Work, Squared

Working in cubicles is no doubt, modern life as we know it. We've all been numbered, arranged, and compartmentalized for the organizational pleasure of whatever job we have. It can be depressing, but it can also be fun if you're willing to go nuts and decorate the cube with knick-knacks and pictures of whatever pleases you.

Amusing things always occur because, in fact, working in a cube makes people forget certain things. For example, we all tend to forget that although we are surrounded by walls, there is still space enough for people to know that you exist. One will always hear the sounds of bodily functions ripping through fabric or exploding from mouths. It's bad enough that the sound is embarrassing, but what of the smell?

People also like to sleep at their cubes. There are people with such elaborate set-ups for taking naps that it almost becomes a part-time job of theirs to arrange their body comfortably before drifting off for a midday snooze. Take for instance, the guy who takes off his shoes, sets them aside in a specific position, gathers an extra chair, leans his own chair against his desk, places his feet "just so" in the extra chair", leans his head back towards the ceiling, but away from the lights, and snores for a good 30 minutes. Of course, I'm making it more complicated than it really is, but what the heck, naps can be taken in your car, at your house, but in my opinion, not at your desk.

There's also those who will call over the cubicle walls to make sure their co-workers are still there. Discussions are held without ever seeing a face or shaking a hand. More people are willing to sit at their cubes, call up their neighbors, or send an e-mail, than walk around a corner or up a flight of stairs. Maybe they should start making office chairs less comfortable. Maybe air conditioning shouldn't make the office a perfect 70 degrees. Whatever it is, I think one should always take a few breaks just to get away from their desks.

What are cubicles to you? Are they modern cages? Is it a private, personal workspace? Are you a master of your cube, or slave?