For about the last two years the bulbs above my cubicle at work have been blown out, as have many of the others in my part of the office. This resulted in a nice cozy workspace, soft light from my two desk lamps and my computer screens. Not dark, but comfortable.
When I arrived at work this Monday I was dismayed to find that someone had replaced every single blown out bulb, bathing the office in a bright artificial glow. Worse still, because of the placement of my light, the light balance in my cubicle is thrown off, really bright to the left, still kinda dark to the right even when I switch on my desk lights. It’s a sudden and disorienting shift to my environment. It’s giving me a headache.
Now was a writer I pride myself on being able to work anywhere. I have configured my gear and what I carry to make writing on the go a snap. And my work programming environment is tuned to my needs as well. Two screens, whimsical desk decorations and my own coffee maker. I don’t want to be some fragile baby bird who can only survive if the conditions are just right. But like a bird I do like to nest and my cubicle was one of those nests.
My office downstairs at home is comfortable. The desks are a dark color and my three desk lights provide enough illumination for the surfaces but not so much as to blind me. I have the option of an overhead light when I need to see more of my under the desk spaces, and I can easily switch it off when I don’t. The whir of the dehumidifier is comforting to the point that it’s jarring when it isn’t running.
On the go I like dark coffee shops, or book stores with are illuminated but not oppressive. I like white noise, the only thing my office at work still has going for it with all of the blowing fans. The worst place I ever tried to work was my library’s quiet rooms. Bright, quiet and feels like you’re sitting in a tomb.
Part of my annoyance is that the change was sudden and since all of the bulbs are new, they are at the point of being their most oppressive and artificial. The office used to be this bright when I started working here, and truth be told I don’t have that much control over my environment here. I’m trying to get used to it, though I’m seriously considering unscrewing the bulbs or coming to work wearing sunglasses.
Do you like where you work? What makes it a comfortable space for you?
[BTW] : Ben Trube, Writer 