RajenReflects

When the Office Shrinks, Does the Mind Expand?

Have you ever moved from a cabin to a cubicle at work?

Chances are you’ve seen the reverse. Growth usually comes with walls and doors, not the other way around. So when it happened to me, what would you assume? 

A demotion, right?

That’s the reflex most of us have. But the reality was more complex. Read on.

From Privacy to Openness

Fifteen years ago, I moved into a cabin. It had glass windows facing outdoors, privacy for confidential conversations, and the quiet space a department head often needs. For 13 long years, that enclosure gave me confidence and focus.

Pic by Suraj Singh Choudhary

Then in August 2023, our office moved into a new building. And I, along with many others in the same grade, moved into cubicles. Not because of performance, but policy. 

The company had decided to embrace the open office culture.

The reasons were clear:

  • 1

    Transparency

  • 2

    Collaboration

  • 3

    Efficient use of space

But reasons don’t always soften the impact.

The Sting of Change

I won’t sugarcoat it. It sucked. Going from a private cabin to a cubicle felt like moving from a 3 BHK flat to a cramped barsaati room. No one looks forward to that. And practical issues followed.

Need a discreet chat? 

You’re told to book a meeting room. In theory, possible. In practice, it is rarely convenient. 

When someone drops by unannounced, finding an empty room is like spotting a cab in the rain.

But life doesn’t pause for discomfort. So, I learnt to adapt. What choice did I have?

The Bigger Lesson

The real learning was this: never get too attached to conveniences; the moment you do, losing them feels like losing ground.

When I was in a hostel, I deliberately chose the non-AC room during vacations at home. Later, during my early career, I couldn’t afford an air conditioner for years. That habit helped me adapt. 

Because if you’ve lived without it, you won’t miss it as much.

It’s when we take small comforts for granted that we struggle most when they’re gone.

The writer in his current office cubicle, not as spacious and private as a cabin but cutely comfortable
Pic by Arun Thapar

Your Takeaway

Change doesn’t always feel good. Sometimes it feels like shrinking. But if you detach from comforts, you’ll find the adjustment easier.

Because at the end of the day, space doesn’t define your worth — your work does.

About Me

I am a thinker at all times. I see, I think. I hear, I think. I read, I think. Every weekend I write. I would love to know what you think.

Read more