Commit to the Cubicle

Can you commit to the cubicle? The way we live and work is about to undergo a radical shift and it will be those who can’t and won’t commit to the cubicle who will show us the way.

Written Jun 07, 2012, read 943 times since then.

This past weekend, I saw a friend whose son was graduating from college. As we laughed about the empty nest he was about to experience our conversation circled back to our work and now the newly found job of his son. I asked him how his son was handling the transition from college life to the nine-to-five world of work. He said his son hated it. He then laughed and commented on how his son is now a younger version of himself. How he dressed and had to get up every day and go to work. He then said something I’ll probably never forget. He said, “Yeah, he’s just not ready to “commit to the cubicle”. What!?! His son is a gifted athlete and snowboarder. I mean practically an Olympic level instructor type. He spent every second of his free time on Mt. Baker between classes while at Western Washington University studying for his degree and has also appeared in a few snowboard promotional video commercials. So you can imagine my heart sinking when I heard his father say this. Especially with me on the heels of finishing my soon to be published book “The Art of Working for Yourself”.

All I could imagine was a scene from National Geographic in my head as they chased down this young lion that was about to be tagged and released for observation. First, the lion struggles after it’s been hit by the tranquilizer dart. Then they pet him to keep him calm, so he won’t wake up and eat them alive as they slip the transmitter collar around his little neck. Before the lion realizes what hit him, he wakes up and realizes that he’s got this thing now wrapped around his neck. I know this is a bit dramatic, but I had to ask myself the question… “Did this happen to me? Did I get tagged and “commit to the cubicle?” When did I give in and what type of tranquilizer dart did they use on me?

Knowing what I know now, I think back to when I was younger and wiser and believed I could do anything. I couldn't quite remember how I fell for the Jedi mind trick and committed to the cubicle. I’m sure it happened slowly at the guidance of our beloved media, teachers, friends and family; somehow I was trained away from my true essence. As for my friend’s son, my lament for him is that most of us who “commit to the cubicle” never leave it and we will begin to look at the cubicle as the best thing we will ever accomplish. Our wants and desires will take a back seat to day to day existence. Sure there will be promotions and awards that reinforce our role as the cog in the wheel. But, I wonder whose greater good this is serving? Does committing to the cubicle mean we are not working for ourselves?

I believe the way we live and work is about to undergo a radical shift and it will be those who can’t and won’t commit to the cubical who will show us the way. They will live and work in a way that is more fulfilling to who they are and how they live (even when they work for someone else). I’ll leave you to answer this for yourself. Can you “commit to the cubicle” and still embrace the “Art of Working for Yourself”? If so, how do you do it? If not, then why not?

Learn more about the author, Gerald Grinter.

Posted by Deborah Drake, Bellevue, Washington | Jun 11, 2012

Gerald,

I remember this conversation with you and am so glad you were amply encouraged to write it up as an article. I also remember the first time I ever heard you describe yourself as permanently unempoyable. I thought, that is me as well. Great at working with others, but as for working for, on only the terms of others and not being fully engaged and alive in my work. Not me.

And once just after college I was certain that I was going to be a long-time, long-term and appreciated contributor to an organization I was part of. I wanted to see that five year celebration. Multiple occasions of being laid off in Advertising (a fickle industry always) I determined:

I know what I love to do, so I will do it on my terms for people who want to work with me.

This has been my win-win. And I work hard and it is fun and I also feel like there is a little less stress and a different kind of stress.

I hope others find your article an opportunity to both acknowledge, refine and recommit to their business ad-ventures as the "entrepreneur minded" business person they are or want to become.

Deborah Drake

Authentic Writing Provokes
Posted by W.M. (Wendy) Gillihan, CPB,..., Seattle, Washington | Jun 11, 2012

Working with employees in or just out of college has been an eye opener. They have no interest in the cubicle world but seem to love the opportunites presented to them in the entrepreneur type setting. It isn't age because I graduated from college in 2009 after delaying for many years and immediately jumped into starting my own business. In my opinion it is the opportunity to try new things and reach for the goals of your own choosing that make it so appealing.

W.M. Gillihan, CPB, PHR
Posted by Gerald Grinter, Seattle, Washington | Jun 11, 2012

Wow! Thanks for such great responses.

@Deb, Thank you for the push to write this piece. Learning to work for yourself no matter who you work for is important. The funny thing is that most of us don't ever understand the Art of Working for Yourself until we start our own business and do what it is we are meant to do. However, there are those who even in working for themselves treat it like they are still in the cubicle.

@W.M. I can only imagine the front row seat you have these days. More people are turning their backs on the corner office and Burning their resumes' and writing professional profiles.

Thanks again for reading and sharing your thoughts!
Posted by Randal DeHart, PMP, QPA, Lynnwood, Washington | Jun 12, 2012

Gerald,

I relate to what say 100%!

Warm Regards,

Randal

Contractors Accounting And Bookkeeping Services
Posted by Gerald Grinter, Seattle, Washington | Jun 12, 2012

Roger! Thanks for the tweet! Glad you enjoyed the article.