Americans Turn to Self-Reliance Amid Government Shutdown

A new poll from GoDaddy and HarrisX reveals that Americans, including federal government employees directly affected by the shutdown, are responding with resilience and turning uncertainty into opportunity. The survey of over 1,100 American adults and over 200 U.S. federal government employees shows that economic instability could fuel a new wave of self-reliance, with many Americans prepared to turn their skills and ideas into income streams.

Key Takeaways:

• 61% of American adults and 76% of federal government employees are concerned about the impact the government shutdown may have on their personal finances.
• 56% of federal employees and 34% of U.S. adults say the government shutdown has already made them less confident about the stability of their income.
• 71% of Americans are concerned about the potential impact on small businesses and 64% are concerned about the potential impact on consumer spending.
• 63% of federal employees and 41% of Americans report reducing spending in response to the shutdown.
• 50% of Americans and 41% of federal employees who responded to the survey say they would likely start a business or side hustle if their income were to be disrupted by the federal government shutdown or another negative economic event.
• 74% of U.S. adults and 79% of federal employees polled agree that in challenging times, people benefit from creating their own financial opportunities.
• GoDaddy's AI-powered Airo tool is making it easier for Americans to start their own businesses, with new customers able to choose a domain and launch their business online for just $4.99.

Statistics:

• 61% of American adults and 76% of federal government employees are concerned about the impact the government shutdown may have on their personal finances (PR Newswire).
• 56% of federal employees and 34% of U.S. adults say the government shutdown has already made them less confident about the stability of their income (PR Newswire).
• 71% of Americans are concerned about the potential impact on small businesses and 64% are concerned about the potential impact on consumer spending (PR Newswire).
• 63% of federal employees and 41% of Americans report reducing spending in response to the shutdown (PR Newswire).
• 50% of Americans and 41% of federal employees who responded to the survey say they would likely start a business or side hustle if their income were to be disrupted by the federal government shutdown or another negative economic event (PR Newswire).
• 74% of U.S. adults and 79% of federal employees polled agree that in challenging times, people benefit from creating their own financial opportunities (PR Newswire).
• 1,129 U.S. adults and 236 U.S. federal government employees participated in the survey (PR Newswire).

Sources:

• GoDaddy Inc.
• PR Newswire