I am someone that needs personal space. I relish my quiet time in order to recharge and feel completely at ease. Unfortunately, there are times that I have to share my personal space with others – cue work. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy visiting with others at times. But I need my own safe cave between little social visits. And I don’t typically enjoy engaging with groups of people. Just one or two at a time. Any more than that and I feel lost in the crowd.
If you have your own comfy office with a door or a cubicle with high walls, then please stop reading here. I’m writing this for my introverts in open offices just like me. In fact, you don’t have to be an introvert to want your own personal space – sometimes it’s nice to have a place to call your own. I work in an open office environment where I share a space with 4 other people. This does not count all the people that come into the office to ask questions, visit and talk.
While everyone else faces the room, I am stuck with my back to everyone awkwardly listening to talking and laughing behind me. I used to try and turn around to make others comfortable, but my neck began to hurt, and I found myself stopping a lot to listen to others.
So, I stopped. Stopped engaging, stopped turning around and just detached. My zone out game is unmatched. I can zone out, listen to music, white noise and just type away all day long. Pack your playlist with music that helps you wiz through your work and takes you away to another world.
I love Sleep Token, Motionless in White and In This Moment. Basically, anything that rocks. My zone out time includes fantasies, thinking things through and of course some inner work. I might as well do some shadow work while listening to Sarah talk about how her hemorrhoid aches when she drives over bumps.
My earbuds are my best friends and if I’m working on something complicated, I close my imaginary door and pretend there is no one else in the room with me. Now, my method doesn’t win friends, in fact it bothers people. They will think you’re a snob and you don’t want anything to do with them. That is not true. There are plenty of people that I like but liking doesn’t mean I want to share a space with them for an entire day.
I also rely on tasty snacks to get me through the day. There’s something about delicious chips or candy that melts away my problems. Fruits also help but not as much as the junk – sorry but it’s true.
While you’re listening to your coworker talk about their weekend plans, put a chocolate in your mouth and feel it melt on your tongue. Imagine laying on a beach being served rare chocolates on a tray by Keanu Reeves or Johnny Depp. I’m in my 40’s so that’s who I picture, you picture whoever you want.
I hope this has helped you a little bit. You’re not crazy for wanting your own space. You’re not weird for needing some quiet time. I’m in the same boat as you, along with millions of other people. If only we could sign a petition and make open offices illegal our world would be so much better.
Employers reading this – give your people their own space so they can focus and be more productive. It only benefits your organization and makes for calmer, happier employees.
Signed,
The Introverted Lady
