Why I Am Not Made for Cubicles and Resources for Avoiding Them
Image via ste3ve
I have never liked cubicles. Ever since I was a little girl and would go with my mom to her government job I have had an absolute abhorrence toward cubicles. The entire building looked like a depressing lab rat maze and the workers all looked like equally unhappy zombies. In fact, although Wikipedia tells me otherwise, I am convinced that cubicles were invented by one of two people: communists or evil scientists.
In the last couple of days I have been helping out an old employer by covering for his secretary. Now, I don’t mind doing a 9 to 5, of course I would rather make my own schedule and be my own boss, but I also like to help people any way that I can. And quite honestly, a lot of the things I have applied to my own business I learned from this particular employer. What I do mind is the freakin’ cubicle. Cubicles drain me. I hate being isolated into a box while I type away some client information into a data base and answer phones. I hate not having direct contact with people.
It wasn’t until recently that I found out why this must be. A couple of months ago I completed training to be a language instructor for Berlitz. Since we were going to be teaching people we had to inform ourselves on the different kinds of learners. I always grew up thinking there were only three: auditory, visual, and bodily (of these three I am most certainly the visual). Well, it turns out that there are actually seven and that I am a mix of visual, linguistic, and interpersonal. In other words, I like to physically see things, I am obsessed with language and the written word, and I am a social butterfly who absolutely loves people.
A lot of the jobs I have had suddenly made sense. Giving tours? Teaching? Blogging? Freelance writing? Canvassing for a political campaign? Yeah, I couldn’t be any more wrong for a cubicle.
And so, I am now taking some vows. I vow to never be chained to a cubicle for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 30+ years (given the current state of the economy that may not be too difficult). I vow to always be in contact with people and help them any way that I can. And finally, I vow to succeed in being my own boss.
If anything that I just mentioned strikes a chord with you, or if you also have a general hatred toward cubicles, I suggest checking out some of these great resources.
Freelance Folder: This is a great blog for anyone who wants to be their own boss. It offers great resources, tips, and guides so that you can run your business as efficiently and successfully as possible.
Location Independent: If the idea of being chained to a desk until retirement makes you queasy then you definitely need to check out this website. Get informative tips and resources regarding business, lifestyle, technology, travel, and family.
The Art of Non-Conformity: I am somewhat of a fan girl, but this blog (and book) really is awesome. In fact it was because of this book that I kicked my tail into high gear and started getting serious about the freelancing.
The Money Book for Freelancers, Part-Timers, and the Self-Employed: I wrote an entire blog post about how incredible this book is. Their approach is simple: if you hate the 9 to 5 grind or are one of the millions of Americans who suddenly find themselves without a steady job, then there are some things you should know. Thanks to this book I was able to turn my business finances around and am now making my money work for me.
The Middle Finger Project: To quote the blog itself, “The Middle Finger Project (TMFP) does not, sadly, have anything to do with leather-clad bikers and/or obscene gestures.” Instead, this is an exhilarating blog about rejecting the status quo and making the life you want. The writer of this blog has an AMAZING story to go along with her online success which you can read about here. This young woman is living proof that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
That is all for now. If you all know of any other ass kicking resources feel free to share :)
P.S. If you want to find out what kind of learner you are and how you can apply it to your goals, click here.
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Tags: business, cubicles, freelancing, independence, starting a business
The real adventure starts after college. Grad Meets World is post grad life seen through the eyes of language instructor and freelance writer, Amanda Abella. This blog hopes to provide practical tips for career, relationships, personal development, productivity, health, and more in order to make your transition into the real world a little easier.
Why I Am Not Made for Cubicles and Resources for Avoiding Them: Image via ste3ve I have never liked cubicles. Ev… http://bit.ly/g9tWqv
Wow! Thanks so much for the mention–glad to have found you. Love the site, girlfriend!
I am glad you like it! Your blog is truly an inspiration
Ahh, the joys of being chained to a desk. We’re quite lucky in the UK, cubicles never really took off, instead open plan offices really are open. The obvious downside is that you have no privacy though!
The VARK model is used quite a lot over here, it has 4 types of learners – visual, auditory, read/write and kinesthetic. http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire has a questionnaire which aims to let you know your learner type(s).
Haha I can imagine that some very awkward things must happen in an open office plan. Oh well, at least you can actually SEE other living beings instead of gray fabric boards.
Super