A simple thought above US Gov't shutdown:

From my readings, shutdown have happen from the past, but how come, legislators cannot find a middleground on the issue of budget.?

Isnt the effect of this shutdown will give toil to the taxpayers who needed government service, and govt employees just earning a living.

With this happening, it is not good, nor advantageous to work for the US govt.

Message your legislators, your government officials, to end this shutdown thing.

On having a "backup income plan":

Yes, every individual should have this, whether you are working on a private company or in your case in the US, government agencies.

It works to have some fallback income source, like a small business endeavor, selling stuff can be a good source of extra cash. Learning new skills inorder to work for somebody else, part time jobs, will do.

Making passive income from crypto investments.

are just a few.

Additional comment.
Arent' govt shutdown a national security risk?
When govt employee affected by job halt, look for other work outside the system, they might be of risk when they go back to work on those gov't buildings...?