As I live in Japan I do some English teaching from time to time.
But I'll never work again for one American man I know.
Don't get me wrong- he's really a nice guy and has a great house in a peaceful, mountain setting.
I often went there early just to relax and chat with him in his home.
But he's also a real nervous Nellie.
It could be one o'clock and though the classes didn't begin until three and were already prepared for, he would suddenly say things like, "Well, it's already one.
Time's a wastin.
'" Well, I didn't know what I was supposed to do exactly for those two hours, but I guess it was to remain on high alert.
"These classes aren't going to teach themselves," was another favorite line of his.
And he also vacuumed every nook and cranny at least twice a day.
Eventually, though I still remain in contact with him, I quit teaching for him.
Which is unfortunate because though I do not wish to brag, I'm pretty good at it and draw students well.
There are times when we have to move or act quickly.
But when we don't, we don't, and I really don't think there are any extra benefits in life from being speedy when it's not necessary.
In fact, I rather think the opposite, and I am one of those lucky people who just turn into turtles and snuggle in unless there is a pressing need.
You can call 'lazybones' but lazy bones don't get banged up, do they? Somewhere along the line speed for speed's sake became a virtue.
Now we worship speed.
Fast cars, fast planes, fast food, instant credit, instant satisfaction.
But, generally speaking, things done in a hurry don't tend to produce long lasting benefits.
And don't forget the old adage either that haste really does make waste.