La•bor Day: Reflections on Work, Identity, and Finding Wins

What Is Labor Day, Really?

La•bor Day /ˈlābər ˌdā/
Noun
A public holiday or day of festivities held in honor of working people. In the US and Canada, it’s the first Monday in September. In many other countries, it’s celebrated on May 1.

This year hit differently. My husband decided we’d throw a backyard BBQ to celebrate, and while the party was great, I couldn’t help but feel a little impostor syndrome. Why? Because right now, I’m not “labor-ing.” I’m “in between jobs, and that makes holidays like this sting.

When Your Job Becomes Your Identity

For years, I tied so much of myself to the roles I held at work. I was proud of the campaigns I led, the ceilings I broke, the teams I supported. My job wasn’t just what I did, it was who I was.

Without that sense of accomplishment, I feel a bit lost. Stripped of a piece of my identity. And I know I’m not alone.

Un-Labor Day Perspective

This morning, a friend texted me:

Friend: “The life of the unemployed. To be productive or not to be productive. That’s the question.”

Me: “Hahaha. Productive! Laundry, clean kitchen, water plants, submit 5 job apps, passion project (disbih.com), tackle a procrastination task, and reward myself with an hour of reading when I’m stuck.”

Even with my computer acting funky, I’ve stuck to this routine. Small wins. Accountability. Finding ways to feel accomplished, even if the job offers or interviews haven’t rolled in yet.

Just Needing a Win

The last two weeks I, like millions of others, bought into lottery fever. High hopes, daydreams of what I’d do if I won. For me, it wasn’t just about financial freedom, it was about creating something meaningful.

I imagine starting a business that employs women in their prime, women navigating menopause, career transitions, and being overlooked. Women who deserve to shine.

Of course, the lottery is a long shot. What I really want is any sign that I’m on the right path: a response from one of the 30+ job applications I’ve sent out, or even just someone reading this blog and telling me they believe in me.

Silencing the Noise in My Head

I’ve always worried about the future. About what’s next. I’ve never had a safety net, no “fallback plan.” Even with my entrepreneurial spirit and endless ideas, I tend to talk myself out of them before they even take flight.

But here’s what’s changed: this past month, I’ve stopped asking for permission. I’ve given myself freedom to live, set my own goals, and hold myself accountable. Is it enough? Maybe not. But I know one thing, falling into a rut won’t help.

So I’ll keep putting one foot in front of the other. Keep applying, keep writing, keep hoping. Because I do deserve my moment. We all do. xoMS