BlogBreak

By Victoria

March 27, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

I feel like taking naps at work because the offices I work in are so sterile and dimly lit. A little sunlight and imagination would go a long way!

By E. Lewis

March 27, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this

The biggest problem I have with my cubicle is more than the noise level, it’s the private chatter noise level.

I really don’t want to hear the lies you tell your spouse, th minute details of your date last night, your lovey talk or the arguement you are having with your family, but in a cubicle environment it’s inevitable.

By living in fl

March 27, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

Boring. The last two places I have worked had the worse cubicles. They are cubbies from hell. Feel like I am living in a jail cell. Wishing one of these walls would have fell. Right on the V.P. Happy to see me cozy up on office row. Smokin a Cuban roll music flowin from the walls makin the office a party hall. Dreamin’ Y’all!

By living in fl

March 27, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

I live in the cubby from hell. Like a jail cell. Fantasizing that a wall would have fell Right on the V.P. Blowin out his memory Movin up to office row Flossin’ in the corner yo Smokin’ a Cuban fatty Music blastin from the walls Makin this office into a party hall Drab is my office. I have brown walls surronding me. I found out my second day here that they had a problem with mice. I have the priviledge of having the only type writer in my cell. People come in and start typing without any warning. I want to decorate but I am waiting until I pass the 90-day mark.

By Melinda

March 27, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

My biggest complaint about my current cube life is my neighbor who eats noisily all day long, burps, passes gas, dips tobacco and spits into a cup, and uses foul language all day long. His favorite adjective starts with the letter “F” and he calls every woman he leaves a voicemail for a “B” after he hangs up.

The noise level in this office is ridiculous and I feel like the den mom to a bunch of frat boys.

Whomever convinced employers that cubicles were a good idea needs to be subjected to one day sitting next to the pig in my office.

By Tanisha

March 27, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this

Try having a cube across from the breakroom! I hear everything - from what co-workers are eating for lunch, to annoying gossip whispers (which are worst than speaking at normal voice levels). Not to mention, EVERYONE assume I know how to work the copier. Holding converations three cubes down are also irritable. Maybe someone should develop a cubicle etiquette guide. Hmm.

By Naomi

March 27, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

Umm my cubicle is grey, dull & lifeless with the exception of the “important information” that I print out on colorful paper and post here and there, and my lovely calender. I’d say the office is quite depressing, but my boss’ secretary is trying to liven it up with pictures, “re” arrangements, and rugs. The worst part of my cubicle is my co-worker across from me, she whines all day about everything and sings (so far off-key the right key is actually indeterminate) ALL day…

By Quiet Please!

March 27, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

Would the folks who give us a musical rendition of their coughs, hocking and nasal melodies, please take them outside or stay at home. None of us care to hear how your nasal passages sound. Basic noise is ok, as we are only human and have to work. Oh, don’t forget the gum smackers - have some class folks. Smacking gum in public is a sign of no class and a low IQ. It is as bad as smoking and having to smell you on the elevator coming back from the wasted time bin outside of our building. Friday is on the way - hold on!

By George Q.

March 27, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

CUBES SUCK!!! The genius who came up with this idea probably is sitting in a plush office with windows overlooking the skyline, reclining in a Herman Miller chair, scheduling his next (golf) meeting, arguing with his wife about “family time,” and the privacy to watch his bank accounts grow, grow, grow. Now that I think about it….could it be possible that one of our key-executives developed the cubicle????

By Sam Jones

March 27, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

I have no windows, so I can’t tell if it’s raining, sunny, snowing, storming outside. Quiet as a mouse, with only a couple people in my office. So quiet it makes me self-conscious about eating anything they can hear. Can’t wait to leave each day. Hate coming back from lunch when it’s nice outside. It should be a crime to have to sit in a windowless cubicle on those nice sunny Spring days. I have never liked announcing my leaving(on time), but because it’s so quiet, my fellow employees are “alerted” as to when I come and go, because of the door shutting. I don’t think this is what God had in mind when he created mankind and had us work for our livelyhood-to sit in a dark cubicle all day long??

By Marge

March 27, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

No physical privacy where my cube is located. Noisy.. people walk by to talk about their personal boring lives. At least I know when the break room is empty though. I see people walk to and from there.

By CubeGirl

March 27, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

I like where my cube is in the office…. I can work on my homework or pay bills without being seen… I just hate where I work because it’s so darn boring…. I am glad that my cube is not next to our bathrooms… People really blow it up down there….Yuck!

By Headphones to the Rescue

March 27, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

I completely agree about the “gossip whisper” comment!! The person across the (paper-thin) cubicle wall from me uses that tone all the time, talking either about actual gossip or secret company/personnel matters, none of which I should or want to hear. If I couldn’t hear it at all, that would be fine, but I can hear it enough to make me want to drown it out as much as possible with headphones. The other really irritating sound in this cubicle farm is the constant ringing of people’s cell phones. Someone has one that sounds like a ringtone echoing in a valley somewhere, and that person is apparently the most popular and most never-at-his/her-desk person in the world.

By ThatsMyStapler

March 27, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

It’s like Office Space in here! But instead of actual cubicles, we have just desks smashed with each other. I would almost WANT cubicles instead of having the annoying coworker look over yous shoulder at EVERYTHING you do.. no matter if it is answering a personal email or doing real office work for 10 hours straight. And we shoudl all just get fans or heaters— no person is ever happy with the temperature. I should wear shorts and a tank top in the dead of winter to feel comfortable in this sauna called an office.

By FedUp

March 27, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

Tanisha i’m right there with you, next to the break room.

And people are gonna cough folks, if you’re in the next cube, wear some stinkin’ headphones and get over it!

By Neednewjob

March 27, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

I sit in a ok cube area. I have windows close to me so I can when it’s sunny or rainy. I have enough freedom to work on my homework for my masters degree and to pay my bills without being bothered. When people do come around I pull up my dummy work screen and act like I am working.My job is boring so I have to do something to make the time pass by.My cube mates are loud and annoying though.They are all holy rollers!!! They sing and clap and dance to Jesus music. It drives me insane!! I am glad that my cube is not placed by our smelly bathrooms. People go in there and blow it up and it makes it unbearable to breathe sometime… People need to leave that mess at home….

By Grandpa Jack

March 27, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this

Cellblock 3339, 25 to life. (‘nuff said)

By Cubey1

March 27, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this

My cube is ok except for the following: the smell of someone who just left the smoking area, 3 floors down comes up with them and wafts over so I choke and have to spray air freshener. Funky cell phone ring tones, people passing by and speaking to everyone inside their cube, which is annoying if you’re busy working and concentrating. Other than that, we can decorate our cube, put in artificial light (no growing of funny plants please)and whatever makes it feel more comfortable. After all, you spend more waking hours with strangers than you’d care to remember; so be comfortable.

By CUBES ROCK

March 27, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this

Cubes Rock… When they’re narrow and dark, perfect for sending off resumes.

By jes8

March 27, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

You guys are the biggest whiny brats I’ve ever seen. People have to clear their throat, speak on the phone, whatever. Get over it. I guarantee you they b*&^% about you just as much as you are about them. At least you have a personal space. I’m in what used to be a closet with another person 5 feet away. NO privacy whatsoever. So keep complaining people. Just keep on.

By E. Lewis

March 27, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this

I forgot to mention the guy in the cubicle next to me to evidently can’t afford a set of headphones like the rest of us. His taste in music is atrocious.

By Smelly Lunch

March 27, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this

I hate ackward lunch smells and the “gossip whispers” too! Talking doesn’t bother me so much, but there’s a young lady who snorts upon laughing and the other talks like Fran Gretcher. It’s hell once they get going!

By Shut Up, I'm working here

March 27, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

Amen, Headphones to the Rescue. Many days I have to put a Cd in, and headphones on to drown out the constant talking (especially first thing in the morning), the gum popping, the talking over the cubicle to another co-worker, then there’s those who answer calls from their cell phone throughout the day, and share the conversation with the entire office, plus the annoying hacking cough I hear all day, then there’s the laughing or partying from the other department on the floor, who never seems to have enough work to do. Love my headphones!

By teddy

March 27, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this

The worst is definitely the “neighbors.” On this day ALONE, I’ve heard about an hour’s worth of personal phone conversations, including “i’m buying a laptop computer.” Just a moment ago there was about 10 minutes of “go play with your toys,” phone conversation. In the past her phone conversations have not been limited to, buying cars, tickets to concerts, husband going fishing. UGGGHHH. I’m here just once a week,thank goodness, but the funniest thing is that the cube walls are so high I’ve never seen her but I know every detail about her personal life!

By MouthBreather

March 27, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

FedUp.. I understand people need to cough but you don’t sit next to my co-worker who has allergies and is constantly sniffling loudly (the wet kind that sounds like you need to blow your nose really badly), whistles through his nose, and moans (like a moan if someone’s having sex). Even the headphones don’t cover it up.

By Hunter

March 27, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

I like my cubicle. They cubes in our office are not traditional boxes, they are more octagonal and the color is a nice green. I have lots of light, windows to one side to look out on the trees in the parking lot, and lots of pictures hanging up. It is a nice place to come every day.

By Victoria

March 27, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

My husband used to work in a really hip office last year. The place had hardwood floors, brick walls and great artwork displayed all over. Fun couches and retro rugs too. Lots of character!

By Poor Jes8, Cube Insanity

March 27, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

See what a closed work space does to you…it’ll make you go off on complete strangers. Poor Jes8, if you really want a cube, we’re hiring.

By Insidevoices

March 27, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

My department makes an extra effort to ensure our offices are well-presented. We have plants, lamps, rugs, candles and elegant drapes.

My only gripe is that my cubemate never uses inside voices when on the phone. He is loud, obnoxious and ‘that guy who is always right’. I really wish he would just put a sock in it!

By Robert

March 27, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

My cube is awesome! I show up 5 days a week for 8 hours a day and they pay me for it. They even give me vacation and sick days.

It’s a lot better than fighting a war in the Middle East or being jobless.

By Elise

March 27, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this

I live in the cubby from Hell. It is so small, I’m 5’8” and my legs are in a bent position all day because I can’t stretch them out. I refuse to decorate because it signal’s that I plan to stay a while….NOT…..and I’ve been here for a year and I will not decorate…decorating a cubicle….how ludacris!

By April

March 27, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this

Our cubes are wonderful- we get to decorate them anyway we like- they arent you ugly grey or brown colors like some offices that I worked- these cubes are the color of ocean blue- we decorate for easter, valentines day,etc- bascially every holiday or event this place is fun. We constantly are eatting something be it candy or pizza- but i love my cube.

By MONIQUE

March 27, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

cube life for me has not been the best. first i sat in the very front of my section of cubes, so i automatically became the “front receptionist” as everyone who walked by would ask me for directions simply b/c i was the first face they’d see. we recently had to move to another area, now i sit directly in front of my boss who has a clear view of me one those days i am late for work. of course when i’m early, he’s nowhere to be found.

By CP III

March 27, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this

My cube is the bomb! I am surrounded by windows and a big glass door which is used for emergencies only. We are right next to the street so I get to see all the cars passing by, people jogging and other exciting things and also the freshly manicured landscape. The closest person to me is two cubicles down which is a really good thing. I play my radio all day and enjoy the scenery.

By Joe

March 27, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

Prison.

By kew0785

March 27, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

Wow…it’s nice to hear I’m not the only one with noisy neighbors! I don’t particularly mind the personal conversations or the music that’s just a little too loud as much as I mind the lack of privacy when I’ve got a deadline or an important client I am working with via phone! Unfortunately, office etiquette doesn’t seem to mean much to people these days and it seems like (my) co-workers in particular have a hard time grasping that sometimes a little peace and quiet is required to get the job done. I don’t want to hear about your baby daddy, or what club you were at last night, or how much your outfit cost (especially when I’ve got a client on the other line who can actually hear your conversation)! Other than the lack of privacy I have a nice cubicle. I’ve got two nice windows that overlook the parking lot and a little forest that is host to a number of squirrels, chipmunks, and birds that amuse me throughout the day. They’re my mental get-a-way when I can’t stand listening to anymore of the baby mama drama! Now, if I could only figure out a way to have my VP install a door on my cubicle…

By MyCubeSpace

March 27, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

I love my cube. I decorate it however I want, and I’ve also hung up posters all around the office as well. The 8 people that share the section of cubes I sit in are loud, politically incorrect, and obnoxious on a daily basis. We always talk over the cubes and frequently yell to someone across the office. Typically our conversations are not about work. We also all use terrible language and have a great time telling inappropriate jokes and laughing at each other and ourselves. I think I’m quite lucky to work at a place where I can really be myself and I don’t have to watch my language or wear stupid headphones. I can be in a terrible mood and the joking around me always cheers me up. When I don’t want to hear other people’s noise I just turn up my music!

By

March 27, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

My cubical is the cubical from hell! My co-worker has severe allergies 365 days plus. She never stops coughing up mucus. My boss has asked that I not spray since this makes her allergies worst(365 days worst). Please come on, shes not the one sitting next to her. Just to add the topping on the situation she’s a regular habitual chewing gum popper. She pops gum over 500 times a day. This is a professional office. How can a person assist a client if they are listening to gum popping, coughing, and spitting. The hell with cubicals.

By jes8

March 27, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

Cube Insanity… I happen to LOVE my job and just about everyone I work with. I doubt very seriously you have anything to offer me that will top what I have. And since I love my job, I will tolerate my work situation. So thanks, but no thanks. Most of these people on here don’t hate their cube, they hate their job in general.

By Becca

March 27, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

No cubes here. Just one room the size of a cubicle, with four desks and phones ringing constantly and heaven forbid anyone else comes in because then the noise level is sky high. You can’t hear yourself think! Oh and did I mention our office was last remodeled in 1974. INCLUDING the chairs. Oh and we have a window, right up at the ceiling, narrow so you get no light since it’s sunken two feet back in the wall! DEPRESSING and AWFUL!

By Dan

March 27, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

jes8,,,,,what kind of job do you have that you LUV so? I hate my cube because I once had a job with an office….that’s why I hate mine…..

By Dan

March 27, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

plus anybody who says they luv cubical life, obviouisly have never had better or they are just content with life….

By WHAT THE ........!

March 27, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

Jeez Jes8…easy now - dont know whos more bitter, U or the people U say hate their jobs !

By Cube#44

March 27, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

My cube bites! As you walk into our cube area my boss sits out looking down our row of cubes. If he needs you, he yells out your name! I don’t think he’s ever heard of picking up the phone or sending you an email! Luckily, there’s two ways in & out of our area. I avoid passing my boss’ office at all costs during the day. We have these walls (if you want to call them that) that are about half way up so you have some sort of privacy, but when the person next to you wants to talk to you, they just stand propped up against the wall. Never mind the whole idea was for privacy! If the person who sits on the other side of your cube wall is on the phone you hear every single detail of their conversation. There is no privacy around this place!! When I’m on the phone (person or business) people just stand in my cube waiting for me to get off the phone - take a hint, I’m not stopping what I’m doing to help you. “Take a number and when I’m ready, I’ll let you know” is what I feel like telling them! I have a few personal items in my cube. If you count 4 picture frames, personal wall calendar and my own office supplies that I have marked with my initials! People will come over to your cube and just take things, because they look cool or they’re just too lazy to order from the supply book. I have to lock up my supplies nightly! Let me not forget, when someone comes over to talk to another person in my area, and they’re not there, they’ll ask me “Do you know where _ is?”, do I look like their personal sectary? No!! Thank goodness for my iPod, it takes me to another place that I don’t really have to pay that much attention too!! My all time favorite, is when it’s your birthday and you have flowers or balloons at your desk, someone will walk over and ask “is it your Birthday?” …Nope, I just feel like drawing attention to me today!! 5:30 doesn’t come fast enough on some days!

By Carlos (U Go jen8)

March 27, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

You’re right jen8, nothing’s better than working in a closet! I’m so appreciative now. Can’t wait to come in to work tomorrow surrounded by grey carpeted walls, while enjoying the smell of my cubemate’s Old Spice.

By Anon

March 28, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this

Wow, after reading some of the posts, I admit my cube is not so bad. What gripes me is the feeling certain people have that since we are in a relatively open environment, anything we say or do is fair game. A million times a day my coworker will yell over the cube wall to interject into my conversation (or worse, she gophers up or even walks around to join in). Or she will ask a question about a phone call I just took, no matter how quiet I am trying to be. In fact, I think the quieter I am, the harder she listens!

By TRAPPED

March 28, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

I’m trapped in cube hell. On one side is a woman doing LOUD phone sex with her boyfriends all day. Or she’s on the phone with our insurance people trying to figure out her husband’s insurance. She eats while she’s talking laps up her coffee like a cat. On the other side is Sybil and all 15 of her personalities…she goes from Satan to Churchlady in the blink of an eye. I’m afraid to look over the cube wall…her head may be spinning. I keep my purse and keys by my feet in case I ever have to leave in a hurry.

By IHateWhiners

March 28, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this

Some of the complaints sound legitimate but some are just from people looking to complain. I don’t smoke, but being bothered by someone who has just come from smoking is ridiculous. You probably don’t even smell it but just know they smoke so want to make a scene. You are the same people who send your food back at the restaurant 50% of the time and could get the exact same thing the second time and say it is better.

By EJ in Denver

March 28, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

Work LIfe in a cube should be unpleasant… Hopefully it encourages you to pursue your dreams and move on. Every time you walk into your little “hell” you should get motivated and work towards a better day. Let your cubicle become your launch pad.

By formercubie

March 28, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

These problems are not isolated to cubies. I used to work in a cube - knew all the skeletons in the closets. Some cubes have more sound wall effects than paperthin walls. I still have to overhear conversations. Some people in the offices obviously never dealt with a cube. They play their music loud, talk on speaker phones, etc. They show absolutely no consideration for others. A few walls don’t provide privacy, either. People are people, and I’m just happy I have a job. I will say at least I no longer feel like I’m in a fishbowl.

By David

March 28, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

Loud, annoying co-workers, especially if from another dept. No privacy, no gossip, no personal calls (not loud anyways), feel like the movie Office Space. Smells funny when someone brings in food. Some smell good some Ewww. At least I have the window view. But still a office is much more pleasant to work in. Oh I can’t help to ease drop. Dont blame me. Blame the scenery.

By Bambi

March 28, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

What can I say about my work environment? My desk is right next to the bathroom. The office furniture is Early Salvation Army style and the chair makes my back hurt. The cleaning crew is always at least a month behind.

Did I mention that I work at home? ;-)

By Annoyed

March 28, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

Eavesdroppers, whether it is listening to your personal calls or reading your emails….IT IS JUST RUDE!! Now, I feel better….oh yea, in reading this, maybe they’ll get the message!

By Cubic212

March 28, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

Are any of you working? iPod’s, music, online shopping, dummy work screens, coming in late/leaving early, printing of resums, cell phones, personal conversations, eating,… Have I misunderstood where you people are when you are in the cubicle you are writing about?

It is no wonder that America has had dropping productivity rates since 1975 and countries such as Korean now exceed us.

Do your employer a favor quit; you won’t be missed because it doesn’t sound like you are contributing your share. Further you will be doing consumers a favor if you quit; you are contrubuting to higher cost-of-goods.

No wonder we can’t buy American made products in America! Are Koreans complaining about their cubicle spaces from their employers computers during work hours? Are workers in countries whose output is gaining and exceeding that of America as interested in finding ways to come in late, leave early, have personal conversations,… at work? I suspect not.

BTW - I am salaried; my typical work week is 6 days and 65-75 hours/wk. I don’t feel too guilty about taking three minutes to write this message.

By Historic House

March 28, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

Reading this makes me appreciate my gig!

By Kat

March 28, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

Well, I’m not as appalled as Cubic212, and don’t necessarily think you should all quit work…. but really, if nothing else our jobs enable our lifestyle. If for no other reason, we owe it our best effort, if not our undying loyalty and praise. I’m lucky. I like my cubicle just fine - though I’ve had other (maybe better, maybe not) arrangements, including an office. I REALLY like BellSouth, my boss and my co-workers. I remember customers are the only reason I’m here, even if they sometimes seem a tiny bit unreasonable. But the more I think about it… I really like sitting in a cubicle surrounded by a great team (that on paper reports to me, though in reality we work together). Ok, maybe I hear a personal call occasionally, but not often, and sometimes I have to make them myself. When someone talks across a cubicle wall, it is most often to help each other or share a laugh. I really appreciate reading all this cuz I just realized how incredibly lucky I am - to have a window, a clean restroom, peers who softly play great jazz music, headsets instead of loud speaker phones, an awesome team, and a vocation I like that has enabled a lifestyle my husband and I enjoy and college educations for three wonderful boys. AWESOME. Guys, if we don’t like our situation, it’s up to us to change it.

By Kat

March 28, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

Ugh. I just had a thought. I seem so happy, but What if I’M the CREEPY CO-WORKER you’re all writing about??? I’ll have to ask my aisle mates if I could be a better neighbor….

By Hey Wendi

March 31, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

Hey Wendi, I’m in the cube next to you!