Labor without u

Singing Owl posted a Friday Five at RevGalBlogPals to commemorate Labor Day in the USA. It's a few weeks before we have that celebration downunder, so I welcome the opportunity to look forward and be prepared. And ponder on why down here we include u (Labour) in the day but not in the left-leaning political party (Labor). Singing Owl writes:

Here in the USA we are celebrating the last fling of the good ol' summertime. It is Labor Day weekend, and families are camping, playing in the park, swimming, grilling hotdogs in the backyard, visiting amusement parks and zoos and historical sites and outdoor concerts and whatever else they can find to help them extend summer's sun and play just a little bit longer.

It is supposed to also be a celebration of the working man and woman, the backbone of the American economy, the "salt-of-the-earth neices and nephews of Uncle Sam. With apologies to those in other countries, this is a Friday Five about LABOR. All can play. Put down that hammer, that spoon, that rolling pin, that rake, that pen, that commentary, that lexicon, and let's have some fun.

1. Tell us about the worst job you ever had.
I've had terrible moments in most jobs. But I haven't really had a worst job. Very fortunate to have had great colleagues, work requirements aligned with personal competencies, and good learning opportunities all along the way.

2. Tell us about the best job you ever had.
Working in advocacy for children's rights was extremely rewarding. Hearing a politician quoting the words of my boss was amazing. Our office supported meaningful youth participation in a bi-national conference on Child Abuse and Neglect. I had a formal role in contributing to national policy on newborn screening and on use of assisted reproductive technologies. We contributed to New Zealand being the first English-speaking country to remove the statutory chastisement defence for charges of child assault. It was a position of influence and responsibility that I think I managed well.

3. Tell us what you would do if you could do absolutely anything (employment related) with no financial or other restrictions.
Do what I do - develop relationships, contribute to competency development within my profession, engage in community activities and concerns, find opportunities where my skills and knowledge can make a difference and contribute to a 'better world' and GO FOR IT!

4. Did you get a break from labor this summer? If so, what was it and if not, what are you gonna do about it?
My break was through the winter when I did not have another position to go to when a contract ended. I have done heaps - contributed to reviewing materials for Lent 2009, written up PhD corrections, co-ordinated national training day in Public Health Medicine, applied for and attended many job interviews, taken up knitting with a passion, supported offspring with study, careers, and after-school activities.

5. What will change regarding your work as summer morphs into fall? Are you anticipating or dreading?
I have a new post. Starting Thursday. As the medical person in a palliative care day hospital. I am anticipating a massive learning curve, a committed team, a challenging and rewarding occupation. With my total lack of spatial awareness i dread getting perpetually lost commuting to a part of the city I do not know at all.

Bonus question: For the gals who are mothers, do you have an interesting story about labor and delivery (LOL)? If you are a guy pal, not a mom, or you choose not to answer the above, is there a song, a book, a play, that says "workplace" to you?
In antenatal classes with baby number two the tutor was happily telling people that labour was 'not allowed' to go on longer than twelve hours. Then asked me about my first time. Which in fact was 30 hours and ended in C-section. Moment of dilemma. Do I scare everyone with the truth? Or lie and perpetuate a fairytale ending myth that does not always happen? Stated the facts and emphasised the support and care of the maternity staff and service.

AND - why answer one when I can answer two bonus questions