I agree with Ruiner, you can have a ton of backup plans, but failure is up to you.

Keeping with the OP's topic though, my backup is continuing education. As long as you are in the "know" about things, there is always opportunity for success. After I get my MIS, I am going to get every certification that I can attain, all the time. No one will ever tell me I can't get the job done. In the meanwhile, I will continue to invest and make a safe cushion for myself should tradegy strike.

THEN, once I start my own business, my backup will be education, lol.

I think I confused myself????