I have seen shows like "The Office" and heard stories from my dad on what working in an office cubicle is like. For those who haven’t had the opportunity to experience one, cubicles are desks that are clumped together and divided by plastic panels. It creates personal privacy, and I believe are intended to provide less distraction for the individual at their desk.
I have been living the cubicle life now for about a month and a half, and I have to say I am not a big fan. I feel isolated from my peers. Sometimes it is nice being in your own little world, but sometimes I am more distracted by being alone! I try to personalize my desk with pictures and fun little knick-knacks. I feel like my desk is still lost in the sea of cubicles that have gray panels with plastic windows that divide everyone’s individual desks. Where is the word "team" in "cubicles?" Oh yeah, nowhere!
I want to be collaborative and interactive with my colleagues. I don’t necessarily want to hear the conversation of the person who is four rows down, however, I want to feel that I can socialize with them when they are free. Maybe I don’t like the seriousness that the cubicle life gives. I mean, I know I technically am working a "big girl" job, but damn, this is like my mom and dad level of serious work atmosphere. I want you to hear my amazing playlist, not the sound of your fingers typing on the keyboard.
I am thankful for this cubicle life experience because I have learned a lot. I have learned that I don’t like being isolated at a desk, gray is not suitable for everyone, I like to talk to people, I like to see people’s faces, I am quite curious when I can’t see what it on your computer screen, and the cubicle life makes me feel old. I feel that this is a long enough list to try to avoid working in a cubicle ever again. This has made my list of crucial details for my next step in career, not working as an intern of course.
So for the interns who cannot avoid working in a cubicle, my heart goes out to you. My best advice if you hate being in the cubicle is to decorate it, and maybe email with your office buddy (so you look like you are working).
Guess I am not the "cubicle life" kind of gal…are you?
