[colechristensen]

Having some of the noise diminished by putting things on your ears != being alone. I'm just slightly physically uncomfortable in a large room filled with people, especially when I'm trying to focus on something. Especially when that's how I'd spend 2/3 of my waking life on work days.

It's not to the level anywhere near some sort of phobia, it's just that when I'm in a big room with a lot of activity a portion of my brain is dedicated to concern for what's happening in the room. In an office, it's a space that I own and control. That level of comfort leads to more productivity and happiness.

I don't want to be alone in an office all the time or even necessarily most of the time, but without that cave to return to when I need to focus, life is just plain worse.

[joezydeco]

There is also a subset of coworkers that do not understand the (headphones == leave me alone) signal.

They'll come up behind you and tap you on the shoulder or, even worse, stand quietly just outside your visual focus until you break concentration and acknowledge them.

Short of police tape across your cubicle door, nothing will send them the message.

Does anyone else remember WKRP in Cincinnati?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkP9DKnOgn0