck me four years before my layoff, and it made me rethink how I approach long-term financial commitments. I realized that if I were to take on a mortgage or a car loan, I would essentially be basing those obligations on the assumption that my income would remain stable indefinitely. When I was laid off, I was fortunate enough to move back to my home country where my parents had a spare apartment. This allowed me to avoid the stress of immediate housing costs. I also made a conscious decision to save up ten years' worth of living expenses, which meant sacrificing some luxuries while I was still employed. I don't have practical advice for those who might not have a safety net like I did, but I strongly believe in resisting lifestyle inflation and being cautious about long-term financial commitments that rely on a steady income. It's a harsh reality that job security is a myth in today's corporate world, and it's crucial to prepare for the unexpected.