Government Shutdown

Are you a U.S. government employee? Are you worried about what to do next?

 Well, I'm here to throw out a couple of ideas your way. Particularly in the Washington, DC area, small and large business owners are trying to assist federal government employees the best way that they can. For example, renown Chef José Andres decided to provide free meals between 2-5 pm at his restaurants for furloughed government employees until they go back to work. Utility groups like Verizon and Sprint are waiving penalty fees and offering flexible payment plans. Several restaurants and cafes are offering freebies from coffee to sandwiches and more discounts can be found at the following website:

 https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/01/10/government-shutdown-freebies-deals-and-help-furloughed-workers/2523404002/.

There are even support groups on Facebook that exchange ideas, offer temporary work and other career opportunities. Hey, we should bring back bartering in our communities.These positive options on surviving the government shutdown is not an overall solution to the shutdown because that responsibility lies with the members of congress and the president. IJS

 Another option to consider on surviving the government shutdown is to become an entrepreneur.

Did you know that one of the best type of entrepreneurs were created from insolvent or furloughed circumstances? It's true! Think of the cold war or the Harlem Renaissance era. The economy may be down, but don't allow it to take you down just because your primary source of income is furloughed or terminated. It's time to start building up a secondary source of income, just in case you don't have a back up plan to hold you over. As always, you should call your creditors, ask for a hardship accommodations, or temporarily cut off some utilities that are not essential (I'm looking at you cable and cell phone data plans), but what are you going to do for income?

Some people resort to yard sells and selling items online, but that's only good for right now or until you run out of stuff. Another option is to figure out what you are good at. I talk an excessive amount about turning your passion into a business. If that doesn't move you forward, try moving forward on things that you are good at for the time being. Think about it, every human being on this earth is multi-talent. That's right, we have more then one talent within our inner self. I'll give you an example. I'm great at cooking, styling people, organizing, sewing, hosting and singing among my other skills. And these are talents that I don't even use. They're marketable talents and if I ever had to use them to make money, I would. If I was strong enough and liked the cold, I would go back to shoveling driveways, clearing off cars and doing errands for my neighbors. Offer a service that may free up someone else's time. Like animals? Offer to care or walk a pet. Have a car? Think of using companies like Uber or Lyft. Do you want to be a substitute teacher? Check out your local school districts.

Being furloughed is just another way to explore all the many talents you have at your disposal to go out and generate some revenue.

Come on! Rain doesn't last forever, but we should still prepare for it. Stay positive and keep it moving.

Fondly yours,

Monette