A deep, frustrated sigh bubbles up when I stare at my screen.. The clock in the upper right corner shows 16:25. I have been patiently waiting for the person who had booked a meeting at 16:00 via my Calendly. It stays quiet on the other side. I sent an email at 16:05 in case he has problems logging in, he can use the link I added to the email. Yet again, nothing.
The door to my office opens a little. My son sticks his head around the corner. He looks at me questioningly.
“Someone stood me up.”
“Again?” he asks surprised.
“Again!” I sigh irritated.
So disrespectful, we both mumble at the same time. It has been happening more and more lately. At least five times that I have been staring at my screen for shits and giggles. Sometimes, if they have a good excuse, I give them a second chance, but usually I am done with that person after a no-show and they contact me again. It’s not a good sign for the future if you want to start a working relationship like this.
When I don’t cancel my appointment with the doctor or my physiotherapist on time, I still have to pay too, right? It’s not much trouble to send a message that you won’t be able to make it on time, or that you’re no longer interested. That is totally okay with me. But being ghosted like this? That is so not okay.
“Shall I get something nice for dinner?” my son asks me to cheer me up. I smile and nod happily. With a final sigh, I close my computer and start to think about how I prevent this from happening again. Maybe I should also add something like ‘if you don’t cancel on time, you will be charged.’ Not that I expect much from that, because if they don’t even show up, they certainly won’t pay any invoices.
Suddenly my phone vibrates: “Hey pretty lady – how you feeling??”
It’s my favorite client! We have the same work and think mentality, but not only that, despite the stress of deadlines can be quite demanding, we always keep a sense of humor. If it was up to me, I would have one hundred more clients like that!