Getting Older and Valuing My Time
As I get older, I find myself becoming far less tolerant of people who show no respect for my time.
That does not mean I expect everything to run perfectly. People get sick, trains are delayed, family emergencies happen and life sometimes throws unexpected problems at us. I understand all of that. What I no longer accept is the casual attitude some people have towards commitments they have made.
My time is not somehow less valuable because I am retired, because photography is something I enjoy, or because no money is changing hands. A TFP shoot still takes planning, preparation, travel, equipment, physical effort and hours that I could have spent doing something else. When someone cancels at the last minute, arrives very late without warning or simply fails to show up, they are making it clear that their time matters more than mine.
Years ago, I probably would have shrugged it off, stayed polite and even given people another chance. I did not want to seem difficult or create unnecessary conflict. As I get older, however, I have become more aware that time is the one thing I cannot replace. Money can be earned again. Equipment can be repaired or replaced. A wasted day is gone forever.
Just because I do not become angry or start an argument does not mean I consider the behaviour acceptable. Remaining calm is not the same as not caring. Often it simply means I have decided the person will not be given another opportunity to waste my limited and valuable time.
The expectations I have are hardly demanding. Turn up when you said you would. Arrive ready to work. Keep communication flowing. If you are running late, send a message as soon as you realise you are going to be late . If you need to cancel, provide as much notice as possible.
That is not asking for special treatment. It is basic courtesy—and at this stage of my life, I no longer feel obliged to tolerate people who cannot offer it.
Guess who waited at Luna Park today for a three o'clock shoot to have a Message at ten minutes to three telling me they were going to be 45 minutes late. Putting the $14 for parking and the bridge tolls aside ... I had (at her request) gotten there early and set up lighting in blustery cold winds … it was effectively three hours out of my day - we will not be shooting again.