> losing your job in America is a lot scarier than in most countries

Compared with China?

Yes. You can get unemployment insurance payout between 3 and 24 months:

https://msadvisory.com/china-social-security-system/

For example, if the local minimum wage in Shanghai is RMB 2,590 per month, the unemployment benefit would range between RMB 1,813 and RMB 2,072.

https://fdichina.com/blog/unemployment-insurance-in-china/