The last year has seen so many people who probably never considered the need for a Plan B, now searching out of necessity for a backup plan to ensure their well being.
In other words, a safety net to ensure you’re covered in the event Plan A (whatever you are doing now) looks like it may not give you what you need in the long run.
It’s unmistakable. The time has come
Inflation and the day to day cost of living is soaring as an NBC TV consumer report tells us to now get a side hustle as 60% of Americans are right now living paycheck to paycheck. The bells have gone off to look for ways to increase your cash flow.
It is no longer a mere casual suggestion, but a serious offer of advice. A reality check.
The panel recommends 3 key things to look for in a good side hustle:
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How much money can I really make- will it improve my cash flow
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What’s the schedule- is it going to fit in with your regular “hustle”
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Is it a growth potential opportunity-can it be leveraged into a full time job
I said a year ago that when it comes to making the most of a Plan B, just remember “it is better to be a year too early than a day too late.” Following this sparkling nugget of baseball wisdom would likely have left you better off with most things financial as well as on the personal side.
I’ll wait
It is not unusual to feel like, you’re pretty comfortable with your job and the way things are, while ignoring changes taking place around you.
Then, something transformative happens, seemingly out of the blue (but not really) and you are left scrambling to keep your life on an even keel, or, worse, to literally stay afloat.
It is human nature to resist change, to want to feel comfortable, and to assume that everything is under control.
If someone feels that they don’t have the time or resources to work on a backup, I say to simply imagine you have no choice, and that will be all the motivation you need to take that step.
Living paycheck to paycheck is a good indicator that the time has come to make a move.
Preparation saves the day
What I’ve been saying recently, is that things are changing fast and you will be best served to prepare now by working to have a Plan B in your back pocket.
Developing a Plan B is not some form of punishment or something to avoid.
Just the opposite
It is far more the prize of exploration to gain familiarity with possibilities outside of your comfort zone.
In other words…it is what just might save you from a long drop from a high place.
It’s out there if you’re looking
There is something for everyone, but you are not going to know what that is until you go and find out what might work for you.
In my opinion, the wisest thing to have on your list would be to invest in yourself to develop an additional stream of income that doesn’t depend on an employer, or anyone or anything else but your own intelligence, creativity, and hard work.
Once you take the first step, you’re halfway there, so don’t wait until the last minute to get started. Why run the risk of losing an opportunity to grow more self reliant.
Believe me , self reliance is a feeling you’ll want to become accustomed to.
There are times when it takes more convincing for some to recognize that the times are changing and counting exclusively on others to offer security and prosperity is not the rock solid proposition it once was.
There is simply no one better than you to take charge of things.
A final note on getting comfortable with change: It is perfectly OK to take it in steps.
First, go as far as you can see. Then go further.
If you’re interested in a bona fide side business that slides easily into your schedule, with income and growth potential, the Princess Parties and Etiquette business meets the criteria as recommended by the NBC analyst, and much, much more.
Just as importantly the business offers the satisfaction and happiness that comes your way from enjoying your work and treating others to unique and memorable experiences.
Don’t avert your eyes from reality.
It’s all about preparing now so you can get off and running as soon as possible to avoid the disharmony of living paycheck to paycheck.
Photo by Júnior Ferreira
Photo by Tim Mossholder
