A big challenge of running a small business is dealing¹ with employees' requests for time off. One morning an employee said,"I need to leave early tomorrow." Later that same day, he followed up with,"Looks like I'll be coming in late tomorrow, but if my coming in late runs into my leaving early, then I won't be in at all."

经营一家小公司的一个大挑战是对付员工的请假。 一天早上，一个员工说，“我明天得早点走”。同一天的晚些时候，他又接着补充说，“看来，我明天得晚点来。如果我迟到和早退的时间凑在了一起，那就是说我压根不会来了”。