Three Walls

Economic Woes Reorder Cubicle Lunches

Are you trying to save money by not eating out as much during lunch? Well, you're not alone. It seems the manic economic situation we're experiencing has cubicle dwellers everywhere rethinking that $9 salad and $12 gourmet  sandwich. This, however, is harder to do than you may think. Employees used to certain lunch lifestyles are finding it difficult to downgrade their lunches by waking up earlier to make their own.

Have you tried to cut back on buying lunch? How successful have you been?

Cubicle Reality: Plans to Go

By this point, just about anyone who works in a cubicle has seen someone near them get laid off. It's a sad sight and one that most definitely makes an impression and has people thinking "What if this happens to me?" Though many cubicle workers may never admit it, many have a box or folder already prepared for that day when they get tapped on the shoulder and called into an HR meeting where the guest of honor is you.

"Go to the bottom left drawer of my desk," they say at the conclusion of the meeting. "All of my personal things and important paperwork are in a box. I know I have to leave the building, but can you meet me outside and give it to me? Thanks."

Any readers out there experiencing these types of thoughts? Maybe an attempt to control your destiny in an economic climate where no one feels safe?

Cubicle Crazy: A Survey

On a scale of one to 10, with 10 being absolutely bleeding from your eyes crazy, how insane have you ever felt at your job? Let us know. You're not alone. We swear. 

Check It Out: The Office Professional

Dear Readers,

Just wanted to let you know that if you enjoy reading The Cubicle Survival Guide blog, you'll find The Office Professional interesting too! I write for TOP, and know firsthand they offer top-notch services, products and content. Check it out: http://www.theofficeprofessional.com/

Best,

James F. Thompson

How to Build an Office Desk... from Legos

In 15 years this poor kid is going to regret his love of office desks. Maybe he'll grow up to do something outside, like be a park ranger.

Summer Sizzles Cubicle Commuters

This weather is simply unbearable. Emlpoyees are walking into the office covered in a sheen of sweat, their moods overcooked like limp pasta. You can't blame people for sporting a bad disposition when they're soaked in their own sweat and have to sit in a conference room and filled with hazy July sunshine overlooking a crappy parking lot. At least there is air conditioning.

How are you beating the heat this week?  

What Music Do You Listen to?

We all know how uninspiring cubicle life can be, so many of us find a way to listen to music. So, when stuck in your cubicle, what genre of music do you find is the most productive to work to?

(a) jazz
(b) rock
(c) rap
(d) heavy metal
(e) classical
(f) alternative
(g) pop
(h) easy listening
(i) polka
(j) world
(l) techno

Cubicle Sitch: Stained Shirt

You're working in your cubicle and as you take a sip of your Starbuck's coffee, some drips on your white shirt (don't you hate it when the seam of the cup is lined up beneath the lid's hole!). You have a big meeting in 20 minutes. Choose which reaction most resembles you:

(a) I laugh and don't worry about the stain. Shit happens.

(b) I buy a bottle of water in the break room and dab the stain with a wet napkin.

(c) I got to the bathroom, take off the shirt, and wash the stain out thoroughly.

(d) I call my spouse and have them deliver a clean shirt.

(e) I reach behind me, grab the spare shirt I have hanging in my cubicle for just such an occasion, and change shirts in the bathroom.

(f) I ask my cubicle neighbor if I can borrow his leather Motörhead jacket.

Cubicle Foul!!!

Which cubicle foul is the bigger transgression?

(a) talking too loudly

(b) wearing too much perfume/cologne

(c) clipping your fingernails

(d) uninvited visits/interrupting your cubicle neighbor

(e) eavesdropping

(f) using the speakerphone