Why do co-workers insist on talking to you while you're clearly on the phone?  They'll ask questions like...
544587
Sorry, I also do the same. But its just for fun to relax from work tension. But not regularly. And surely not if somebody is seriouly talking on serious subject.\nBut I am afraid that you are using your phone for at least 8 hours continuously. And they want to save you!
222150
It's when someone you know calls you on the phone asking for sex.
609464
Assert yourself ..call them on it..when they decide to start talking ..tell them.. so why couldnt you say that while they were there..I would say i know yall do the same to me when i leave but you all need to grow up...ppl like that are so phoney that they will like you just because you said something..funny thing is i always rub ppl the wrong way when i start a new job..but once i establish they better keep it light around me,, they respect that.  try it.
994869
I have a friend like that and it is truly draining.  What I do when we talk on the phone is "unhunh" automatically while doing something else with an occassional "really!".  When I need to talk , I tell her to "shut up it's about me today, we'll get to you later".   This has been going on for years and it seems to work for me.
220212
Either they are moving from the office or mean if they have made a decision on the positon. In any event it seems they are interested in you so call every week to see if the position has been taken.
1112543
I saw a video of guys answering this question, they said they might feel obligated at the time or just want to be polite because they were talking with you for a while, they feel it is just the next step even if they dont intend on calling. Guys are just hard to figure out sometimes!
107890
It is them being rude. How you should respond depends on the context. Is it going on during "water fountain" chat or during business meetings. Is it your boss or someone at your level or below that might be competeting with you. Is it going on with your boss present or not.\nThese issues will make a difference on how you should approach this.
1172945
It's probably an auto-dialer.  A computer at a telemarketing company dials your number, and only connects you with a live telemarketer after you answer.  If their representatives are all busy, it hangs up on you.\n\nCall the number and tell them not to call you, and get on the Do Not Call list.
147356
When they do not follow through with waht they say. Like, I'll call you, and wait a few days. Or when they have a sense of humor that is rude, or disrespectful. Also how they talk about their future. If they have no long term goals, it's gonna be a no.
270433
Could be a telemarketer, which would make since because its busy or no one answers. Also somtimes when they leave messages they make it sould like they know you, so you don't think its a sales call and answer next time.
318391
they keep messaging you, and talking to you even if they're so tired and can't keep their eyes open...they'll spend hours with you, and wait till you finish work, and until you are home. and send an sms everyday..all sweet messages...\n\n\n\n\nthen they leave you one day all of a sudden..   :/\n\n:P  (never mind the last statement! lol)
656193
Probably.  Some people just get shy when they talk on the phone.  It's nothing to worry about.
589568
They subcontract to other companies to run their phone support. You may need to learn several different kinds of products in order to be able to fill in wherever call volume demands.
736885
They like to tlak about themselves. Just give them a reason and you will have a harder time shutting them up ;-)
1185936
you are afraid of picking up the phone because you just KNOW there's bad news on the other end.  \n\nyour boss looks at your work load, sees you are far behind and wonders what the hell you've been doing on your computer all this time.\n\nyou looking at 90 degree weather for the next 4 days and guess who doesn't have air conditioning? \n\nyou just want it to be friday, but you've got 2 loooong days to go.
902303
they're co-workers.  not your friends.  you don't have to necessarily explain yourself.  but, like the others mentioned, the printer is distracting, and tell them they're welcome to use that cubicle.\n\neither that, or just tell them the voices in your head said to move to the other office, and you'd rather move instead of go postal on them.  see if they agree.
441602
My dad used to say something that I didn't understand, but BOY DO I UNDERSTAND NOW!\n\nHe said, "I pay to have a telephone for MY convenience, not others'.  If I want to answer it, I will; if I don't, I won't."\n\nI now drive my kids nuts with this saying.  \n\nWhat also bugs me is when people want to call, and talk for hours, about nothing at all, or spend half the time talking to people in their home.  If you want to call me, do it, state your business, chat a little, ok, but then, WE'RE DONE!\n\nNo.  It's not rude.  Maybe they should consider it is rude of them to think, even though you already stated you don't like the phone, that you want to stay on.\n\nYou probably would go ahead and answer if people would realize the irritation, and only call when it was important, right?\n\nPS>>>To the other folks who replied: If I were to guess, this asker probably has to communicate all day.  She, like me, wants to go home to a quiet haven, and have some down time.  The telephone can be an irritating nuisance.  It's not that she doesn't like her friends, it's just that she probably feels overwhelmed.\n\nAN IDEA:  Try asking your friends if they NEED to call, to please only call between, say, 6 and 7 pm.  Explain that you are needing time to unwind.  Maybe this would be a way to show them that you still care about them, but also about your sanity.