Cubicle Farm Healing Through Commiseration, Humor, Research, and Retail Therapy
Do you feel like you're just a cog in the big wheel that is today's office? Even the smallest companies have their cubicles and their partitions and their 'collaborative work environments' (yak). Here are my musings on my own personal office sentence, some links I came up with to some sources of info and fun products for cube dwellers, and links to my CafePress shop, Cubicle Farm (including an original comic strip). Look for window posters to humanize your cube, great books to help you bone up and arm yourself against the adminisphere, and lots of other cubicle necessities that I find useful (and fun). It's a CubiGanza!
Welcome to My World
Once upon a time at the cube farm, we were told by the Powers That Be we were getting all new office furniture. We were, naturally, very excited, because the furniture we'd been in and on for, oh, probably since the company's inception was cracking and leaning and just plain offensive to look at. So, Hooray! Much celebration.
And now we cube farm cowpokes work in ... wait for it ... a Collaborative Work Environment. Right, one of those great ideas the adminisphere comes up with that sounds great and looks great, but when the truth trickles down to the actual drones who use it, it isn't such a terrific idea after all.
Here's what ours looks like (you have to use your imagination):
Still cubicles, just stuck together in pairs. I guess it would be great if we actually collaborated. As it is, we all try as hard as we can to re-create our little private spaces. Could it be that we miss our cubicles?? Well, to make a long story short, we were assigned desks based on who wanted to be closest to the A/C, who didn't get bothered by foot traffic, and who needed to be close to the window (the graphic designer, so she had natural light to work by), etc. What ensued was the opposite of collaboration. We've become experts at shutting out our workmates. We use earplugs, headphones, anything to create the illusion that we're alone in our virtual offices. But the furniture is lovely to look at, I guess.
To Do Today!
Let k8 know about your own crazy, stupid, funny, annoying, wonderful cubicle situation. It might show up in a "Cubicle Farm" cartoon! (See module below.)
I Need Some New Material!
It's just possible that my own cubicle life isn't the only one in the world.
Puh-LEEZE let me know a story about your work life in a cubicle -- or any kind of office. You know, the guy who sharpens his pencil 20 times a day, the woman who walks back and forth by your cubicle 10,000,000 times a day... stuff like that. Or whatever! C'mon, it'll be fun.
Pastiche wrote...
My cubie days are long gone (so is the computer company where I was pubs manager - DEC). We devised all sorts of overhead "art" landmarks to help others find us in a sea of grey-brown office-boxes. "Look for Kermit on a swing by the windows" or "Take a left at the restrooms and look for the Pink Flamingo with a purple scarf" were just a few mapping keys. Love this lens! You're invited to join the new group, Senior Geek Squids. 5*s
Posted September 15, 2008
WritingforYourWealth wrote...
I'm afraid I don't have any great stories, since I work at home, but it looks like a fun start to a lens. :) (I had to click in to see what a "cube farm" was, hah)
Posted September 12, 2008
businessbites wrote...
Great lens! Leave the cubicle farm and start your own small business I say!, check out my lens on the advantages of Small Business Ownership
Posted June 23, 2008
triathlontraining wrote...
Funny lens! You should add some cube farm images too. I lensrolled it on my Cool Toys for the Office lens. :)
Posted June 17, 2008
Cubicle Etiquette Delineated
The List
- The List
- You may want to write these down and carry them with you at all times. Just a suggestion.
The Great Cell Phone Debate Rages On
You may be wondering where all the seething anti-cell-phone stuff went. It moved to its very own lens, Cell Phones Are the Root of All Evil Please come and throw in your 2 cents.
Must-Have Cubicle Gifts on CafePress
Wear, show off, enjoy Cubicle Farm office humor products
Brain in a Meeting Mousepad
Remember the old PSA, "This is drugs. This is your brain on drugs"? I've borrowed its idea to explain your brain activity during a meeting. Any questions?
Price: 15.99 
Kitchen Window Small Poster
You'll be amazed at how a *picture* of a window scene creates the illusion that the Powers That Be decided to give you a window in your cubicle!
Price: 17.99
Coffee Stain Tile Coaster
My desk usually has so many coffee rings on it, I wouldn't be able to find my coaster. This might be a good gift for the neat freak in the next cube (heh heh).
Price: 8.99
Stet it Large Mug
What can I say about this wonderful word, the one way a proofreader can wield some power? 'Stet' says it all. (Not to be confused with 'Stat')
Price: 15.99
"Cubicle Farm" by k8
An absolutely funny cartoon/comic strip about life down on the cube farm
We're talkin' Stress Balls
These warrant their own section
Handstands Morf Stress Relief Balls
American Covers 04100 Morf Stress Relief Balls - W more...0 points
Handstands Morph Stress Relief Balls
American Covers 04200 Morph Stress Relief Balls - more...0 points
Porcupine Massage Ball
The porcupine ball has hundreds of sensory nodules more...0 points
ergoBeads Hand Exerciser and Stress Ball - Color Black
ergoBeads Hand Exerciser and Stress Ball Ergonomic more...0 points
And now a few words from a man who feels our pain:
Dilbert!
- Dilbert Goes Official
- Over 200,000 of you subscribe to this feed, and after 5 short years, Dilbert.com finally has an offi...
Pink Noise
What is it and where can I get about a thousand?
Wikipedia's definition of pink noise
"Speak English!" you're probably thinking. OK. Try this, from blackholemedia, where you can even download some pink noise!
"It's the hottest sensation to sweep the nation: Pink Noise! Also known as a signal with even power distribution on a logarithmic frequency scale, pink noise masks background noise to help you concentrate. Now with source code and white noise, for those less colorful. Drown out annoying roommates and co-workers today!"
Now we're talking, right? I also found some pink noise on Amazon. And for good measure I threw in a little white noise, our old friend:
Cubicle Essenticles
Hand-picked for your cubicle survival needs
Sounds of Nature: Carribean Coastline
If you're like me and you can't work while you're listening to music, try a sounds-of-nature type CD with your headphones. There are gazillions of them around; you could have a serious collection of birds singing, waves crashing, crickets chirping, who knows what all? And for $2.99...!
Amazon Price: $2.98 (as of 12/02/2008)
Used Price: $1.58
Cubicaller Cubicle Doorbell
Would this be useful or what!? The ultimate office rudeness, and one of the most common problems: people walking right up to you and starting to talk like you've been waiting for them to come and continue a conversation. (That is after you've jumped out of your skin).
Amazon Price: (as of 12/02/2008)
Used Price:
More Essentials
I couldn't find these on Amazon, and you simply must have them, so here are the links.
Office Plant Containers, Cubicle Planter Boxes
My office plant containers allow you to Add Plants more...1 point
CUBEDOOR.COM - a door for your cubicle
A door for your cubicle! The CubeDoor%u2122 and Cu more...1 point
Cubicle Expressions
cubiclexpressions.com1 point
ChatterBlocker
ChatterBlocker uses digital audio technology to ma more...1 point
Faux Windaux
Believe it or not, a pretty window poster can really help if you're stuck in a cubicle with no real view to the world outside. Try one!
Island View, Windows Art Poster Print by Randy Van Beek, 8x6
Art.com is the world's largest retailer of art pri more...1 point
2 Art Prints Ocean View Window Cool Spring Flowers Floral Picture Sea Poster
Set of Two Art Prints This listing is for a set of more...1 point
Harbour View, Windows Art Poster Print by Jock MacInnes, 16x20
Art.com is the world's largest retailer of art pri more...0 points
Window View Poster Print
Last Name: Goerschner. First Name: Ted. Paper Widt more...0 points
Window View, Art Poster Print by Christina Keating, 12x16
Art.com is the world's largest retailer of art pri more...0 points
Solid Wood Poster Frame, Plexiglas® Window, Medium Oak Finish, 24 x 36
Solid Wood Poster Frame<br />Clear Plexiglas more...0 points
Join the Group!
Did you really think you were the only one in the world who hates cube farm life?
Silly you. There are lots of us. And you could make it one more. Don't have a lens yet? Well, get busy, then come and join the Cube Farm Survivors. Get to know your fellow inmates.-
Cube Farm Survivors Headquarters
-
Cube Farm Survivors: A gathering place for lenses and lensmasters that poke fun at and/or offer survival instructions for life in a cube farm. Please lend your support and share some office madness.
Office Supplies You Won't Find at Staples
Tulip Mousepad
Tired of giving Microsoft or Dell free advertising space? Get a mousepad you don't mind looking at.
Price: 15.99
White Rose Keepsake Box
Here's a nice way to corral all your stray paper clips, rubber bands, change for the soda machine... you name it.
Price: 25.99
Purple Daisy Art Mug
What look like purple polka dots here are really purple daisies. Why have the same old, chipped, coffee-stained mug. Add extra wake-up power to your coffee with a new mug!
Price: 14.99
Sweet Alyssum Mini Button
This may LOOK like a mini button, but it's really an utterly fabulous fasionable thumb tack! Who knew? Be the first in your cubicle farm to have some. Buy the ten-pack!
Price: 3.49
Red Sun Sunflower Throw Pillow
A cheery pillow for your weary head, during those familiar times when you need to get away from your job without leaving the office, maybe curl up in the fetal position under your desk. Nobody will mind.
Price: 22.99
Toys!
Heaven knows cubies need to take time to play once in a while
The Office Space Kit
The perfect gift for anyone and everyone who breaks into a sweat just thinking about their job, The Office Space Kit is for all the minions out there whose TPS reports just aren't cutting it. Includes the office accessories featured in the movie.
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 12/02/2008)
Pimp My Cubicle: Take Your Workspace from Boring to Bling!
Put some mojo back into your office! This tongue-in-cheek kit contains everything you need to pimpify a bland and uninspired workspace.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/02/2008)
The Cubes - Bob
"Finally, the drudgery of corporate life has been captured in a play set for adults!" (from Book Description)
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 12/02/2008)
Mad Libs- Who Moved My Cubicle (Mad Libs)
"Bad day at the office? Fret not, because Adult Mad Libs is here to help you blow off some steam and have a laugh at everything the job throws at you. The perfect antidote to the workday doldrums-kick off the high heels, loosen that tie, and ignore the corporate dress code with Who Moved My Cubicle? Taking on 'The Man' in all his absurd lunacy, this hilarious collection includes promotion announcements, HR updates, quarterly reports, and much, much more." (from Book Description)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/02/2008)
Comic Relief and Useful Knowledge for Office Survivors
- Hoops and Yoyo!
- You just have to see them, hear them, experience them. They're a combination of cuteness and hilarity. Come on. You need some fun. (See a sample below!)
- Letterman's Top Ten!
- Top 10 Drawbacks to Working in a Cubicle
- Do You Know Your Cubicle Etiquette?
- It's a cubicle world now, so we need to learn how to live together in it. Do you know the rules? Did you know there were any?
- Feng Shui for Cubes!
- "A cubicle is a much trickier Feng Shui situation than an office room. Cubicles are unfortunate paradigms of vulnerability for the individual worker." Read on!
- Reduce Distractions!
- See? You're not crazy, and you're not the only one who can't concentrate on what you're doing in that cubicly work environment of yours! (This is the HTML version; it includes a link to PDF too.)
Hoops and Yoyo!
Put on your headphones, make sure the boss isn't watching...
... and treat yourself to a little comic relief. I adore these guys. I dare you to keep a straight face!
Does Your Cube Have What It Takes?
YouCube is looking for a few good cubes.
Mark Knowles is 'looking for ... people who have adapted their cubicle. Or someone else's. Just couldn't resist the temptation to cover a co-workers cubicle in Postits when they were on vacation? I want to see the result.'
This site is great fun. Check it out and be a voyeur into the lives of other cubicle farmhands in the world of work.
Like... here's a pic of my very own cubicly home-away-from-home:
Meanwhile, at Pixar...
'AICN's Moriarty [takes] a tour of Pixar, and marv more...0 points
Kill the cubicles!!! : CollegeRecruiter.com Insights by Employers Blog
'What would happen if you allowed the workers to d more...0 points