So, all the trials and tribulations that go along with this new job are teaching me new things about myself. Things that in all my 33 years I never realized.
The biggest one, I need my own space. I treasure my personal space. TREASURE it! I need space to just be myself. Talk to myself while working on a project, answer the phone and get tongue tied, fart in peace! Not having my own space makes me one big unhappy camper. And I think that's the main thing that's bothering me about this job.
The building we're working in was orginially built for 21 people. (I'm working for a federal law enforcement agency.) But, the agency has grown exponentially in the last five years. Now, we have over 250 people! IN.THE.SAME.BUILDING. Tight quarters to say the least. My office is probably 10X10 square. And there are three of us in here! And a small fridge and two massive filing cabinets.
To paint the picture, imagine pushing your chair out from your desk and bumping into someone else's chair. Repeat. Repeat. Imagine having the desk next to the fridge and having people drape themselves over your shoulders to reach around to get something out of the fridge. Repeat. Repeat. Imagine someone wanting to access the file cabinet, so you have to get up, leave your chair and WALK OUT OF THE OFFICE so they can have access. Repeat. Repeat. It sucks! And it makes me crabby.
Not to mention, getting critiqued on the fact that "no one else takes phone messages", so why do you? Or the million other things.
I also realized, that I've been really, really lucky to this point. Ever since I started working in an office, I've ALWAYS had my own space. Once, it was just a cubicle, but it was MY cubicle. Every other job I've had, I've had my own office. And I took it for granted.
Oh, how I wish I could get a little space of my own. It could be a 4X4 space. Just enough for a desk and chair. But, sadly we have no room.
I am trying to change my outlook and trying to be okay with it. But, frankly, I'm just not okay with it. I'm a very social person, but sometimes I just want a place to get away from it all. I want to lay my head on the desk for five minutes, I want to eat a snack without people watching, and by God, I want to fart without everyone knowing it's me!
That would drive me nuts, too!!! Ugh!!!!
Hope it gets better - somehow!
Posted by: Sybil Law | January 29, 2009 at 03:37 PM
oh my bob that would be murder. i have the best ever spot in the building. it is back in the corner by the window on the top floor, looking out over the tree-riddled park.
the price?
sitting next to farty-manager-boy.
thankfully, he works from home a couple days a month, and has meetings a lot.
but not enough...
Posted by: hollydolly | January 29, 2009 at 04:05 PM
okay...so i had a really great (i'm sure!) comment brewing and then i get to the "fart" part and i totally lost it! :-D
Personally...i live in japan and the idea of having "my own space" is pretty much non-existent. how about.... putting a flower on your desk...finding a picture of a window looking out over the beach or something...i would probably spend a lot of time in the handicapped toilet--just to stretch a bit...at least you could fart in there!!!
hang in there lori-doo...dare i say that things could be worse?
:-D there could be 4 people in there.....
Posted by: debbie | January 30, 2009 at 06:52 PM
That would drive me crazy. I was in a 'bullpen' like situation and it was just awful. I sat with my iPod on all day trying to ignore those around me. It got pretty bad to the point, I begged to move to another floor/building. I did get to move, and I'm in a teeny tiny space, but its just me and I get much more done.
I hope this works out and they get smart and get some more space!!
Good Luck!
Posted by: bubblewench | February 02, 2009 at 05:20 AM