Consumer spending is officially slowing, but honestly, I didn’t need the economists to tell me. How crazy is it that the $50 that used to get me three bags of groceries now barely fills one?

Add in new tariffs and job cuts, and suddenly both small business owners and folks wondering about their career paths are asking the same thing:

👉 How do I protect myself when demand dips or policies pull the rug out from under me?

I’ve got two tracks for you here. One if you’re running your own business, and one if you’re questioning if the career you’re in is really secure anymore. Peek at both — because you might recognize yourself in ways you don’t expect.

If You’re Running a Business…

Think of this as your business survival kit:

Trim with intention.

Automate the boring stuff (billing, scheduling) instead of slashing the things that actually bring you sales.

Offer value tiers.

Not everyone can spring for the premium package right now. A “lite” version or a bundle keeps people buying without abandoning you entirely.

Diversify.

Add a digital product, membership, or workshop. If one stream slows down, another can carry the load.

Stay close to your customers.

Ask them where they’re cutting back. Sometimes a flexible payment plan or a smaller package is all it takes to keep them with you.

If You’re Rethinking Your Career…

The same economic squeeze looks different when you’re an employee, but the playbook still works:

Show your adaptability.

Companies under pressure want people who can wear more than one hat. Make sure that’s visible on your résumé and in interviews.

Upskill smartly.

Learn tools or systems that help employers save money or run leaner. That makes you the person they keep and maybe even promote.

Test side streams.

Freelancing, consulting, or creating digital offerings aren’t just “extra cash.” They’re safety nets and test runs for something bigger.

Network now.

Don’t wait until you get the dreaded “restructuring” email. Start building connections so you’ve got doors open when you need them.

The Pep Talk

The truth is, whether you own a business or you are the business, the economy’s ups and downs hit hard. But slowdowns don’t have to mean shutdowns. They’re an invitation to adapt, experiment, and get creative about where your income and energy come from.

Yes, the grocery bill feels like robbery. Yes, policies and tariffs are out of your control. But your response? That’s all yours.

Stay nimble, stay curious, and remember: resilience isn’t about just surviving the dip... it’s about shifting so you come out stronger on the other side.

🪨 Here’s to staying steady when everything else wobbles,

Need a safety net (or just some extra cash for those “one bag of groceries” weeks)?

My Side Hustle Bundle is packed with ideas you can actually start without draining your time or sanity. Whether you’re looking to test the waters of self-employment or just want a little breathing room in your bank account, these guides give you practical, creative ways to bring in extra income.

👉 Grab the Side Hustle Bundle here

🍿 AI Snackables

When your wallet’s wobbling, sometimes the simplest shift makes the biggest difference. Try this in ChatGPT:

"Act as a financial clarity coach. Help me create three simple scenarios for adjusting my monthly budget if prices keep climbing, so I can see where I have wiggle room without feeling deprived."

👉 Small bite, big clarity.

"You can’t control the chaos, but you decide how to respond to it." ✨

📣 Share the Shift

If this edition gave you a little clarity, a spark of motivation, or just made you nod along (yep, groceries are ridiculous), pass it on! Forward this email to a friend or colleague who could use a reminder that chaos isn’t the boss of them. The more of us shifting smarter, the steadier we all get.

📨 Why You’re Getting This

You’re receiving Shift Notes because at some point you signed up to get real talk, practical tips, and a little inspiration for creating work that works for you. Whether that was through one of my events, a digital product, or directly on my site, you raised your hand. If that ever changes, unsubscribing is always just one click away (no hard feelings).