Labor Day

"Labor Day: the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."

That is the official definition of Labor Day (according to Google and the U.S. Department of Labor). But what really is Labor Day and why are we celebrating it? My seven year old daughter asked me "Mommy, why is Monday a holiday? And why don't we have to go to school".  My Answer? Simply, "It's Labor Day sweetie." And thinking that was that, I carried on loading the dishwasher. But then in true seven year old fashion she asked, "What is Labor Day?".  And that got me thinking...why do we celebrate this day, and what does this tradition represent to me specifically as a Recruiter and an American?

My profession of choice is an interesting one. I do not make anything tangible. I do not sell anything. I do not have a warehouse of inventory ready to be shipped at a moments notice. I represent the American worker. The business owner, the professional, the staff member. They all are my clients.  The entrepreneur who goes home late and then spends another couple hours responding to emails after his kids are in bed. The manager who can't sleep at night because she is worried about a staff member.  The student working full time and studying at night to achieve their dreams.  They come from different walks of life but they are all working Americans. 

I have a job because people work. They work hard at building their businesses so they can hire new people and invest in them. They work tirelessly to achieve their goals to be given a better opportunity. They show up every day and come together as a group of people having no former connection to one another and band together to create something special. What is it they create? "The strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."

I am immensely grateful for the hardworking men and women who make our wondrous country what it is today. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to making your companies, our community, our country, and the world a better place. Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend America! You deserve it!

L.H.