It’s not all bad. Having firing as an option in the US makes it palatable for employers to take risks, like hiring the non traditional student, or the person without any industry experience.
If at-will employment wasn’t available, companies would react by only hiring when absolutely necessary, and there would be fewer available jobs.
Plus, even in the US, some companies offer pensions and are known for almost never laying off or firing people. So you do have the choice of stability if you’re willing to limit the companies you work for. Startups and publicly-traded companies are not the place for those who want a guaranteed job.
You don't need fully at-will employment for that. But I do agree with your overall point. If it was literally impossible to fire anyone - rather than just quite difficult - then interviews would be insane. Probation would last years.
If at-will employment wasn’t available, companies would react by only hiring when absolutely necessary, and there would be fewer available jobs.
Plus, even in the US, some companies offer pensions and are known for almost never laying off or firing people. So you do have the choice of stability if you’re willing to limit the companies you work for. Startups and publicly-traded companies are not the place for those who want a guaranteed job.