For one of the top federal holidays that Americans take off, ask people what comes to mind with the mention of “Labor Day,” and you will most likely hear two responses: “Back to school” and “Can’t wear white anymore.”

This is a far cry from the holiday’s founders’ intent and makes one wonder whether Labor Day has lost its relevance. I believe it’s a holiday that begs to be made relevant in 2025 as we think about ways we can take back our lives and adjust our work-life balance.

First, a brief history of the holiday’s original intent and why it was created.

Labor Day was first designated in 1882 when labor union leader Peter McGuire proposed to the New York Central Labor Union to honor workers in New York with their own holiday. Twelve years later, President Grover Cleveland upgraded this

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