by Anna Sanclement

Created on: March 20, 2009   Last Updated: March 28, 2009

The cubicle world is in a universe of its own, it has rules, regulations and oddities that are strictly unique to it. You'd think that each cubicle job would be different, but no, this isn't so. Having worked in the cubicle world for many years, I am here to tell you, they are all the same. One BIG cubicle world for all.

But, let this not scare you, because it actually can be a benefit. Knowing the key issues of working in the cubicle world, you will be at an advantage in any cubicle job you may land in.

Following are 10 things to know about the cubicle world that will help you understand the strange universe you have entered.

1. Cubicles are like rooms in a community house. Your cubicle is accessible and visible to everyone, it's your private space, but anyone can walk into it and see what you are doing. A good idea is to arrange it so that when people come to visit' they don't see your computer screen. We all know that at some point in the day you'll be doing some inevitable web surfing or shopping.

2. Some cubicle worlds don't allow eating at your desk, or may equate eating a snack to taking a break. So you might want to set a little space that's hidden from passers by where you can place that little snack you're going to have mid-morning.

3. You get to decorate your cubicle however you like. Up to a point, of course. Forget about hanging posters of things like the We love Blood and Guts' heavy metal band. You can also leave behind the decorative hanging piece your kid made at school using metal cans and wooden sticks. Your place should reflect your character, but there are limits and you should appear somewhat professional.

4. That said the cubicle world never seems to run short of the workers who will stretch their decorative allowance to the limit. They will fill it with as much stuff as possible. On the other hand, though, there are those who are happy as clams with just one lone wooden figurine on a corner of their desk.

5. Just as cubicles are like rooms, your cubicle mates are your neighbors. The number of cubicle neighbor types is very large, however there are some kinds that just seem to be ever present in the cubicle world. The loud mouth, for example is one that you can always count on to reside in a cubicle near you. Even if not so near, his or her volume puts anyone within 50 feet as way too close.

6. Cubicle placement is the luck of the draw in most cases. The supervisors will usually set the seating arrangements for the cubicle workers. But, if you

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