My workplace is pretty packed with people, so except for the big bosses, the bulk of us work in a cubicle farm. This is pretty much the norm in most workplaces here. Some mordicum of privacy is afforded by the chin-high cubicle walls, although sound is still reflected around, so much so that i can tell whether my cubicle neighbour is typing or surfing the net (or playing diablo 3.....nah just kidding).
Trying to work and survive in such an environment is challenging, especially after sharing an office with one other person for long time in a previous position. Phonecalls, whether personal or business, are monitored subtlely (or not), and invariably there is a sense of loss of privacy. I usually walk out of the office to take my personal calls on my cell, but invariably that leads to questioning looks from my boss when seen doing so.
Then there is the noise factor, of people chit-chatting around you about stuff that may not be work related. The fact that they chat away in mandarin doesn't really bug me, but it is the volume and intensity of their discussions that is disturbing at times, especially when they talk about personal/health/hygiene (sometimes all 3 at the same time) matters. Perhaps due to differences in age, background, language, gender, workscope, i have become somewhat of a hermit in the office, most of the time dealing with my matters from the comfort and safety of my rather noisy cubicle. It doesn't help that whenever i try to interact, i either get cold blank looks, angry pouts or cheesy fake smiles (god, i hate the latter with a vengence).
So what do i do? I keep plugging away at my work, ignoring all jibes, snide remarks and obtuse references to keep trying. Funny thing is, i read that indirect bullying or harressment in the office is not restricted to the bosses or from man to woman, or even from person to group, and it is especially true when i can tick off all three.
Despite all of this, I still end each day with a smile as i look forward to spending time with my babies. =) The power of love is really amazing and is my shield against the cynicism of others. A distant runner up in the competition to save my sanity is the power of hope, that something better will come along soon.
