I've only been working in tech for 9 years, much of that was paid pretty low. And I live in a very HCOL city. Unfortunately living with parents is not an option, but I live in a house with 9 other people and have been cooking rice and beans and saving as much as possible, so if I get laid off, between low rent (for my city) and my savings and RRSP I can get by for a little over a year if I absolutely have to. I'd have to start withdrawing from my RRSP (Canadian version of 401K) at around the 10 month mark.

I actually really want to quit my job and try starting my own business, but I feel like it's a terrible time for it. If I get laid off I at least get some benefits from the govt, which I think will extend my cushion by a month or 2.