We thought today would be a good day to learn more about this holiday, whether you’re celebrating with much fanfare or you’re using it as a day to rest.
As the name implies, Labor Day is about labor. Simply stated, it’s about the world of work.
Labor Day is the first Monday in September, and it’s a creation of the labor movement, originating in the late 19th century. It became a federal holiday in 1894, and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.
Today American workers still face a number of challenges. And as the image below indicates, one job should be enough. But for many, one job barely scratches the surface when it comes to making ends meet.
Because of the need for more income, and with the rise in technology, creativity and determination, other options are available for workers. The days of working for one company for your entire career are over. Job security is a thing of the past.
However we’re seeing an increase in options like telecommuting where you work for a corporation that allows you to periodically perform your work from home. We’re seeing more people who are open to network marketing businesses, more people who are starting eCommerce shops, and more who are blogging and becoming affiliate marketers.
People are opting for the flexibility that remote work can provide. Remote work is a little different from telecommuting in that it involves any type of work that doesn’t have to be performed in a traditional company office.
And there are also those courageous souls who are forging their own path and starting their own home businesses, with the help of innovative companies. We talk about available work from home options, challenges and solutions here at In a Word Business Services.
Trends in Telecommuting
According to the 2017 Virtual Vocations Year-End Report report, 20-25 percent of U.S. workers telecommute at least part of the time. And the number among professionals is increasing.
An overwhelming 80 to 90 percent of professionals want to work from home at least on a part-time basis. If you’re interested in remote work, check out our work from home jobs list for open remote positions, updated daily.
According to the report, 42.3 percent of telecommuters care for children or family members, 48 percent are over 50 years old and 82.3 percent have received a post-secondary diploma or degree.
More Businesses are Started and Ran from Home
According to a report on Small Business Trends that examined Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) across industry sectors in the U.S., 69% of U.S. entrepreneurs start their businesses at home. And more than half of U.S. entrepreneurs continue to operate their businesses from home long after those businesses are up and running.
Entrepreneurship has been the way out for many people who either supplement their income or work home businesses on a full time basis.
One interesting trend from the report is that young entrepreneurs have the highest intentions to start a business, with 30.5% saying they intend to start one. Â The intention to start a business drops during mid-career, and then starts rising again at age 65 and up.
If you’re someone who relies on a second job or you’re finding it hard to make ends meet, consider a telecommuting or remote position. If you’ve always wanted to start a home business, look at the work from home opportunities on the same page that might be a good fit.
Keep in mind that there are lots of resources available that will help you with everything from remote work to help supplement your income, to home business and marketing tools that will help you build and grow a successful home based business.
Now that you know a little more about Labor Day and why we celebrate, I hope it’s easier to celebrate the people who work each and every day to make the world a better place.
Today, we celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers, and I’m wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday!