Yes, it’s the somewhat official end of summer. Many kids will tell you it actually ended last week when they returned to school. Others may suggest there’s a bite in the air suggesting fall is approaching and as an early riser, I notice the days are shorter.
But the original purpose of Labor Day was to honor the social and economic achievements of the American worker. At least one idea was that workers would have a day off to enjoy the end of summer.
It’s a fitting holiday and it’s unfortunate that the end of summer aspect has overwhelmed the labor aspect. In today’s column, Seth Godin describes what he calls “the new labor day.” As usual, he makes us think.
Today work is different. It gets harder to define and identify. I often say that I’m not always sure when I’m working and when I’m playing. My colleague Jack Falvey claims he is always working, he just isn’t sure when (and what) he’s going to be paid for it. We’re both fortunate that we’re doing things we enjoy. I remember many years ago when I started working for myself, Jack told me, “Your problem will not be knowing when and where to start. Your problem will be knowing when and where to stop.
Nearly forty years later I still find myself working on that problem and proving he was right.
A day off at the end of summer to celebrate and avoid burnout may not be enough. Seth uses the words “emotional labor” to describe a different kind of heavy lifting work requires. It is no less exhausting than “toting that barge” or “lifting those bales.” In fact, it might be more exhausting. Overdoing it physically can result in the body breaking down. Overdoing it mentally and emotionally can result in the mind and heart breaking down.
While we celebrate the end of summer, let’s also celebrate the choices we have. When it comes to laboring, knowing when to stop is important. Choosing to stop may be even more important.