Labour Day Long Weekend

We are all in need of a long weekend to enjoy what remains of the summer months, to relax, spend time with family or arranging a pre-Easter getaway but how did the long weekend or Labour Day come about?

The history of labour day spans over a century, being an important annual event that remembers those that struggled and succeeded to ensure decent and fair working conditions in Australia. During the mid to late 1800’s the working day was long and arduous with some employees working up to 12 hours a day, six days a week.

Many Australians saw the need for better working conditions. Did you know on 21^st April 1856 stonemasons marched to Parliament house in Melbourne to push for an eight hour working day. After much negotiation an agreement was reached for a 48 hour working week with Australians welcoming the new 8 hour day. It is not surprising there was a victory march a few weeks later and subsequent years. Labour Day was moved in some parts of Australia from May to the second Monday in March after World War II.

We are all in need of some respite and family time this coming weekend, but take time to think of  those who fought hard for a shorter working day for us all so that we can spend more time with our loved ones. 

Can we Collaborate from afar?

We spend our days connecting, working and surfing online be it in the office, on our phone or at home. In today’s globally connected world, if you’re separating and have both considered the idea of Collaborative Practice, to sitting around a table with your lawyers to work things out, how important is it that the table is actually there?

Can you virtually conduct the meeting via Skype or Facetime and do they really work? The answer is yes, of course they can so long as you all have the right mindset to make it work.

Collaborative lawyers are predisposed to thinking differently. They have invested significantly in training to gain the specialist skills needed to help you work things out in this way, and they’re committed to helping you make it work. The ability to think outside the box means that collaborative lawyers are ideally placed to embrace new ways of helping you achieve the outcome that’s best for you and your family.

With the right tools, high speed internet, video conferencing and file sharing such as Dropbox and Google drive the sharing of information online is instantaneous.  There’s no doubt that online conversations surrounding a divorce won’t be for everyone but, for people who are committed to the process and don’t want to let distance get in the way of a constructive approach to separation, it’s reassuring to know the support is there to help you make it work.

Game, Set, Match

With tennis fever in full swing this week at the Australian Open who have you set your sights on winning? Temperatures have been soaring both on and off the court for spectators and players alike. A common interest generates a discussion and before you know it you are chatting with the supporters around you or whilst standing in line for drinks.

If one of your New Year’s Resolutions was to start dating again after a separation where do you start?

It could be at a large social event such as the Australian Open or the forthcoming Australian Grand Prix? But if that’s not your scene then what are your options? 

Having been away from the dating scene for some time it can be difficult for some to know what to do. The nightclubs you used to go to have closed down or if not, those attending are now 20 years your junior. You have children and a job so finding the time and money to go out is difficult and where do you go? Having the confidence to go out alone and to instigate conversation can be overwhelming for some. Friends may now have their own families and aren’t able to join you on your quest for a new partner.

63% of single Australians are now turning to online dating which provides you with the security of meeting interesting like minded people from the safety of your own home. There are many dating websites now and not one size fits all. Some sites are intended for casual romance while other are geared towards serious relationships. A dating sites ability to best match you with a compatible partner relies on you sharing information. Of course, the more open and honest you are in your profile the more likely you are to find Mr or Mrs Right!

So how will you meet your next match?