If I may provide some feedback on this article, what the title suggests and what the content provides seem to be somewhat at odds. In all the years I've worked in the Design field, I've not noticed that Designers are in fact the first to go when layoffs occur. While I agree with some of the statements Mr. Chung makes, layoffs are typically associated with a variety of factors, which includes: looming recessions, paltry sales and/or investment, poor management, and even trends resulting from macro-economic directions (which seems to be the case right now). One of the things to also keep in mind, is that indeed and in all likelihood, Organizations who foster and have a higher UX maturity level, may be more inclined to preserve that particular talent, more so than ones that are still absent or emerging when it comes to Product Design practices. And finally, while Designers should be dexterous professionals, one thing that I've always learnt throughout the years is to carve a path based on what you want your career to be, not on the jobs you have. Jobs frequently change, as do Organizations. Being able to nurture one's career, including constant education and training, at least makes sure that your path is driven by your own initiative, and not by forces you can't control or influence.