When You Work With Both Space And Time
I run my own measuring company for flooring projects; carpet, vinyl, all that. Every appointment, I confirm a two-hour arrival window the night before or the morning of. Then, when I’m leaving the previous client’s house, I text an exact ETA.
They confirm. I arrive. They’re not there. I call.
Customer: “Oh! I’ll be there in half an hour. I’ll see you soon!”
Most of my appointments take fifteen minutes or less, so now I’m just losing money. I technically have the authority to leave a note and reschedule after I’ve waited fifteen minutes, but they always show up at the fourteen-minute mark.
When they finally arrive, I explain:
Me: “Being on time is a point of pride for me. Now I’m late for the rest of my appointments.”
Customer: “Calm down, the time is just a general guideline, right?”
Me: “No. I aim to be exact.”
Customer: “Well, you should chill a little. Be more relaxed.”
Me: “Cool. In that case, I’ll be relaxed and chill when I take your floor measurements.”
Customer: “Well, no…”
It never ceases to amaze me how adults can’t manage their time.
