What’s Labor Day All About Anyway?

Yesterday, Monday, September 7th, was Labor Day here in the U.S. For most people I know, Labor Day signifies the end of Summer, start of Fall, back to school, a last chance to hit the beach, the Jerry Lewis Telethon, some kind of obscenely long marathon of a USA channel TV show, or simply a much needed three day weekend.

Few people reflect on the origin of Labor Day or even know what exactly it is celebrating. You can use the Wikipedia link above to read all the details, but in a nutshell, the original Labor day was to have,

“A street parade to exhibit to the public “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations,” followed by a festival for the workers and their families”

I don’t know about you, but I know for me, over the course of the 36 Labor Days in my life, I have never once thought about the esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations.

This year, now that the bbqs and beach trips are past and the kids are back at school, why not take just a minute to reflect on Labor Day?

If trade and labor organizations aren’t your thing, at least take a minute to reflect on what you consider “labor” – that thing you do called “work.”

Here are a few questions for reflection:

1. Do you appreciate your job? – Even if you hate your job, at least appreciate that you have one. Especially at this particular time in history. Be thankful for the opportunity to be able to earn a living.
2. Do you like your job? – Ok, the above point is not mean to get you to shut up about your current job if you hate it. Do you like what you are doing? To paraphrase one of my favorite Stephen King quotes: “The answer doesn’t always have to be “yes.” But if it’s usually “no,” you should seriously consider moving on.
3. Are you trading each day for more of what you want out of life? – I have had jobs I liked (good work, great people) but ultimately I knew that the job wasn’t taking me anywhere. I was not trading each day for more of what I wanted. Being happy with what you are doing every day is great, but the last thing you want to do is wake up in 5, 10, 20, 40 years and say, “oh man, I wish I had gone for it.

If you are currently unemployed, this article is not meant to rub it in. You can ask yourself the same questions as above, just with slight modification:

1. Do you appreciate your life and your opportunities? – So you don’t have a job, and you may be bitter and depressed about it. But you clearly have internet access. I am assuming you have a place to live. There are millions and millions of people in the world who do not have a job, and moreover do not have a place to live, clean water to drink, and don’t even have the opportunity to find work they like or love.
2. Do you like and actually want the jobs you are applying for? – Obviously, survival is key so getting any work when unemployed is vital. But this is also a good time to reflect on what kind of work you are doing and want to do. Apply for whatever you can get, but also apply for the stuff you really want, not just for the stuff you used to do. If viable, consider going to school or taking on an apprenticeship.
3. Are you trading each day for more of what you want out of life? – Whether you are working or not, you are still investing the same amount of time in your life as everyone else. How are you spending the time that you are not actively looking for work? Laying on the couch watching TV and eating Doritos? (Believe me, I’ve been there!) Or taking advantage of the time to do all the things you would do “someday?” Start that novel, learn French, get in great shape, or just reconnect with all the people you have lost touch with when you were too busy. Find the opportunity to make the most of every situation. .

Take the time to do this now! And, for further reflection, take a look at my recent, Your (Near) Decade-End Kick in the Ass! post. There’s lots of thinking to be done!

About

By Avish Parashar. As the world's only Motivational Improviser, Avish uses techniques from the world of improv comedy to engage, entertain, and educate audiences on ideas around change, creativity, and motivation. Connect with Avish on Google+

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