Gone, gone, gone away − 25 June, 2008
All of yesterday’s optimism is gone. I had an ergonomic evaluation at work today. I learned a lot. One thing I learned is that “squatting” in conference rooms rather than working in my cube would be extremely challenging in light of ergonomics. At this point, all I can hope is that the Americans with Disabilities Act has something to say about my case. If not, then I might be working at home for three days a week, and in a cube in which I can hardly concentrate for two days a week.
Working at home for three days a week might sound like paradise to some. To me, it means being lonely, being cut off from my team, and feeling marginalized. Somehow I must try not to think about this until I know more about what the ADA has to say. I spent much of today feeling hopeless and depressed.
My sub-department’s supervisor, insisted over and over that I would not get an office. At the time, thinking that squatting in conference rooms might still be possible, I glibly said that I was not asking for an office. However, after having my ergonomic evaluation, I am convinced that the best possible solution for me would be an office. I need a single place to sit where I can concentrate and not damage my wrists. In an office, I would be able to concentrate, I would be an integrated part of the team, and I would not run the risk of loneliness and depression.
Thinking about this today, I began to consider the potential difficulties in the future, given that so many IT workplaces seem to prefer cube farms. My husband discouraged me from going down this path. I need to wait until I know a lot more about what the ADA had to say. He’s right, of course. My appointment with the ADA expert is on July 2. I need to distract myself at least until that time, since at that point he will have heard my story, but may not have immediate advice.
Once again, it’s a roller coaster ride. It strikes me that a lot of 2008 has been a roller coaster ride. I’m getting pretty tired of it.
Comments:
intrepideddie (June 26, 2008. 02:07am)
Here' s to hoping all goes well for you. A guy in my office was in a similar situation -- ok, not really: his "disability" is that he's a freakin' giant (over 7 feet tall). None of the normal cube farm furniture fit him. So, the company spent an absolute crap-load of money to custom-build him a cube that fit him better. Although the ADA wasn't involved, apparently being too tall can be considered a disability.
peahayes (June 26, 2008. 03:25am)
Thanks for the support. Ironically I have been distracting myself by watching the HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers", a World War II drama, not exactly cheery material, but intensely engaging. Strangely, I've never been one to seek out comedies when I'm sad.
PandoraBox (June 26, 2008. 01:16pm)
I hope things get better !
peahayes (June 26, 2008. 02:46pm)
Thanks! I know that they will; but you know how it goes, in your darkest hour, it's hard to believe that. I feel better today.
kga245 (June 27, 2008. 07:30pm)
I'm the opposite. I need constant distraction. I work better when I'm in a fishbowl. David sleeps with noise all around him. The quieter it gets the more restless he is. But if TV is blaring and the dishwasher is on, no problem. I guess the apple didn't fall too far from the tree there.
edunn (June 30, 2008. 01:15am)
I hope it goes well on the 2nd! I am curious to know what they have to say.