Walau eh, I seriously need to get this off my chest because the standard of punctuality in Singapore is getting absolutely pathetic. Why is it so hard for people to understand a simple concept: if we say meet at 5:00 PM, it means your physical body must be standing at the location by 5:00 PM.
Not “on the MRT now,” not “just left house,” and definitely not “sorry bro, standard rubber time.” Every single time my group tries to organize a gathering, sure got one or two absolute losers who will never, ever appear on time. Always have some stupid, low-effort excuse.
Let’s be real here, and I don’t care if this sounds harsh or if I get downvoted to oblivion by the strawberry generation. People who are chronically late tend to be the poorest and most unsuccessful Fs in the social circle.
Sorry to say, but I am just stating facts here. Among my current group of friends, I am easily the richest. I’m not even trying to brag or flex my bank account, I am just stating a basic reality of life.
If you cannot even manage something as basic and free as your own daily schedule, how the hell are you going to manage big money, investments, or a high-flying career? You think a high-net-worth client will wait for you? You think the market cares that your Grab car took longer to arrive? Cannot manage time equals cannot manage life. Period.
I am honestly so glad this kind of discipline was instilled in me since I was young. To me, showing up late is a sign of zero respect and a total lack of self-control. My father spent a lot of time working in Japan last time, and he learned their exact work ethic and absolute respect for time. He brought that mentality back home and drilled it straight into me.
Because of that, if a meeting is at 5:00 PM, I will naturally and automatically arrive by 4:45 PM. 15 minutes early is the absolute baseline standard. You use that extra time to settle down, find a seat, and prepare yourself. You don’t rush in sweating like a pig at 5:15 PM giving some cock-and-bull story about the traffic.
It really shows the disparity in mindset. The losers will always complain that “wah you so uptight for what, just friend gathering only.” But these are the exact same people who always complain about inflation, complain their boss doesn’t promote them, and complain they got no money. Wake up lah. Your poor financial state is a direct reflection of your garbage discipline. If you want to be rich, start by respecting other people’s time and fixing your own clock. 1min late is still late. End of rant.