Anyone who works for the Federal or DC Government had a cliff-hanging week last week.

I know, because I work as a law professor at the District’s only public law school, where I run a legal clinic that helps aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses.

We spent the day on Friday preparing contingency plans, notifying clients about the potential shutdown, and wondering how we were going to fulfill our professional responsibilities if we were forbidden from going to work.

Many of my colleagues were also worried about how they were going to pay their bills if we went without a paycheck for more than a couple of days.

That’s where the wake-up moment comes in.

In today’s economy, no job provides lifetime security…not even the federal government.

That is why it is imperative to take care of your own financial future by creating multiple streams of income.

I’ve rarely met a person who does not have a dream of owning their own business.  But I have met many who are afraid to take that first step toward financial freedom.

Yes, with freedom comes responsibility.  You have to accept the fact that you…and only you…control your financial future.

But once you come to terms with that reality, there is no excuse not to act on your dream.

You can do it part-time, you can do it with little to no risk, but you have to take the first step.

You have talents to share.  You have passions to live.  You have people to help.

Let your entrepreneurial spirit shine, and take control of your own financial future.

The next time we find ourselves in this quandary, you will be glad you did!