Here in the United States, today is Labor Day. Considered the traditional end of summer, there’s an interesting history behind Labor Day. The holiday actually started as an uprising against unfair working conditions as the US transitioned from the agricultural era into the industrial revolution.

We are experiencing similar growing pains again.

I believe that much of the turmoil we see in the US today can be attributed to the transition from an industrial nation to an information nation. This transition is driving an ever increasing wage gap which in turn drives social frustration and political extremism.

I encourage everyone to take this Labor Day and spend a few minutes contemplating the challenges our fellow countrymen are facing. Can we be more sympathetic? Can we open up dialogue rather than trying to destroy those who have different opinions?

Think about what those that came before us had to endure to get us where we are today.

 

The Financial Slacker Labor Day

Beyond the challenges we face as a nation, Labor Day gives us an opportunity to step away from our busy lives. I am taking the day off and I encourage you to do the same.

After all the traveling we did over the summer, we stayed home for Labor Day weekend. You might call this the Financial Slacker version of a staycation.

Instead of traveling, we’re working on home improvement projects, having family over for dinner, and just spending time together.

 

Low Cost Ways to Spend Your Labor Day

Here are a few other ways to enjoy your Labor Day without spending much money:

Start or finish home improvement projects

There are always projects to do around the house. We’re putting up shelves in the garage and pulling out tree roots that have invaded our back yard. I’m also brewing up some plum wine using fruit from our plum tree. This is my first attempt at brewing, so we’ll see how it goes.

Have a traditional BBQ cookout

We had the family over yesterday for good old fashioned hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats. With a little authentic New Mexico green chile stew included of course.

Go camping

There are few better ways to spend the weekend than camping in the wilderness. Getting away from civilization especially getting away from technology is good for the mind as well as the body.

Hit the golf course

I would love to get out and play a little golf. It’s been slow going on the golf course this year. Too many other things to do. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like we’ll be golfing this weekend. Maybe next weekend.

Fireworks celebration

While the Fourth of July is well-known for fireworks celebrations, here in the southwest, that time of year tends to be dry and windy. Neither condition is good for flammables. Unlike July, the month of September is typically a much wetter and calmer time of year. As a result, we have started celebrating Labor Day with a fireworks celebration.

Spend time with family and friends

The holidays are the perfect time for family and friends. It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day activities and forget what’s truly important and why we work so hard.

Start a new business

I find holidays are a great opportunity to clear my mind. And often that allows for brainstorming around new ideas. If you haven’t done so already, starting a new business is something we should all be considering. This is especially the case on Labor Day as we celebrate all the working men and women around the world.

 

Readers, please share how you celebrated Labor Day.

 

[do_widget id=text-8]