What Does Labor Day Mean to You?

On this Labor Day, I hope you are not reading this – well, except maybe our non-American friends.

Love’s Labour’s Lost

The phrase work/life balance is falling on deaf ears. Long hours at work are still the norm for most Americans.

• Americans work the highest numbers of hours – an average of 1,804 per year
• The average for other industrialized  nations is 1,625 hours
• Self-employed American workers work the most hours – more than 44 hours per week – when compared to private, government and non-profit workers

With both parents working in many families, family leisure time is elusive. The ailing economy has also sucked the fun out on many activities. I hope you take time today for yourself and your family or friends.

Past Labor

Labor Day dates back to 1882. It is amusing that even Labor Day has controversy over whose idea it was.

Regardless, the idea was honoring workers. Here is a bit of trivia.

• The first Labor Day was celebrated on a Tuesday in New York City
• The Central Labor Union appointed a planning committee for a demonstration and picnic
• Labor organizations liked the idea and the popularity spread – hey, who doesn’t like a picnic?
• The states got into the action and Oregon was the first state to make it law in 1887

Labor Musings

Like the holiday itself, my view of Labor Day has changed over the years.

Barbecues – Some of my favorite memories are the barbecues. My Dad was a master at the barbecue. I was a hot dog versus hamburger fan.

End of Summer – Unfortunately, it also meant the end of summer. As a kid, I loved the summer – duh.

Maui – Summer is no longer my favorite time of the year. It’s actually after Labor Day. For many years, that signaled a trip to Maui. I hope to get back in that habit.

As a self-employed businessperson, I try not to work weekends and holidays. I never did like being like “most” people. This post is scheduled.

I hope you have the day off as well and that Labor Day puts another good memory in the memory box.

What does Labor Day mean to you?

i-Stock Photo Credit: Funwithfood