5 ms·

It sounds like you and I are very similar. I was part of a company that went down the road of XP...it was very difficult for the first 6 months but it changed

It sounds like you and I are very similar. I was part of a company that went down the road of XP...it was very difficult for the first 6 months but it changed my life. I am much different now than when I started (I am actually in a role where communication is a big part of my role)...I forced myself to stick it out. Not going to lie there were a lot of tough moments on long train-rides home but I not only learned a ton from those around me, but it changed how I connect and interacted with folks. Granted it is not for everyone, I would especially say those who want to punch-in, browse reddit, and punch-out...but it is the one thing that I've found which brought up the water-line of a team I was working on.

mr_custard 7y ago
I appreciate your positive encouragement and that you took the time to write. I'm glad that you jumped in at the deep end and that it worked out so well for you :-) I'm still not convinced that it would be good for my wellbeing and happiness, given that I've experienced PP for a couple of weeks on and off (not anywhere near 6 months like you!). I do like to collaborate with co-workers to solve problems, for sure, and we will often share screens and benefit from putting our minds together. But PP for 6 ... 8 hours a day, without periods of quiet contemplation, spent with my own thoughts? When I think about it like that, my heart sinks.
- th_1578953940 7y ago
  Mine does too! I would generally describe myself as an ambivert (right in the middle of intro/extrovert) and I would say 6 to 8 hours a day on pair programming is too much. I've only been at one company that has so I'm not sure how other shops do pp. What I find really helps me is actually taking turns at the keyboard with a timer every 10, 15, or 25 (pomodoro work interval) minutes. Take frequent breaks. Also, splitting it into two 2-hr sessions, one in the morning and one in afternoon. Increasing the time between your turns by turning the pair into a mob also helps. edit: And maybe only 2-3 times a week.

mr_custard 7y ago

I appreciate your positive encouragement and that you took the time to write. I'm glad that you jumped in at the deep end and that it worked out so well for you :-) I'm still not convinced that it would be good for my wellbeing and happiness, given that I've experienced PP for a couple of weeks on and off (not anywhere near 6 months like you!). I do like to collaborate with co-workers to solve problems, for sure, and we will often share screens and benefit from putting our minds together. But PP for 6 ... 8 hours a day, without periods of quiet contemplation, spent with my own thoughts? When I think about it like that, my heart sinks.

th_1578953940 7y ago
Mine does too! I would generally describe myself as an ambivert (right in the middle of intro/extrovert) and I would say 6 to 8 hours a day on pair programming is too much. I've only been at one company that has so I'm not sure how other shops do pp. What I find really helps me is actually taking turns at the keyboard with a timer every 10, 15, or 25 (pomodoro work interval) minutes. Take frequent breaks. Also, splitting it into two 2-hr sessions, one in the morning and one in afternoon. Increasing the time between your turns by turning the pair into a mob also helps. edit: And maybe only 2-3 times a week.