What does job security look like in the technology field?

This is a really good question.

1) The security of any technology job is going to depend on several factors, including the wellness of the company and your dedication to learning in the ever changing environment.

2) Job security in the market is not exactly what it used to be. It is no longer keeping the same job for 30 years. It's now about moving and shifting in the job market. See the Bureau of Labor Statistics Reports on this (http://www.bls.gov/nls/nlsfaqs.htm#anch41, the part under the heading, "Number of Jobs Held in a Lifetime"). In technology, it is important to keep yourself learning, recertifying, etc. If you do that, it's a great career path to move and change jobs in. There are so many specialties as well that it is a great path to change direction in as well.

Well, I hate to break it to you, but job security is a thing of the past, in any field.
You can create your own security, in the field of your choice, preferably some field you like, and specialize the S...t out of it ;-) (reference to Matt Damon's Martian).
Any field requires highly qualified, highly trained professional people. Being of that crowd, you will always get THE special treatment: Salary, benefits, being retained while others are laid off.
How can you get this much expertise ? Well, just follow Brian Tracy's advice (I strongly recommend his books): read for 1 hour a day books, articles...in your field of work.

Best of luck,

I would reiterate what the above two posts said, job security is a thing of the past. That said, the technology field is and will continue to be a vital industry. My advise would be to diversify your education. Don't be too narrowly focused, as the technology field is a field of constant flux and innovation. Instead, give yourself a broad range of skills that appeal to a broad range of technology companies.

Two words: Don't Panic. Over the years, I've been let go three times -- not because I was a poor performer, but simply because business needs changed or the company could no longer afford the existing workforce size. As others have said, keep yourself fresh, developing, and flexible and you'll do fine. Above all, be a professional - it's not personal when things go south, it's an opportunity to lift your eyes, survey what's going on, and hopefully move forward to something new and better.

Among all my friends who work in tech in the SF bay area, the average time we stay at a company is about 2 years. Sure, a few people have been laid off and companies go under, but most people just do not stay at a job that long. I think you should think about letting go of the fear of being laid off, and focus on the things that will make it easier for you to find a new job - keeping your skills up to date, always learning new technologies, etc.

Indeed as the others mentioned, job security is a thing of the past, at least in the traditional sense. If you want to remain employed stay relevant. Technology changes fast and so does the players. Adapt your skill set to what is in demand and don’t stick with one company. Science and technology has a great future so you'll be fine!