Big, bulky noise–canceling headphones are a must. If you can put up a screen behind your display (posterboard works quite well for this) you can block out dist

Big, bulky noise–canceling headphones are a must. If you can put up a screen behind your display (posterboard works quite well for this) you can block out distracting movements around the edges of your display. Learn to ignore people hovering behind you. If they want to interrupt you then they must actively tap you on the shoulder or something. I found working in a totally open–plan office terrible for writing and programming, even with headphones. Semi–open plan (cubicles with decent dividers) worked as did semi–private offices with 4-6 people.