Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Carl Monster on December 31, 2012 at 8:31am

If you like what you do, and your job is stimulating, you won't even need to think about that stuff. It will just happen.

But at my desk:

lot of photos of my family, and all the things my kids made for me. It reminds me why I'm there when I'm having a crappy day.

Napkins, as I am constantly putting either solids or liquids in my pie hole all day.

My new Mustache mug.

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Permalink Reply by The Earl of Essex on December 31, 2012 at 9:03am

Thanks for the reply Carl, I have the family pictures covered- I also have a digital frame we're not using at the house I might use.

 

The napkins are a good idea as I'm always spilling stuff

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Permalink Reply by Jess Levens on December 31, 2012 at 8:39am

This

http://www.amazon.com/Complaint-Department-Grenade-PINEAPPLE-VERSIO...

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Permalink Reply by Tim on December 31, 2012 at 8:45am

Congratulations on the promotion. As for your desk, keep it simple. A family photo or two, maybe a quote that inspires you to look at now and then when things get overwhelming, a desk or wall calendar, a legal pad or two.... and try not to print so much. That's my 2013 resolution, less paper. I've gone kicking and screaming into the electronic age, and have to let go of my "but what if the network crashes" paper obsession.

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Permalink Reply by The Earl of Essex on December 31, 2012 at 9:06am

Thanks Tim, good idea-   

I'm only 32 but I also seem to have a luddite outlook when it comes to paper and electronic networks etc,

 

Maybe because it seems that every company I have ever worked for, their computer networks seem to be held together by rubber bands, ducttape and just plain hope!!!

 

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Native Son on December 31, 2012 at 12:10pm

Two practical notes.  Check the company policy on personal electronics.  Some workplaces are notably strict when it comes to bringing in anything electronic that records and/or transmits.

You also need (particularly if you will be enjoying an office with real walls and a door) the policy on what you can put on the walls.  I've worked in a building where if the landlord didn't put it on the wall, you didn't get tp put it on the wall.

Otherwise, beyond the family photos, you'll want to have a display calendar, preferably with space for notes...(I've seen Outlook go down just enough to want that back up, and the pictures can liven up the cubicle.)  A personal fan is a nice touch, just avoid the cheap ones, you want a discrete breeze from time to time, not a whining small motor.

 

As to the other stuff, iit may be obvious, but sometimes you don't automatically get minor office furnishings, like in/out boxes, pencil cups, staplers, chair mats...be prepared for that possibility.

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Permalink Reply by Thunderstick on December 31, 2012 at 5:03pm

With all do respect, you are way overthinking it.   You'd be better off getting used to the office environment and then figuring out what you want rather than spending money to take things in that you'll throw out later.   The best things in my office are the things that remind you of why you're working.....photo of your family, a nice photo of an enjoyable/relaxing vacation, etc

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Permalink Reply by Carl Monster on January 2, 2013 at 2:43pm

Not too relaxed...a photo of you in a bathing suit, holding a beer looking pie-eyed should probably stay at home!

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Permalink Reply by Rebekah on December 31, 2012 at 5:24pm

$20, for when you lose/forget your wallet, can't get to an ATM, need lunch money or cab fare

a protein source (I like peanut butter.) for missed meals and late nights

disinfecting wipes (Your keyboard is the dirtiest thing you touch each day.)

aspirin/aceteminophen/ibuprofen

travel-size of whatever you use to clean your face and teeth

safety pins

cough drops

something to hold drinking water

I like a charger at the office for the electronic gadgets I bring to the office

I keep a blazer at the office for surprise meetings and spills. A man could have a shirt instead.

Consider some kind of emergency preparedness. You spend 1/4 of your time at the office. Home shouldn't be the only place with extra water, food, etc. [Some workplaces take care of this for the whole business, but not enough.]

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Permalink Reply by Al Smithee on December 31, 2012 at 10:04pm

Go minimalist for the first week or so until you get a feel for the environment. Many basic supplies will probably be supplied by your company, so see what is already provided before you go cluttering up the space.

Don't bring things that will distract you from your work. Let somebody else be the guy with all the action figures on his desk.

If it's a "business casual" or "casual" office, keep a sports coat or jacket and tie at the office for more formal meetings or presentations.

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Permalink Reply by Adrian Miranda on January 2, 2013 at 2:00pm

Havent read any other posts so i do not get swayed.  I do not keep pictures of my family at my desk, nor do i keep pictures of work at my home.  I do not have my cell phone at my desk, there is a phone already at my desk.  Good supply of pens, an excellent keyboard and mouse set up, notebooks to seperate projects, a clipboard for walk arounds or adhoc meetings, heaphones for when you really get into the work, and a pitcher of water.

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Permalink Reply by Jack Bauer on January 2, 2013 at 3:14pm

Why don't you keep family pictures at the office?  Or your cellular phone?  You seem pretty committed to those positions ... there has to be a reason.  Are you easily distracted or something?

 

I'm a grown man with a degree, not a high schooler or an inmate.  I'm not checking my phone at the door, or shuttering myself in a pictureless blank white room.  Its an office ... not an asylum.

 

JB

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