By Chandran Iyer

Showing up late to a job interview might cost you the opportunity—but as one candidate learned the hard way, being too early can also backfire.

In a viral post on LinkedIn, Matthew Prewett, a business owner from Atlanta, shared an unusual reason for rejecting a job candidate. The applicant, vying for an office administrator position, arrived 25 minutes early for the scheduled interview. While many would view this as a display of punctuality and seriousness, Prewett saw it differently.

“I had a candidate show up 25 minutes early to an interview. That was a major deciding factor in why I didn’t hire him,” Prewett wrote. He later clarified that the extremely early arrival made him feel rushed and uncomfortable, especially in his small office where the candidate could overhear ongoing calls. “Showing up extremely early can suggest that someone is not good with time management or that they expect to be accommodated time-wise. It demonstrated a lack of social awareness,” he explained.

The post sparked heated debate. Some supported Prewett’s view, citing workplace etiquette. Others strongly disagreed. “Absolutely not. What a ridiculous assessment. Send him my way. I’ll hire him immediately,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “What if his only transportation was the bus? I would look at it as he did what he had to do to make sure he was on time.”

But beneath this polarizing debate lies a deeper psychological pattern—one that many of us have experienced in our lives. It’s called Chronophobia: the fear of time.

What is Chronophobia?

Chronophobia is the irrational fear of time or the passage of time. While it’s commonly associated with individuals facing terminal illnesses or prisoners fearing the slow drag of time, the term also encompasses time anxiety—a form of stress or fear about being late, running out of time, or mismanaging time.

In everyday life, people with time anxiety might overcompensate. They’ll leave for appointments excessively early, become obsessively punctual, or constantly check clocks, timers, and calendars. While society often rewards punctuality, hyper-punctuality born from fear can lead to unintended consequences—like the job candidate who showed up too early.

Early Birds or Anxious Arrivals?

This fear of being late—or not having control over time—is increasingly common in our hyper-scheduled, deadline-driven world.

Take a familiar example: the airport. Many travelers arrive at the airport hours before their flight, not due to regulations but driven by the fear of missing it. For some, the mere thought of a traffic jam or long security line triggers mild panic. As a result, they find themselves sitting at the gate two hours early, filled not with relief, but unease.

The same happens with train journeys. It’s not uncommon for passengers to reach the railway station 45 minutes early, pacing on the platform with nothing to do—just to “feel safe.” This overcompensation is not just about being cautious. Often, it’s a coping mechanism to deal with the underlying anxiety about time slipping away.

Recognizing Time Anxiety

You might be dealing with time anxiety or low-grade chronophobia if:

• You constantly worry about being late—even when there’s plenty of time.
• You repeatedly check clocks, watches, or phone screens for time updates.
• You over-schedule your day to the point of burnout.
• You feel uneasy or irritable when plans deviate from the clock.
• You have a hard time relaxing because you feel you’re “wasting time.”

In more intense cases, time anxiety can affect decision-making, relationships, and even job performance. The pressure to “always be on time” can lead to social withdrawal, chronic stress, or a heightened sense of guilt when plans change.

The Psychology Behind It

Chronophobia is closely linked with our perception of control. In uncertain environments, having control over time provides psychological comfort. But ironically, the more control we seek, the more we fear losing it.

In cognitive behavioral therapy, this is called the illusion of control—we try to manage time obsessively in the hope of reducing anxiety. But the truth is, time is the one thing we can never fully control.

This leads to behaviors like:

• Showing up way too early.
• Over-planning each minute of the day.
• Becoming irritated when others are late—even by a few minutes.
• Feeling intense regret for “wasted” time.

Coping With Time Anxiety

If you or someone you know exhibits signs of chronophobia or time anxiety, there are ways to cope:

1. Mindful Scheduling

Instead of scheduling every minute, allow buffer time. Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early—not 30. This gives you flexibility without feeding the fear.

2. Challenge Perceptions

Ask yourself: “Am I really short on time, or just feeling that way?” This question can bring clarity when anxiety clouds judgment.

3. Reframe Lateness

Understand that sometimes things don’t go as planned. A five-minute delay isn’t a disaster. Practice self-compassion and extend it to others.

4. Practice Grounding Techniques

When panic about time strikes, grounding exercises like deep breathing, journaling, or a brief walk can help calm your nervous system.

5. Limit Clock-Checking

Ironically, checking the time too often fuels anxiety. Set specific times to check schedules rather than keeping your eyes glued to the clock.

Final Thoughts: Is Early Always Good?

The LinkedIn post might feel exaggerated, but it reflects a larger societal paradox. We praise punctuality but penalize over-punctuality. We tell people to “be on time” without realizing the emotional toll it can take.

Time management is a critical life skill—but so is time flexibility. Being obsessed with time can hurt relationships, job opportunities, and even your peace of mind.

In a world racing against the clock, the real challenge might not be to beat time—but to make peace with it.