Labor Day in the United States has been celebrated since 1882, when the Central Labor Union in New York City created a day off for working citizens. It has always made me reflect on what work means and why we do it.

When I originally wrote this post in 2008, I made a joke about bloggers and labor unions. Looking back almost two decades later, the relationship between traditional work and entrepreneurship has become one of the most interesting stories in the American economy.

The Part-Time Entrepreneur Advantage

Labor Day was designed for people who work hard. And building a side business while holding down a day job is some of the hardest work I know. You are essentially working two jobs, one that pays the bills reliably and one that might pay off enormously down the road.

But here is what I have learned after building an internet business on the side since 2007: the part-time approach is actually an advantage, not a limitation. You have the financial security of your day job, which means you can make better long-term decisions about your business. You do not have to chase every dollar or take on clients you do not want. You can build something you actually care about.

Work Has Changed Dramatically

The labor landscape in 2026 looks nothing like it did when I started this blog. Remote work has gone from rare perk to standard practice for millions of knowledge workers. The gig economy and creator economy have given people options that did not exist a generation ago. More people than ever are building income streams outside their primary employment.

None of that makes building a business easy. It still takes discipline, late nights, and the willingness to keep showing up when progress feels slow. But the tools and opportunities available today are remarkable.

Take the Day Off, Then Get Back to Work

If you are reading this on Labor Day, I hope you are actually taking a break. Rest is not optional if you want to sustain the energy required to build something meaningful on the side. Step away from the laptop. Spend time with the people you are working so hard for.

Then, when the holiday is over, get back to building. One night at a time.