I have always been the queen of having a plan B.  As a full-time teacher, I have a state job with medical coverage.  This means that if I ever have a slow period with my small business, my basic bills are covered.  As a licensed massage therapist, I have work every day of the week.  It took several years to get to this point, however; before that, I had a housecleaning business.  My advice:  become so versatile that no matter the state of the economy, you always have a way to provide for your family.  I pray that all who are affected by the shutdown get relief as soon as possible.