Cubicle Coma
As a sales rep, I am always out visiting accounts, but on Friday's I have to go to my company's office and spend the day there working in a tiny room. I'm generally a happy person, and I now realize why I don't work in an office. They're miserable! Ironically enough, every Friday when I go, I get a sore throat! I literally get sick from going there. What happens in an office that makes people so depressed?
My customer service person sends out posts on myspace saying how bored she is at work, and then complains I give her too much work to do! Throughout the day, I hear doors slamming, people cursing, and talking out loud about co-workers. They barely smile and resist change like the Rock of Gibralter. If they don't like working in an office, why don't they get another type of job? Does the reprocessed air kill the happy brain cells? Who works in a happy office and what is the trick?
Do people just put aside their hopes and dreams to take home a paycheck? Do office workers suddenly become happy once they leave work, or does this attitude carry over to family and friends? I know for me, I have to be happy with my work or else I'm miserable all the way around. This means that I usually take the scenic route to my goal and not the straight and narrow. I tried to be normal, but I just couldn't. Yes, it's Friday as I'm writing this and I better go and get some tea for my throat!
Tory Johnson
Absolutely Annie
Balanced Woman
Been There, Done That
Career Changer
Comeback Mom
Fulltime Freelancer
Girl on the Go
Girlphyte
Image Architect
Multitasking Madre
New Girl on the Job
Outside the Box
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Small Business Susan
Vivacious Vicki
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Comments (3)
Having worked in numerous offices all over the country for over 25 years, I can tell you that putting a large group of people in such a confined space, doing a job they are not interested in is a recipe for hardship on everyone. There is no way any of us can get along for 8 hours, every day, day after day; year after year. I’m not even talking about the mean people, egoists or PMS. There will inevitably be encounters, clicks, etc. The best option is to keep your mouth shut, do your job and continue to seek your calling! I believe most people work in an office because the pay is a little better and it provides the illusion of safety. The office atmosphere will rarely change (it’s been like this for hundreds of years – read your history) and unfortunately, the exceptions are few. So if you have a great office atmosphere, count your lucky stars and bring donuts/bagels & cream cheese on Mondays.
— Posted by Kim | July 27, 2007 3:39 PM | Comment Permalink
Guess I am one of the lucky few who got absorbed into a very collegial management consultancy. Sure there is stress during deliverables, but on average we do very well for ourselves. My take is that the key is communication, respect for personal space and professionalism.
— Posted by Karan | July 15, 2007 9:39 PM | Comment Permalink
I can really relate to cubical coma. Many years ago I had to work in a cubical and it was not fun.
I think it stunted my creativity. Now I have my own office and it really makes a difference. Happiness in the office really depends on where you work and YOUR attitude. I try to stay away for the complainers and gossips. Staying focused on your job is key. Keep a smile on your face, it makes people wonder what you have been doing!!
Phyl
— Posted by Phyl | July 11, 2007 10:27 AM | Comment Permalink