[thea_kronborg]

Do any of you find that being in an office / cube setting really triggers you into a serious depression?

I've been working in a cube in an office for the past 8 weeks, and there's nobody really to talk to except for casual conversations here and there. Which are nice, but we don't have that much to talk about, because I don't really work with them. My job is kind of all alone.

I've been in a real downward spiral lately, and I think this is why.

I should just take the money and be happy, but I feel like quitting and asking if I can work the cash register at the bakery next to my house. I might even do it. But everyone would think I was crazy.

[online user]

I used to work in office cubicles and I liked it--it was added when before we had wide-open spaces with 40 desks all in view of each other. The cubicles were more private, gave us storage space right there, and were nicer than the wide-open areas.

You might make a list of positives about your cubicle. That might help you see it in a different light. Maybe you can make plans to visit with others at lunch, if you think that is what you are missing. Perhaps you have a touch of phobia about being in closed spaces--then, maybe a walk at lunchtime might be better.

It would be a shame to leave this job if you like it, to try to get another, and then find you are still unhappy, so perhaps it was something other than the cubicle.

Can you get up, say, once an hour, and walk around a bit, then go back? See if that helps.

Good luck to you!

[Elana05]

Originally Posted by thea_kronborg

Do any of you find that being in an office / cube setting really triggers you into a serious depression?

I've been working in a cube in an office for the past 8 weeks, and there's nobody really to talk to except for casual conversations here and there. Which are nice, but we don't have that much to talk about, because I don't really work with them. My job is kind of all alone.

I've been in a real downward spiral lately, and I think this is why.

I should just take the money and be happy, but I feel like quitting and asking if I can work the cash register at the bakery next to my house. I might even do it. But everyone would think I was crazy.

Hi thea,

I didn't work in a cube per se, but I have worked in an office or office area with no windows. In both circumstances no one was really around. I know what you mean, people would stop by from time to time but all in all it felt terribly lonely. I remember in this one job I used to get up every so often and go over to this other, much more creative department and chat with an interesting woman there. I always thought, "Geez, why couldn't I work here at this big table in the room with windows with these nice people?" I found it really affected me. Jobs in general really affect me and I am trying to work on this in therapy. They always end up sucking all life out of me (to a point of major depression, numbness and isolation) and I don't know how to shield myself or prevent it. So I wish I had some advice. But not yet. But I can say I relate.
Do you want to tell us more about the job? Are there parts about it you do like? What other things do you like to do? Have you had jobs you have liked better?

Elana

[thea_kronborg]

it's true, I'm exactly the same as you Elana. A bad job just wrecks my life and sends me into a huge depression. The question is, what should I do about it.

I don't really like the job as it stands, though I haven't been there long. If i had a more positive view of the job, I wouldn't care about the cube aspect.. It's very isolating, and the people in charge don't seem to have a clue.

I could probably do well there if I could tolerate the kind of nonsense that the higher-ups talk -- other people tell me just to ignore it -- but I just don't believe in it. I have to have the kind of job that I believe in.

I've started looking for other jobs. The smart thing to do would be to keep this one for a while, save money (it pays a lot), and then quit and do whatever I wanted. But I guess as usual I'm not going to do the smart thing.

Don't get me wrong, I know a lot of people would be glad to be where I am. But, you know, I'm nuts. So you guys have to allow for that.

thea

[Rohag]

Hello, Thea_Kronborg! I have reason to believe that working in the kind of environment/situation you describe contributed to the deterioration of my mental and even physical health.

"Nuts" or not, I wish you a keen sense of timing in making your move.