Suggestions for how to adapt to moving into a cubicle

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I really need some help with this. I've finally found a job I like AND can be successful at. I've been working here for the last 15 months, and although there have definitely been some stresses, overall it has been a good fit. I've been in an office during that time. The problem is that in the next month or so, I will be losing my office and going into a cubicle. 6' X 6', either 3/4 height (which would be about my height) or 1/2 height (low enough that a seated person could see over the wall). I have been INCREDIBLY stressed about this. I can't emphasize this enough. I don't have Asperger's, but I have a nonverbal learning disability, and any kind of change at work is distressing, but this one involves a change to my physical environment (the worst kind of change), and will also bring the other issues that a cubicle causes for anyone, i.e., less privacy, more noise, etc. I really need some strategies to help myself cope with this and get used to the change. One thing that helps is to find out as much as possible beforehand so that I can try to imagine what it will be like, and I have been doing that, but I've still been having a very tough time. A tough enough time that I've considered looking for another job, even though there are numerous reasons why this is a good job for me (and I have had a difficult employment history thanks to the NLD).

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do? My supervisor knows that I am struggling with this, and I have told her that I have difficulty with change, but have not disclosed my NLD (and don't plan on disclosing it).

I don't blame you, yikes

Your job seems to be a great fit for you and no doubt your an asset. Good you've spoken to your supervisor about this matter and I do understand about your not wishing to disclose your specific condition with her. I would suggest asking another who can perhaps advocate for you. A good choice would be a senior colleague or work-mentor, one who has a good deal of experience with your own supervisor and the workplace. Explain that it would help your productivity to be in a more structured office. Of course, keep the matter positive, more like a simple discussion, so your supervisor is happy to listen and be receptive. She may not realise how much this might really bother you.

Another tact might be to ask a colleague if they would be alright with swapping work areas with you - just explain your situation (sans disclosure details, of course).

A third tact (only if you're OK with this) would be to ask your medical provider to discreetly write you a generic note, just stating that you would feel more physically comfortable in a more structured office.

I'm sorry your stressed about this change in physical environment I really hope it works out. If you must move into a cubicle after all, then you could decorate it with lots of hanging plants to add some privacy and make sure that your little cube is kept comfortable for you, like with calming art posters, etc. But do hang in there - your job is worth it.

some earbud headphones, if you are allowed, or even one of those little white-noise machines, maybe. won't eliminate noise but will help mask it. assuming the white noise isn't going to bug your new "neighbors."

try to get a cube in a corner away from trafficked areas or places people tend to gather (fax machines, copiers, coffee machines, intersections of paths, etc.)

maybe is time to disclose NLD if you have a formal diagnosis, they have an investment in you and experience of you now so it's less likely to color their view of your hire, and it may make your case for a quieter location.

i try to sit so there isn't a lot of movement 'round my peripheral vision as that tends to bother me.

what always got to me in cubes, more even than the noise, was the flourescent lights, they kill my eyes. never found a good solution for that.

Lost in Space--Yes, this can be a problem, but both LabPet and Opi had some good suggestions. Do decorate your cubicle with plants, and with pix on the walls. Also, there are noise cancelling headphones, so you can have white noise to at least partially drown out distracting noises, and can also play music on them, if you want. And do try for a cubicle away from the high traffic areas.

I have worked in cubicles before. Those in higher traffic areas were more unsettling, but the others were better. Try to get one with the higher walls and do use the noise cancelling headphones, plants, and decorations. That should help. And if the fluorescent lights bother you,--or anyone else here at WP,--try sunglasses. If anyone asks why you are wearing them indoors, just tell them that the lights bother you.

Dislike of change is very, very common among those of us on the spectrum. I suffer from it myself. I can't stand it when people spring stuff on me on short notice. If I have more time, I can handle a change in plans better. At least you have that going for you. You used the time to ask for help here on WP, and our suggestions should do the trick. In this poor economy you would be wise to do what you can to hold on to a good job. Good luck with the changed environment.

I have a cubicle with low walls, and to compensate, I erected a couple whiteboards that serve as a makeshift wall to block out visual distractions and provide a little privacy. Aside from that, to echo what another poster said, look into getting a good pair of earbuds. Consider getting an in-ear ones (provided they don't bother you). In-ear ones do a better job at blocking out background noise; with music playing at a low to moderate volume, I can't hear much background sound. If earbuds aren't your thing, look into a god pair of noise-cancelling over-ear headphones.

Also, does your office have any small conference rooms that you can sit and work in? Mine has a few--we call them huddle rooms--that employees can use on an ad-hoc basis for small-group meetings or if they need to hide away with a laptop and work with minimal distractions. If your office has a similar setup, take advantage of it.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! Especially the advice to stay at my current job. This job really is a good fit for me, and with my NLD I have really struggled to find a work environment that works for me, and have been fired a couple of times for not being able to keep up. The idea of headphones/earbuds is a good one. I don't really like earbuds, but noise-cancelling headphones I could do. I also like the whiteboard idea in case I do end up with a half-height cubicle (I *really* hope I get a 3/4 height though). I will definitely add decorations and things to make it homey. Plants are a good idea.

I still haven't disclosed the NLD to anyone at work, but I think it's been fairly obvious how distressed I have been, and people have been very supportive. I've been allowed to see the new floor plan, the facilities guy has discussed extensively with me exactly what is going to happen, and I've been allowed to sit in a cubicle that will be very similar to the one I will have. All of this has helped a lot, especially being able to actually sit in a cubicle and see what it will be like. I really am lucky in my co-workers. Also, according to the current floor plan, my cubicle will be near to the back of the office, and shouldn't get too much foot traffic. I also have some ideas for how to make my cubicle feel more comfortable. I asked the facilities guy about how much we will be able to make modifications, and he said that I could do "whatever I needed to". I was thinking that I could drape a pretty blue cloth across the cubicle top above my desk and chair, to cut down on fluorescent light, prevent me from seeing heads going by, and provide me with calming blueish light. I also might see if they will let me put curtains/a light cloth across the entrance to my cubicle for additional privacy. So I've feeling much better about the whole situation. Thanks so much to everyone for your support and suggestions!