Why My Cubicle Is Empty
The other day, some bloke at work commented on the fact that my cubicle is kinda sparse. Aside from two tiny scenic pictures, the obligatory wallet shot of my wife and stacks of paper - there's absolutely nothing to check out. Unlike this dude, who has been here like four minutes, and brought in a a crate worth of crap.
I guess he's trying to make his mark in the mud.
"I'm here to stay!"
Good for you, buddy.
And that got me thinking about the reasons why my area is a barren wasteland. It's not that I'm lazy or only been here three weeks. Here's my logic:
- Keeps separation between work/home. As you all know, it's a tough juggling act - and like all relationships - there's no going backwards. Once you let someone "in" - they are there to stay.
- Less gawking. Everyone always has to glare at your monitor - why give them another reason to look over?
- Easy departure. Knock on wood, I've never been fired from a job. But whether it's my choice or there's - I'd like to make my exit quiet and graceful. I don't want to ask for help with the boxes!
- Fewer distractions. An empty desk is a clear mind, no?
I'm not saying to be a misanthropic fool. But no one needs to know who I pray to, who I root for and if me and my sister look alike.
Do I appear not committed, maybe. But work with me for a week and you'll see that's not true. However, as I type this I'm starting to wonder why I'm not taking my own advice. After all, I did encourage these healthy items for your desk a few months ago.
I'd love to hear how you guys and gals keep your workspace...








Reader Comments (4)
At my last job I kept a picture of the Red Sox winning the division championship from the Yankees in 2004, mostly because the guy that shared the cube wall with me was a Yankee fan. So every now and then I'd just lift the picture up over the wall and taunt him with it. If you're a Yankee fan in Boston, you have to expect that sort of thing.
Also, D. I agree with you that religion should just live in your heart - not on your office walls!
The funny thing about Buddha in this instance is that a) he's not really *the* Buddha, he's actually a Chinese monk named Ho-Tei who is sometimes called "The Laughing Buddha", and b) he is of no religious significance at all. He's more of a good luck charm than anything else. Like walking into a Chinese restaurant and seeing him with dollar bills all over him.
So, does he fall into the religious category? I no more worship him than I do my picture of the Red Sox crushing the Yankees on their way to the World Series championship.
What about a bobble-head Jesus, or a John the Baptist action figure, or other sort of religion-related figure that's clearly not being used in a religious context?
Personally I say have whatever you want, as long as you're not burning incense that I can smell in my cube, and as long as your cube is not so ornately enshrined that I fear breaking some family heirloom if I come in to ask you a question. Other than that have a grand old time.
Oh, and one more thing.
Please do not feed my god a peanut.
Simpsons reference. Had to be made.