Soap Box... Hopefully you’re not sitting around waiting for the government to bail you out, because it isn’t going to happen! This is a “Bootstrap” economy and the spoils are going to go to those of us that push forward no matter what the obstacles.

Think about this… a total of 2.7 million jobs evaporated in 2008, the worse job loss in over 40 years, and the ache of the recession is only getting worse as over 10 million Americans search for work.

It doesn’t matter if you turn on CNN, FOX, ABC, NBC, read the morning newspaper or live under a rock: The forecast is the same everywhere you turn and even if you’re a glass half full kinda person, it’s difficult to stay upbeat some days. I guess the up-tick of all this coverage is it creates a universal theme… we’re all in the same boat, it’s sinking fast and you better have a contingency plan my friend.

Having said all of that, my response to the present situation is thus, “When life hands you lemons…” Well you know that rest of that old cliché, but none-the-less it’s still very relevant!

My grandfather was very fond of saying, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” My business philosophy has always been to have a business and personal exit strategy, have a contingency plan. But, even if you don’t have a plan today, don’t just sit around feeling sorry for yourself, get off your duff and re-invent yourself! It’s the ONLY option.

But what can I do about it? Slam on the brakes, and stop being a victim of the economy. Become a hunter and take control of your life! Create your own Personal Bailout Plan and seriously consider becoming your own economic stimulus package by starting a small business.

There is a growing groundswell in America, taking place in garages and in extra bedrooms that have now become the Executive Suite. According to a recent US Census, 49% of all US businesses are now home based, and 60% of those are self-financed. The common theme among most of those surveyed was that they didn’t want to have their future and security being dictated by “The Man”.

If you have ever considered the possibility of being your own boss, having a 20-foot commute instead of a two hour commute, wearing your pajamas to board meetings, and having a lifestyle that allows you to spend more quality time with your family and declare your independence from the tyrannies of corporate America, now is that time.

Timing is everything. If you feel your job may be on the upcoming chopping block start planning today. If you have savings, a 401k and/or access to seed capital you should begin planning an exit strategy. You can find a lot of great information at www.SBA.gov.

If you have the luxury, be proactive and begin planning part time in the evenings and create a business plan on what you could do using your strengths and skill set to work for yourself. If you haven’t read 4-Hour Work Week, you should, it’s a great guide book for transitioning from a 40+ hour a week paycheck, to a lifestyle of financial freedom and most importantly personal freedom and OPTIONS.

Don’t fall prey to get rich quick schemes, multi-level marketing or the host of online “Start Your Business Today and Retire Tomorrow” ploys, the biggest mistake you can make is to take a shotgun approach to your future. To make the leap you need to focus, leverage your skills and most importantly avoid short-cuts. Use common sense, exercise due diligence and remember, if it sounds to good to be true… I know, enough with the clichés!