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I had this issue with my first software job right out of college. I was unproductive for weeks, just due to culture shock and (shamefully) malaise. The procrast
by asxd 5y ago
I had this issue with my first software job right out of college. I was unproductive for weeks, just due to culture shock and (shamefully) malaise. The procrastination snowballed. Luckily a fellow engineer eventually noticed, sat down with me, and recognized exactly what was going on. In the kindest way possible, he sat down behind me and basically made me finally start my next project. He stayed there with me for the rest of the day, answering and asking questions to keep my progress going. It had quite an impact on me. Having another person involved and actively care about my work went a long way.
- fudged71 5y agoFYI this is called "Body Doubling" in the ADHD world, and there are services offering this.
- projektfu 5y agoI didn't know that. I once hired someone to do that but didn't know it had a term, or that it was common, or that you could find a service when you needed it.
- sshine 5y agoThat's an amazing experience report. I remember teaming up with a former colleague at a point where their SRI had just kicked in, and my motivation was down the drain. I felt they were doing me a huge favor, and they felt the same way back. Pair programming is, so far, the only certain cure to my procrastination. I'll certainly work when not pair programming, but pair programming will make me give 100% for 12+ hours simply because of the commitment to another person, and the reward of continuous socialising.
- wffurr 5y agoWhat does "SRI" mean in this context?
- data_ders 5y agoprolly RSI: repetitive stress injury. Though at first I thought they meant SSRI
- sshine 5y agoThanks, I meant RSI!
- deleted 5y ago[deleted]
- ivansavz 5y agoI'm guessing Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. I've seen friends on it and it has a weird effect of being extra optimistic and helpful toward others. I can see how if you're feeling in a low energy state pairing up with someone like that can be a good thing. Second hand meds ;)
- ckdarby 5y agoEventually that person couldn't be standing behind you making sure you were doing your work and at that point how did you make sure you were being productive?
- Kye 5y agoNot the person you replied to, but I've had similar experiences. Just having another perspective to compare to can help. If I've had a good experience, I can tell when I'm not there. That's often enough to close the gap.
- asxd 5y agoI don't have a great answer for that, as it's still something I occasionally struggle with. I try to pick work where I can closely collaborate with another person. It sounds silly and maybe a bit childish, but just knowing someone else will be happy/proud when I finish a task helps a lot.