[benched]

You can be let go at any time. It will be a surprise - companies typically go to lengths not to provide any warning. Usually you just go to work one morning, and get turned away - sometimes you won't even be allowed to go to your desk. You'll be able to collect unemployment, which is like insurance that you paid money into via taxes. You have to show that you're searching for work while you collect.

(I've been laid off once before.)