Labor Day, observed in the United States on the first Monday in September, marks not just the unofficial end of summer but also a celebration of the hard work and achievements of American workers. Born out of the labor movement and the fight for better working conditions, Labor Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the personal labor you’ve invested in building your life. Your home, your family, your career—each of these is the result of your dedication and hard work. So, as you fire up the grill or relax by the beach this Labor Day, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on everything you’ve worked so hard for throughout your life. Let’s reflect together.
Reflection No. 1: Remember When?
Do you remember your first job? Maybe it was babysitting for a neighbor or mowing lawns as a kid. Or perhaps you worked part-time during high school, juggling classes, homework, extracurricular activities, and that job on the weekends. Remember how empowering it felt to have that first taste of independence? Earning your own money, making decisions about how to spend it—it was a big deal!
Even if you didn’t work during your younger years, you likely worked hard in other ways. You put in the effort to get good grades in school, excel in sports, or master a musical instrument. The common thread in all these experiences? The pride and sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing the results of your hard work.
Take a moment now to remember those early accomplishments and how they made you feel. What stories or lessons from your youth would you want to share with your children, nieces, or nephews so they can learn from your experiences?
Reflection No. 2: In the Thick of It
As you transitioned into adulthood, your work evolved. Maybe you spent years in school earning a degree, or perhaps you jumped straight into the workforce, landing that first “real” job with full-time responsibilities and full-time pay.
This phase of life often brings significant milestones—buying your first home, starting a family, taking on debt in the form of a mortgage or student loans. It’s a time when you’re in the thick of it, working hard to build a stable and fulfilling life.
If you’ve had children, you’ve likely worked tirelessly to teach them, support them, and ensure they have what they need to succeed. Watching them grow into caring, compassionate adults is one of the most rewarding outcomes of your hard work.
Maybe you started a business during this time, pouring your time, energy, and resources into making your dream a reality. You’ve created jobs, provided solutions, and made a tangible impact on the world around you.
Take a moment to think about everything you’ve accomplished through your hard work. Have you enriched other people’s lives? Have you helped your loved ones grow into their full potential? Have you created something that didn’t exist before? Reflect on both the tangible and intangible results of your efforts—the business you built, the career you succeeded in, and the love you’ve given and received.
As you reflect on your life at this stage, how do you feel? Has all the hard work been worth it? What lessons or values do you want to pass on to those you care about most?
Reflection No. 3: What Happens Next?
As you grow older—and wiser—your work shifts again. You might retire from a career or begin planning an exit from your business. Your children may have their own careers and families. Now is the time to truly enjoy the fruits of your labor. It’s also the time to think about what comes next.
If you live to reach this stage of life, what can you do to ensure that all the hard work you’ve put in doesn’t go to waste? How can you make sure that when you’re gone, the assets you’ve worked so hard for don’t get lost, squandered, or become the source of conflict among your loved ones?
The work at this stage involves making big decisions and documenting them properly with a Life & Legacy Plan. A Life & Legacy Plan is a comprehensive estate plan that ensures your life’s work isn’t lost, wasted, or turned into a mess for the people you care about. It ensures that your hard-earned assets are passed on to the right people, in the right way, and that your wishes are honored if you become incapacitated. A Life & Legacy Plan also preserves the relationships you’ve cultivated by keeping your family out of court and conflict. Most importantly, it helps you pass on what truly matters—your legacy.
Before you dismiss the idea of leaving a legacy because you think it’s only for the rich or philanthropic, think again. Legacy is about how you’re remembered, and you have the power to shape that. When you work with me, we’ll not only ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes but also capture the essence of your life’s work through a Life & Legacy Interview. My clients often say this is the most meaningful part of the process. Book a call with me using the link below to learn more.
Warning! Life Doesn’t Always Go as Planned, So Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Ideally, you live through each of the stages we’ve discussed, but there’s no guarantee. I’m not trying to scare you, but it’s important to remember that death is a part of life, and we never know when it will find us. If we don’t plan ahead, we risk leaving our loved ones with a big, expensive, and time-consuming mess. The sooner we face our mortality and plan for the inevitable, the better our chances of leaving a legacy of love and purpose.
Estate planning is for everyone, regardless of where you are in life. In fact, you already have an estate plan—you just might not know what it is. If you haven’t created your own plan, specifying your wishes, the state has one for you, and chances are, it’s not what you want. By creating your own plan, you override the state’s decisions and ensure that your life’s work is remembered on your terms. After all the hard work you’ve done, don’t you deserve that?
How We Help Secure Your Life’s Work
Your life’s work is a testament to your dedication, perseverance, and love. From your first job to your current achievements, you’ve built a legacy worth protecting. This Labor Day, as you reflect on your journey, consider how you want that legacy to endure. Take control of your future and protect what matters most by creating a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan with us. Book a consultation call today to learn how we can tailor a plan that honors your life’s work and ensures your legacy lives on. Let’s work together to secure your family’s future and celebrate the fruits of your labor for generations to come. Use the form below to schedule your complimentary 15-minute consultation.
This article is a service of The Life and Legacy Law Center, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning® Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning Session.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.