I've sometimes found it weird that the U.S. and Canada set aside the first Monday in September to honor their workforces. For many, Labor Day is not so much a pause to celebrate labor as much as it is the unofficial end of summer, the time when most families take vacations from work and the kids stay home from school.
To many, Labor Day represents more of an end than a beginning: Summer's over, so it's time to get more serious about work and—for students—classroom work.
Some celebration of those who work, huh?
Given that the nation's unemployment rate is still somewhere between 9 and 10 percent, this Labor Day may not give the U.S. workforce, both employed and unemployed, much pause to think about what's good about their jobs or their chosen professions.
But at the same time, many employers are emerging from a traditional summer slowdown, even planning budgets for 2011. So, if you're a job seeker, it's a good time to step up your efforts and make sure your resume is up to date.
In the meantime, let's turn the focus toward the original intent of Labor Day: to honor those who work. Here's a question I'd like you to answer:
What do you like about your job, the work you do, your co-workers, or your chosen profession?
Share your thoughts below—and Happy Labor Day!
RELATED LINKS
Workers of the World, Pass the Ketchup
My chosen profession is a Optician. What I love about my job is I get to help people see. I do get my share of grumpy patients, but helping our patients/customers find a pair of glasses that say something about them, allow them to stand out, feel pretty, look and feel intelligent, can't leave out fashionability or an old fashioned different look. I get to meet people of different ethnicities, backgrounds and professions. I love the job , I just want to be in a different company!
I love my job because it's something that I'm truly passionate about: helping people find the career of their dreams! I have the pleasure of helping people grow personally and professionally, gaining the opportunity to develop myself as well. In my current position, I am able to work with a great team who is collaborative, innovative, and just fun to be around.
Nice article, Rick! Hope you get to enjoy the holiday weekend!
Kirk
@ Cooper -- Thanks! Many people get jazzed when they see how they've made a difference in the lives of others. You come closer to nirvana when the people who run the business allow you to do that without any interference.
@ Kirk -- Thanks! (and it was a pleasant weekend in New England; hope yours was just as pleasant if not more). There are people who just work for a living, then there are people who - like you and Cooper - have a passion for what they do. It's better to be part of the latter group.