Not quite. If you are let go "without cause", meaning they fire you for no fault of your own, you are entitled to unemployment pay from the government. In my case it was around $800/week for about 4 months while I looked for a new position. It didn't replace my salary, but it was more than enough to pay my bills.
Most large US companies also have a policy of not giving references beyond answering if the person worked there for the time claimed in the position claimed.
There are a number of benefits to full time employment that good engineers appreciate.
Healthcare (in the US), known reliable income (this can be a big factor for financing a house mortgage/car), various other benefits (I get massage credit, dental, vision/glasses, acupuncture, physiotherapy). The biggest for me is just avoiding the stress of feast or famine, managing business/taxes, etc..
Most large US companies also have a policy of not giving references beyond answering if the person worked there for the time claimed in the position claimed.
There are a number of benefits to full time employment that good engineers appreciate. Healthcare (in the US), known reliable income (this can be a big factor for financing a house mortgage/car), various other benefits (I get massage credit, dental, vision/glasses, acupuncture, physiotherapy). The biggest for me is just avoiding the stress of feast or famine, managing business/taxes, etc..