Almost Never On Time

Being “on time” is usually considered desirable, but that’s often not possible.

When I was a child, my family celebrated Hanukkah. The holiday always came around Christmas Day, but it fell on a different date each year, in accord with the Hebrew calendar. And each year my parents would say Hanukkah was either early or late. I don’t remember it ever being “on time.”

I graduated college a month before I turned 19 – that was early. I got married a month before I turned 34 – that was considered late.

Being born in July means your birthday happens about a month after many important events, like June graduations and weddings. It also means that when you are young your school friends usually aren’t around in July to come to a birthday party, so you need to have your birthday celebration in June or September… early or late.

I had two children, my son was born when I was 35 and my daughter just a few days before I turned 38. For both children, I was told that I was having them a little late in life. But since then times have changed, and having children in one’s 30s is no longer considered “late.” By the way, in terms of their due dates, my son was born just on time, but my daughter – she came early.

I had a long and productive research career, generally getting my projects done early. I recently retired, in my early 70s – which many considered late. Since retiring I have learned of people working into their 80s- so maybe I wasn’t late for that either.

All these activities in my life were completed and successful, and being early or late didn’t matter much. But there are judgments attached to these words.

Being an early riser or an early bird is generally commendable- but not if it’s because you can’t sleep. Being a late bloomer is often seen in a positive way- but maybe not if you missed out on some opportunities.

There are also some times when the words early or late are not greeted happily. Many women know the fear that can be experienced when they think their period is late. No one wants a medical diagnosis that starts with the phrase “early onset” or “late stage.” And no one wants to be known as “the late Mr or Ms… .”

So what does this all mean? Maybe just that being early or late doesn’t matter much by itself, it all depends on the circumstances. But remember, just in case, if you have things you want to do you better get started. It’s probably later than you think.