Wisdom from the Cubicle Jungle - 2

Businesses have assorted justifications for work cubicles – brainstorm area, space savings, inexpensive production, social accountability, etc. Physically, the cube is a slightly modified version of an elementary school desk. And this description comfortably fits the hierarchical intent and ensuing behavior. The cube dwellers are the incorrigible third graders, and the neighboring office dwellers are the real adults. Born from the careful observations of a novice cube dweller, this series is an attempt to identify the complex rules of the cubicle jungle. Don’t be alarmed if some rules seem contradictory.

6) If you intend to have a conversation about politics, child rearing, or the evils of technology, it is NOT necessary to keep your voice down. It is perfectly acceptable to have these potentially inflammatory conversations at maximum volume.

7) If you find something particularly salacious while cruising the web, it's best to share it with the person in the neighboring cubicle. After all, you'll need someone to launch into a long and detailed conversation with about the inappropriate content.

8) When having regularly scheduled personal conversations, why shout from one cubicle to the other, when you can just go sit in the same cubicle together?

9) If you choose to wear flip-flops to work, it's best to walk quickly. It may be particularly noisy and draw attention to your casual footwear, but you'll be through the area so quickly, that people with bad necks may not necessarily be able to identify you.

10) If you are in the sightline of your supervisor and just can’t get enough down time worked into your schedule, take very frequent bathroom breaks. That way, you at least get to go look around, see what others are up to, and take a refreshing walk.