Hands off!

Where I work, my desk is out in the open. I like to call it my fish bowl. What this means to members is that what ever is on my desk is fair game and they can read and/or take anything off my desk. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Most times I am dealing with sensitive medical information and should not have prying eyes looking at it. My desk is facing out so that I look out on to the floor. People see me when they are looking at the back of my computer monitor. So this means they have to step around my desk to see what is on my screen. Trust me some feel like they can do this. They will walk around look at my screen and ask “what are you working on?” Really? You actually feel like that is appropriate?

It also helps to mention I have personal space issues. My personal space bubble is pretty big. If I stretch my arm completely out and you are touching any part of my arm and hand, you my dear, are way too close. Big, big bubble around me. With this said, when people walk around my desk it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention then for you to lean in and look at what I’m working on, Oh my god. I am in full convulsions now! Back away from the receptionist. Back away! Beep! Beep!

The other day I had in my paper file a monthly class schedule lying on the top tier. Across it I have written in large black letters my name. My name is on it (I just want to state that again). A man reaches over and attempts to take it. I yell at him (this was the second time in a week and a half this has happened) ‘Wait that is mine! It has my name on it!!’ He said “Oh I want one where…” I say ‘It’s hanging on the wall (where they have been hanging monthly schedules for years) right there you may have one of those!’ This of course is about two or three steps from my desk. Seriously, I almost had to run after him this happened so quickly. I have never been to any establishment where it looked like it was ok to take something off anyone’s desk unless there was a sign that said take one. Ugh people.