Cubicle Equipment: Earplugs... Yes, Earplugs

Don't even try to argue that earplugs aren't cool. You work in a cubicle. Cool is standing in the parking lot, waiting for you to exit the elevator and leave the building. While you're at work, however, you're earning money so you can do cool things -- it's a compromise most of us are happy to make because we are practical. And so are earplugs. In fact, earplugs give you a level of control that people who do not use earplugs don't have:

"What's that? I couldn't hear you because of my earplugs. But no, no thank you, I can't make your cat's birthday party this weekend because I was making plans while you invited everyone within ear shot. Maybe next year."

Most cubicle workers complain that the biggest liability of working in a cubicle is all of the distractions. Sounds. Smells. A general lack of privacy. But there are things you can do to compensate for working in an environment without walls. And that includes plugging your ears. Earplugs can increase productivity, which means you can leave work earlier. Sure, you won't get that date with the girl three cubicles down, but that's okay. The girl for you is waiting for you at happy hour; you just need to get your work done so you can leave.