"I remember when today used to be called Secretaries Day"
A personal account of what this day used to look like and why regardless of the name, it is important.
As a young girl, I remember both my parents working but my mother would always bring home a store-bought card, with a box of chocolates home on Worker's Day.
It used to be called Secretaries Day. And at the time, I was unaware of the value that was attached to the day.
Of course, at that time it was just another public holiday, and for us that meant another day that we didn't have to go to school.
Fast forward plus twenty years and the meaning of the day has evolved, I would hope not just for me.
I always thought it was sweet and considerate of my mum's then-boss to gift her with a gift. He could've easily forgotten, or worse not even acknowledged the day.
Which is something that has been known to happen. But what's the big deal right? It's a day off after all, a day that you can take for yourself, a day that the government has recognised as an official day off for all workers.
But it's so much more. I started working from a young age. You see my father had his own business and if you're a kid with a parent who has their own business, you know that working through the holidays and some weekends is a given.
And in the beginning, it was fun. I felt responsible and eager to show my worth. At the time, we would get spending money for our work and treats for working.
But it was those hours of working that really gave me the grounding that I needed when it comes to adopting a work ethic. And it was only when I was a graduate that I realised work was not a guarantee for everyone.
Even with an education, I was struggling to gain employment in what I had studied. I didn't give up but persevered and took any job I could get.
It was at this point that I appreciated the fact that my mother's efforts were recognised by her boss, who gave her those store-bought cards and chocolates. Because as much as she grew from being a secretary to a senior representative at several elite companies, she was shown gratitude and that means something.
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My dad who was self-employed for years, never got a day off, he had to push forward and appreciate himself for his efforts.
And most of the time, he never had the time to do that. But the point I am getting at is, when you are a working adult, you rarely have the time to savour the moment.
The bills and the cost of everything are a constant reminder of why you have to work. So, when you get a small reminder from your employer that you are valued, it definitely means something.
And it can also be exactly what you need to get through the stress and manic nature of life.
Happy Workers equal a Happy work environment...Remember that as you take the day off. And if you had to work today, remember you are valued and worthy.
And to all the secretaries out there, you are remembered and valued.
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