I work as a system/business/data analyst/trainer/project manager for a small company. The building is a cinder-block gas station that was converted to office space sometime in the 1960's. We have a cube farm that was installed (I'm told) in the 1980's. Most of the time the accounting folk I sit next to are a quiet hard working bunch and it's easy to keep my train of thought while writing and researching. However, since they hired a new network guy that sits in our area, it's become almost impossible to work when he's in the office. The guy insists on talking sports, all sports, any sport, it doesn't matter. People try to ignore him, but he will pointedly demand answers to his inane questions to disrupt work! I've tried wearing headphones to block him out -- all that does is hurt my ears. I've complained to my manager and twice this worker has been "spoken to" but it's not sinking in. I've ask my manager to move me to a vacate office. We have one available, if all the senior accounting folk can have private offices, why not the IT folk? But was told the office is being turning into storage. Hmm, my sanity or a storage closet...