Labor Day is synonymous with three – day weekends, cook outs, and Labor Day sales. The end of one season and the start of the next. Enter a pandemic, where seasons seem to run together, gatherings to cook or shop have limitations, and the world of work is completely different. According to the US Department of Labor, Labor Day is intended to “celebrate the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.” Take the day off for rest and relaxation! Sadly, this sentiment may feel lost for far too many Americans who are unemployed. Or on others who are working longer hours, in new roles, or as volunteers to help countless people in need of food, shelter, health care, or social and emotional support.
Taking a day off is also an important part of achieving optimal work- life balance. This balance is vital to be energized, fully present, and innovative, both at work and at home. So imagine the “hypocrisy”, if you will, when I spent the first few hours of this Labor Day catching up on work. I’m embarrassed to admit this! How am I to rejuvenate if I have work- life blur instead of balance? Fortunately, I had plans for an energizing hike with my husband. (More on achieving work-life balance coming to another blog post soon).
So in the spirit of the Labor Day intention, whether you are currently employed or not yet, working today because you must or because you choose to, please take time off this week to rest and rejuvenate. Because in order for your contributions of work to promote the “strength, prosperity, and well-being” of our country, your celebrations must do the same for you.
