I do a very good job despite my office challenges - but I do wish for opinions on the intrusions my colleagues instigate.

18 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 17,2024 at 6:31PM UTC

   Noise canceling headphones for yourself.

2. AnonymousApril 17,2024 at 6:32PM UTC

   I have considered it.

3. AnonymousApril 17,2024 at 6:32PM UTC

   And one more person: She whispers to people who sit near her desk, it sounds like she is gossiping but one is never sure. Whereas - others in this open office talk in a low voice when in conference or on the phone when it is office talk. I keep thinking we could make a comedy out of this place.

4. AnonymousApril 17,2024 at 6:36PM UTC

   Wear headphones.

5. AnonymousApril 17,2024 at 7:55PM UTC

   Noise canceling headphones. They are a staple in today's open plan offices and shared areas.

6. AnonymousApril 17,2024 at 8:19PM UTC

   It's not them - It's you.
   You are unable to tune out sounds that don't bother most people. If you are in the U.S. you can look into an accommodation for a less distracting workspace or noise-cancelling headphones. I have ADHD, which makes cubeville intolerable for me, and it got worse after 7 months of WFH during the pandemic.

7. AnonymousApril 17,2024 at 8:42PM UTC

   Seconding the noise canceling headphones but also earplugs like Calmer or Loop work wonders with me.
   They are like earplugs but actually have a hole in them so you can wear them and hear things around you but things like that are less annoying to me than headphones.

8. AnonymousApril 18,2024 at 10:13AM UTC

   I found that when using noise cancelling headphones in the office, every sound occurring on my computer came through the headphones, and I will miss important online cues if I put all sounds on mute. Any suggestions?

9. AnonymousApril 18,2024 at 12:52PM UTC

   Since you are so sound focused, turn down the sound to a tolerable level.
   You won't find perfection but you can create a nice balance. Unfortunately this hyper focus you have with sound distraction requires you to try a million ways to create the best compromise. Again, you will need to adapt as well. I play soft meditation music in the background but that is just my preference.

10. AnonymousApril 19,2024 at 2:22AM UTC

    You don't have to plug your headphones in/connect them to the bluetooth. I sometimes put them on to block out sound and there is nothing those things are connected to, I am just blocking out the people around me and telling them I am busy!

11. AnonymousApril 21,2024 at 9:48PM UTC

    Thank you!

12. AnonymousApril 18,2024 at 6:21PM UTC

    Look up the definition of "Misophonia". It is a sensory disorder that have symptoms similar to what you described. I know about it because I have it. I cannot stand crunching, lip smacking, rustling of papers or plastic wrappers, and so forth and I have great intolerance of office chit chat. i agree with the others either noise canceling headphones/earphones.

13. AnonymousApril 18,2024 at 9:49PM UTC

    You should be tested because this sensitivity is on another level. It would be good to know exactly what you are experiencing so that you can address it. The post below identifies misophonia as a strong possibility.

14. AnonymousApril 19,2024 at 12:19AM UTC

    That's a little sensitive. The only thing that I hate is loud gum, but most people feel the same.

15. carolina girlApril 19,2024 at 12:31PM UTC

    I COMPLETELY understand what you’re saying! I can’t STAND gum popping, coffee slurping or noisy eaters! But there’s not much you can do except wear earplugs.

16. AnonymousApril 19,2024 at 12:40PM UTC

    Ear plugs? Maybe work from home? This isn't really anything it off the ordinary in an office.

17. Steph McDonaldApril 19,2024 at 2:59PM UTC

    Headphones.

18. AnonymousApril 19,2024 at 4:16PM UTC

    Headphones? Then you can block out the noise of others, get a small orange cone for your desk as well and when you need to be uninterrupted put it up. Listen to whatever you want, books on tape, the sound of the ocean etc.