Polar Bear, I really try to keep the faith. But I keep seeing the same thing gocubsgo (OP) describe and I just can't believe how bad its gotten for so many people.

But it is true. We must do our homework/research and ask for contracts. GETTING contracts may be another thing, but asking is the first step.
It takes more planning and forethought these days to prepare for a move, transfer, job change. That is for sure.

unfortunately an employer can terminate your employment without any notice, but an employee should give 2 weeks notice as a courtesy. and then the employer can turn around and ask you to leave right then and there. it happens all the time. that does not make it ok, but that is the way it is. and it sucks.

The key word here is "should". An employee can leave a job with no notice, in spite of all of the resources the corporation devoted to training the employee. I am just saying that it cuts both ways.