Window Posting

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Bob, Sally, and the Story of the Window

Bob is a grad in CSE. He is extremely glad to be in the Allen Center. He has air conditioning, a new flat panel monitor. As soon as his office is open, Bob rushes over to his new office and starts working, just for the sake of being in his new office. Although happy with many facets of his new surrounding, Bob becomes aware of something that really bothers him about his new space.

“I sit in an interior office and there is a huge widow to the hallway (or the atrium) right in front of me,” says Bob. “Everyone can see me work and I feel extremely self-conscious. I really wish there was something I could do. Maybe I’ll pull down the shade in my office.”

Suddenly, Bob hears a voice. “Bob, “ whispers the voice, “that was a great idea. Whenever you don’t want the world to see you, just pull down your shade.”

Bob smirks, confused at the voice, yet satisfied with his decision about the shade. The afternoon continues and some time later, Bob’s officemate Sally comes into the office and sits at her desk, which is adjacent to Bob’s desk. She throws her books down and lets out a deep sigh. Sally really enjoys the windows in the office and she is often frustrated that Bob has the blinds down.

“Bob, do you think it would be ok if we opened the blinds?” Sally asks Bob.

“Sorry, but no, “ responds Bob. “I really don’t like having people look at me when they walk by.”

“Well, maybe we can put the blinds halfway down, and then you can tape paper over the bottom half of your side of the window.”

Just as the words leave Sally’s mouth, Hank walks by and overhears their conversation.

“Sorry Bob,” Hank says, “but that isn’t an acceptable way of resolving this problem. These big windows are an architectural feature of this building. The windows provide light to the entire building and really give one the sense of being in a very open and welcoming space. Closing the blinds is fine, but taping anything in the windows looks really tacky and detracts from the style of the building.”

“Well, “ says Bob, “what can I do Hank?”

“You can turn your back to the window so you’ll be less conscious that it’s there. Or perhaps you can convince your officemates to rearrange the furniture so that you are bothered less by the window. If you really are having a problem, talk to Lindsay about the possibility of moving to an office where you feel more comfortable. That is, if there’s one available.”

“OK Hank, thanks for the suggestions.”

The End.

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