Tammy's Ten: Things to Know About Working in Cubicles

Entering a cubicle environment can make you feel like a rat in a maze. If you are unsure exactly where you are going, it's easy to become lost or encounter dead ends. The lack of privacy and noise can be a problem for some, but a cubicle environment does have perks. If you are just starting a career in an office of cubicles, see Tammy's Ten for things you should know.

1. It's noisy. Working in cubicles means you are subjected to noise from all sorts of things. You will be able to hear your colleagues on the phone and their conversations from across the hall. You don't have an office door to close and need to be able to tune the noise out!

2. It's smelly. You are working in close quarters with all sorts of people and you may not enjoy the same kinds of smells. Perfumes, body odor and food aromas can carry across the entire office. Be courteous of others. It may not be polite to cook broccoli, eggs or fish in the microwave next to your coworker's desk!

3. There's no privacy. It won't take you long to realize that everything you do is being monitored. Your conversations can be heard through the cubicle walls and colleagues walking by can see what you're up to. It's not like knocking on an office door, people barge into your space without giving any warning!

4. There's always food. If you are tempted to eat whenever there is food around, a cubicle environment may be tough on your diet. There are usually communal tables nearby with doughnuts, chips or cookies for snacking. Willpower is required!

5. It costs money. As you work closely with your colleagues, you will be asked to donate money. Birthdays, retirements, baby showers, lottery pools and charity drives are just a few examples. When you are living paycheck to paycheck, it can be a little overwhelming. Be prepared.

6. Performance matters. When you are sitting in cubicles it's easy to notice how hard your fellow colleagues are working. You can hear the length of their personal calls, watch how long they are taking for lunch or notice the time they spend at their desk. If you are not working hard your coworkers will notice and may even be tempted to tell your boss. Be careful!

7. Multitasking is mandatory. If you work in a cubicle you have to be able to focus on more than one task at once. You sit close enough to others to have conversations and will need to be able to talk and work. Coworkers ask questions, complain about clients and can sometimes be just plain disruptive. Use your iPod with earphones when necessary!

8. Cubicle location matters. If you get a chance to select your own cubicle, choose a corner location at the edge of the office. Stay away from cubicles near an exit, bathroom, kitchenette or even the boss's office. These cubicles get a lot of traffic and it can be hard to concentrate on your work!

9. Watch for stealing. When you don't have an office you really shouldn't leave any valuables behind at your desk. Cleaners, clients and staff can see all your belongings and may be tempted to take them. Even office supplies that you consider your own may disappear from your desk occasionally. Everything is shared!

10. Ergonomics matters. Even if you only have a desk and computer, you should still ensure it is ergonomically correct. Your employer should be willing to set your station up properly, as a worker's compensation claim is very expensive. Even if you don't have a big fancy office, you are still entitled to sit comfortably at work!

If you work in an office you will likely be subjected to a cubicle environment at one time or another. Although most people would prefer their own office with a view, a cubicle environment can be a fun experience. Just remember to be courteous to your fellow colleagues and hope others will do the same for you. Don't forget you're always being watched. Cubicles walls give a false sense of privacy. Good luck!