Random thoughts on Labor Day
Labor Day pays tribute to the achievements and contributions of the American worker. It was created in response to the labor movement in the late 19th century. Congress established it as a federal holiday in 1894. In reading about the labor movement (US Holidays) it was in response to the horrible working conditions and inhumane hours. Additionally, it challenged child labor that was common practices during the industrial revolution. Today, it mostly symbolizes the end of summer and the start of the school year. Often, there are parades and parties.
Late 19th Century Working Conditions
Most industrial workers were on shift 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Children as young as 5 or 6 were working the coal mines and other jobs in certain states. My great Grandfather Anderton (my Mom’s Grandfather) was working at this age in the mines in England. She tells a story about his lunchpail. Apparently, when he was walking down the street his lunchpail was barely an inch off the ground. Because he often was sent to places that only children could fit, he would return home completely covered in coal dust. Consequently, his fair hair looked as black as the coal itself. The air quality was determined by a canary. If it lived or didn’t ‘pass out’, it was ‘safe’ working conditions. Today, I think of people data mining, Artificial Intelligence, and machine learning. It’s a long way from canaries and coal mines.
Today’s Working Conditions – A perspective
We may not log 12+ hours, seven days a week, but I wonder what your average is? Technology is amazing. And, because there is access most everywhere these days, does the constant connectivity create the temptation to work? Seems like, some people are great at establishing work boundaries. In contrast, others remain on campus or in the office, eating three meals there, working out, AND working. The environment is typically beautiful, the food is delicious and there’s wi-fi access even in the bathrooms. Or, some have a hard stop at 5, travel home to have dinner with the family, then they are online again until it’s time for bed. Seriously, I wonder what your average is? What are the health hazards of being hunched over a keyboard, looking at a laptop screen, carrying your life in your briefcase or backpack? When was the last time you took a real vacation or had a full day off?
So, I challenge you to NOT labor on Labor Day. Leave the phone at home and don’t check email until Tuesday. In conclusion, I mean, what’s the best that could happen?
We only have a finite amount of time on this planet, and you can choose how to spend that time. Are you ready?: Press HERE for Success
