How can I explain I’m trying to be productive without coming off like I’m being defensive?
Some places insist on the kind of environment where anyone can talk to anyone at any time.
I’ve worked in both types of environments, and here are some tips to help you.
If IEMs aren’t your style or hurt your ears, on-ear or over-ear headphones are a better choice.
Whichever model you choose though, see to it they’re"closed-back" headphones.
Finally, you might consider a pair ofnoise-cancellingornoise-isolating headphonesto block out the ambient noise of your surroundings.
In general, it’s a win-win.
Ask the coworkers that sit near you if they’d be bothered if you wore them.
Past that, don’t forget to ask your boss.
you’re free to even point them toresearch that notes a little isolation can be goodfor focus.
After all, at many companies,headphones are the new walls.
I find I can focus much better when doing so - would this be problematic?
I strongly suspect no one is going to actually care about this.
But simply by informing others it’s possible for you to avoid a lot of the stigma.
Make the case that you’re blocking out noise and chatter so you canbe productive.
Focus on that angle and you’ll be okay.
After all, you are there to be judged on your results, not your appearances, right?
Sincerely,Lifehacker
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Title image byTina Mailhot-Roberge.
Additional photos byCheon Fong Liew,fredsharples, andwoozie2010.
