Labor Day

Monday morning, the last day of summer vacation. It was a good long period to unwind and recharge, but I'm ready to go. As for Labor Day, here are some thoughts. It is so wonderful having a job to love. Back in my social work days, I was so unhappy that on weekends, I'd start to get that gnawing in my stomach on Sunday mornings, not even Sunday nights, at the thought of going back. Imagine, after being spoiled now with nine weeks off, I can't wait (almost) to get back? It's hard leaving the apartment so early, having constant stimulation for 6 hours, feet aching by the end of the day, but it beats, by far, what I used to do. Seventeen years in that other field, and I only got pleasure from it the first four or so. I enjoyed working with the young kids at the residential treatment center, and even with some of the old people in the nursing homes where I began my social work career. Then, that feeling ended, and I couldn't feel a connection with the people I treated. I guess that's the beginning of burnout. That's the key to enjoying teaching. Not every child will endear themselves to you, and there are some that are hard to like, but you've got to enjoy for the most part where you spend your day and who you spent your day with, whether they are kid or adult.

I've learned from my checkered employment history, that work is not just 6 or 8 or 10 hours a day. If you hate it, it consumes you. If you love it, you're alive.

But, since many working people have this day off, shouldn't they call it, "No Labor Day?" Just asking...