Skip to Content
Opinion

We’re Doin’ Something a Little Different for Our Annual Labor Day Open Thread

As we do every Friday, we're turning Racket over to you, the readers.

12:25 PM CDT on September 4, 2026

Most of the stock photos for “retirement” show old people sitting on benches.

|Photo by Matt Bennett on Unsplash

On this occasion in the past, I've asked about your work history, and your parents' work history. Another time, I asked about your experiences with work-from-home.

But as we (and I hope that includes you) enter another three-day weekend, during which we ideally do not labor at all, let me ask this: What would you do if you didn't have to work for a living?

Personally, I've always said that I would have no problem at all not working. I was born to retire, baby. (Don't get me wrong: I will never be able to afford retirement.)

Of course, I would continue to do much of what I now do as "work": writing, listening to music, watching movies, reading books. But it would be on my own schedule.

How about you? How would you fill your days if it was only up to your whim?

As always, feel free to ignore this prompt and talk about whatever you want. This is your Open Thread, after all.

I skipped the obvious Dolly pick in favor of another song from the same album:

More Stories

Why Republicans Lost MN in Such Humiliating, Landslide Fashion

Plus voting on 'I voted' stickers, a big move for Twin Cities Maker, and a retired Strib columnist's new substack in today's Flyover news roundup.

Freeloader Friday: 82 Free Things To Do This Weekend

Holiday markets, banned books, new books, and tons of music for your fall.

November 6, 2026

Let’s Speculate Wildly About Who Gov. Klobuchar Will Appoint to Backfill Her U.S. Senate Seat

Plus blaming Pete Hegseth, Jen Carnahan is out of another job, and the pope meets a famous Minnesotan in today's Flyover news roundup.

5 Things to Know About VUKA, MN’s First Dedicated Peri Peri Chicken Joint

At long last, the Lyn-Lake intersection's four corners stand strong.

November 5, 2026