As I approach 40, I've never faced a job loss, and the thought of it is daunting. My wife and I have built a conservative emergency fund that could last us 12-18 months, and we both work in the tech sector. Despite our preparation, the fear of being laid off or fired looms over me, especially since many friends and family have gone through it. I'm curious about the mental and financial impacts of job loss. How did you cope emotionally? How long did it take to recover? What should I prioritize if I find myself in that situation? I've heard that having a financial cushion can alleviate some psychological stress, but I still worry about health insurance and unexpected expenses. I want to be proactive and prepared, but I also want to understand what the experience is truly like.