ESPN recently made headlines when it announced it had dismissed many on-air personalities as part of an initiative to enhance financial viability. This drastic action by the network signalled their desire for improved profitability. Job security is a fundamental element of career success; however, it doesn't translate directly to stability in terms of employment. Your best interest should not lie in settling for an artificial sense of job security and stopping to learn and advance professionally. Job Security is a Myth ESPN layoffs have shocked many sports fans and caused many people to wonder whether or not they may become next on the firing list. First Take commentator Stephen A Smith believes Disney-owned network's culling of on-air personalities is far from over and that more may follow, warning in an episode of his podcast that this "ain't the end, more is coming," possibly making him next one up for dismissal. As the economy worsens, companies have to find ways to cut costs wherever possible - including making mass layoffs. This trend has affected not only ESPN but other big tech firms like Apple and Google as well. Media organizations typically follow suit by cutting employees. Unfortunately for employees at one of these giants there's no longer any such thing as job security. Smith has not shied away from being candid about his career path and it appears he wishes for something more fulfilling than working at ESPN. Not enjoying working for major corporations such as this one, Smith seems ready to move on when his contract expires in 2025. ESPN has made massive cuts, and is reported to be suffering from declining viewership as viewers opt for other streaming options instead of traditional cable channels. Furthermore, staff have left due to layoffs at ESPN in response to those cuts; others may leave for other outlets entirely. Though this news may be disheartening to some, there's no need for alarm. ESPN is known for making sudden and abrupt changes to their programming with little advance warning; so while drastic shifts may happen in the near future, that doesn't necessarily mean they will ax talent like Jeff Van Gundy and Jalen Rose or SportsCenter hosts Max Kellerman and Keyshawn Johnson will go away. It’s Not a Myth Last week ESPN surprised many when it announced mass layoffs of its on-air talent roster, including many well-known sports media personalities such as Jalen Rose, Jeff Van Gundy and Max Kellerman. On his podcast recently Stephen A Smith predicted further layoffs would occur within ESPN in the near future and suggested more layoffs may follow suit in due course. Smith is one of ESPN's most recognizable personalities and leads their popular show First Take on the network. Additionally, he appears frequently on SportsCenter and NBA Countdown where his unique style makes him an effective on-air presence for ESPN. ESPN brand Ambassador Colin Kaepernick is considered an asset and makes one of the highest annual salaries among athletes in sports media, but has frequently criticised ESPN for underpaying him relative to its other talent. Awful Announcing recently reported he currently makes approximately $12 Million per year. ESPN will likely continue its efforts to remain profitable by cutting payroll costs and dismissing some on-air talent as it navigates a changing television landscape. Smith believes more cuts may come soon and cautions employees that job security has long since passed us by; today the average employee tenure lasts less than five years while millennials tend to hold multiple positions during their career path. He advises listeners that it is more important than ever for individuals to build up their skills and pursue activities they love rather than worrying about finding work at one company for life. Smith reminded his listeners of the increasing popularity of freelance work as an avenue of making a living in one field - especially given how popular sports media personalities were likely feeling like Smith when ESPN released them from their contract back in 2009. It’s Not the End Smith recently made this claim in a podcast episode, and believes he could be next on ESPN's list of candidates for cost-cutting measures. ESPN is known to cut costs wherever possible; therefore it appears they could cut even further talent, as has happened at Fox and CBS News over recent months. Smith is one of the biggest stars at ESPN and hosts an award-winning show, yet does not take his job for granted. On his podcast, he acknowledged the layoffs would happen, noting he wasn't immune from them either. Additionally, he claimed that ESPN's decision to fire so many popular on-air personalities like Jalen Rose, Jeff Van Gundy, Max Kellerman, Suzy Kolber and others wasn't due to their salaries or because they were bad at what they do. Instead, Smith explained that Disney's decision was driven by numbers; that the COVID-19 pandemic harmed revenue because theme parks had to close, while streaming is taking away profits overall. Smith does not agree with layoffs for whatever reasons may exist, and would be saddened to see any of his colleagues lose their jobs. He expressed sympathy to those left behind while offering best wishes in their future endeavors. Job security in America has steadily been decreasing over time. Companies are cutting payrolls and benefits in order to save money, leading to decreased employee tenures. Furthermore, an increasing number of individuals have turned to freelance work so as to have greater flexibility without risk of layoff - especially among millennials who have only just entered the workforce within the last 15 years. It’s a Myth Job security in sports commentating is almost impossible to attain, yet ESPN announced this week a series of layoffs and budget cuts, cutting about 20 on-air personalities including Jalen Rose, Jordan Cornette, Suzy Kolber, Max Kellerman, Jeff Van Gundy, Keyshawn Johnson Matt Hasselbeck Chris Chelios Neil Everett Ashley Brewer Joon Lee LaPhonso Ellis Todd McShay and Jason Fitz - one network A-Lister that seemed safe was Stephen A Smith who hosts First Take, but even this might be on the chopping block - potentially outright gone as well. Stephen A. Smith has been with ESPN since 2003, becoming an iconic presence on First Take as co-host with Skip Bayless. Once Bayless moved on, Smith led it on his own until Bayless returned and since then has become one of its key hosts. Additionally, Smith hosts his own podcast "The Stephen A. Smith Show," contributes to other forms of ESPN programming, and hosts The Stephen A. Smith Show podcast show. As the network cuts costs, some have speculated whether or not Smith may be among those to lose their job. On a recent episode of his podcast, Smith addressed this possibility by making it clear he doesn't feel confident his position is secure. Smith quickly expressed his sadness for those laid off, yet did not appear optimistic about his own future with the network. In fact, he cautioned that additional layoffs were likely on the horizon and warned he could become another casualty himself. ESPN would likely take great umbrage at losing Smith, one of their most well-known personalities and one with whom viewers identify strongly on social media. His following has grown substantially and his ratings for the company continue to soar; yet at $12 Million annually his annual salary can't exactly be called affordable and has publicly asserted that they underpay him. Smith seems unlikely to leave the network altogether, and his comments on his podcast indicate a sense of gratitude towards them for having him around as one of their star talent. Their company has invested much in him over time and his departure would likely not go down well among viewers.