*Cubepolis

Intro: This story is not what I usually write but I wanted to try something different. For those who are interested, I’ve had three jobs where I’ve worked in cubicles, and while I don’t truly mind working in a cubicle, I’d much rather work in an office. I think most people feel that way. However, I’d much rather work in a cubicle than outside in an amusement park. *shiver*

You ever go to an office and see all the little ants, working hard, nose to the grindstone. Living in those ‘idea friendly’ dedicated spaces, also known as cubicles. Maybe you are an ant, plugging away, day after day, in a small box. If you’re lucky the walls are short enough to look over when standing on a stool but tall enough to pretend separation of groups. Never you mind that every little spoken word can be heard; from one seat over to across the room. As is always pointed out, the open space invites brainstorming, when talking is in moderation.

Doesn’t matter how the ‘portable office’ is presented: fancy cloth coverings, non-rectangular design, optional add-in shelves, and white boards. They will forever be a box. Not everyone needs and office, not all the little peons need a door, but there should be the small decency to call it what it is. Cubepolis.

Work is for work. Play is for home. That is clearly understood but unless robots are doing all the work, there will be conversation. If the company is lucky, the majority of the conversation will revolve around work and the occasional personal conversations will help boost morale. If the company’s not so lucky, they get to post signs, hold meetings, beg, plead, threaten, and bribe their workers to keep everything business related. But, in Cubepolis, that is impossible, for the human nature is not one to be squashed by three walls, no roof, and no door. No, there is a coping mechanism in place, the ability to converse.

Cubepolis can be considered a pleasant place, the fewer the stories the better. When people discuss living in Cubepolis, there are problems. This is part of the squeaky wheel idea. Talk long enough and maybe your punishment will be separation from the others. Locked away in the corner office where no one comes to visit. But then you have a door.

No one truly likes living without a door. With so many interruptions, other people, beeping devices, more beeping devices, having a door is a security blanket. Think about it. So much can be said with a door. Slamming it shut, leaving it wide open, listening through it. The thought brings up the question of how we ever survived without them.

Enough about Cubepolis. The ants will continue to work, even if two of the three walls are taken away. Projects will be finished. People will forever complain. Life will go on. But don’t worry; all of these will be discussed, in Cubepolis.