Here in the United States, we're approaching a three-day Labor Day weekend.  Monday will be one of the "government holidays" that we seem to take for granted.  As I started to write this post, I wondered about the significance of this often overlooked holiday.

Cynically, I think that Labor Day may be just another excuse for blow out sales events at all the retailers and car dealers.  Nostalgically, I know it's a time for parades and celebrations as we take a day of rest from our workaday labors.  Most practically, it marks the end of summer.  The business world seems to take on a more serious tone once we move passed the first Monday in September.

But before this Labor Day becomes a distant memory, I want to offer some words of celebration and congratulations for financial advisors around the world.  Let this be YOUR Labor Day.

Thank you for all YOU do!

Thanks to a crazy economy, you've been through some rocky times this past year.  And there may be some more rough sledding ahead.  But through it all you've been doing some extremely important work.

You're taking care of your clients, prospects, friends and family in ways you may have never expected.  Even if you've done your absolute best as an investment manager or a financial planner, you've had to deal with an emotional side of the business that may have made your head feel like it was spinning.

After all, a career as a financial advisor is NOT all about money.  This is a people business.  Consider some of the things you've been dealing with:

• Clients, prospects and friends losing jobs they've held for many years
• Retirees watching their life savings threatened through no actions of their own
• Plans and dreams of all kinds hampered by a lousy markets

And if that weren't enough, you've had to bear witness to the vilification of the financial services industry.  You're being watched in a regulatory spotlight that has never shone brighter.  The media has tried to equate the work of hard-working advisors with crooks whose business models and morals hold no resemblance to your own.

At the same time, your role in your community has never been more important.  Whether you realize it or not, people in your church, clubs and civic organizations are keeping an eye on you.  Your demeanor and discipline have helped folks who may not even be your clients regain their confidence in the times to come. 

Plus, you can't forget what you've been doing for your family.  Your personal portfolio, income and psyche have not been immune to the events of the past year.  You may have experienced some major bumps in the road of your personal financial journey, but in the end your family appreciates you and what you do for them.  (That's what the extra-tight hugs have been all about.)

Hold your head high this Labor Day weekend.  Your work is a "labor" of passion and compassion that's vital to your clients, community and family.  Celebrate with thankfulness the role you're able to play in so many lives.

And finally, please allow me to stand up and cheer - you deserve an ENCORE!