4 ms·

It's probably not so much your colleague that helps but the act of just talking through a problem, inanimate objects work too https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubb

It's probably not so much your colleague that helps but the act of just talking through a problem, inanimate objects work too https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber_duck_debugging https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber_duck_debugging What also helps is just shutting the computer off and going for a walk, generally the moment you step away you'll figure it out!

Fnoord 4y ago
> What also helps is just shutting the computer off and going for a walk, generally the moment you step away you'll figure it out! Underrated. Diffused mode of brain.
- hybridtupel 4y ago
  Working for a bigger company I’m hesitant to go for a walk as that would mean I need to stay longer in the afternoon/evening. Even when going for a walk solves the problem, there is still little acceptance to count it as working hours. I think this mentality should shift somehow as it would benefit the company and the employee.
  - Fnoord 4y ago
    There's a couple of solutions to this: 1) Find an employer who doesn't pay by the hour (but e.g. per day or task/goal) 2) Find an employer who isn't strict on the hours. 3) Self employment. 4) Find or convince an employer who accepts this. None are ideal, except for #4, but its the long breath. And I am thoroughly convinced it works. Same with workout, mindfulness. Such behavior should be rewarded. My employer supports workout in the sense I get 1 hour per week paid leave for working out.
nicbou 4y ago
If rubber ducking fails, try to write a GitHub issue that starts with "it's probably my fault, but". By the time you're done describing the problem and its symptoms, you'll have a solution. I can also recommend going for a walk. I usually return from long motorcycle trips with the best ideas. Tea on the balcony is also effective.
digitalsushi 4y ago
In college, when we got stumped on a CS assignment, we'd play Mario Kart, and while focusing on the game, we'd complain about the assignment. Very often, some quick, lazy criticism at our attempts would render an astute observation we wouldn't have made if not distracted by the game.

Fnoord 4y ago

> What also helps is just shutting the computer off and going for a walk, generally the moment you step away you'll figure it out! Underrated. Diffused mode of brain.

hybridtupel 4y ago
Working for a bigger company I’m hesitant to go for a walk as that would mean I need to stay longer in the afternoon/evening. Even when going for a walk solves the problem, there is still little acceptance to count it as working hours. I think this mentality should shift somehow as it would benefit the company and the employee.
- Fnoord 4y ago
  There's a couple of solutions to this: 1) Find an employer who doesn't pay by the hour (but e.g. per day or task/goal) 2) Find an employer who isn't strict on the hours. 3) Self employment. 4) Find or convince an employer who accepts this. None are ideal, except for #4, but its the long breath. And I am thoroughly convinced it works. Same with workout, mindfulness. Such behavior should be rewarded. My employer supports workout in the sense I get 1 hour per week paid leave for working out.

nicbou 4y ago

If rubber ducking fails, try to write a GitHub issue that starts with "it's probably my fault, but". By the time you're done describing the problem and its symptoms, you'll have a solution. I can also recommend going for a walk. I usually return from long motorcycle trips with the best ideas. Tea on the balcony is also effective.

digitalsushi 4y ago

In college, when we got stumped on a CS assignment, we'd play Mario Kart, and while focusing on the game, we'd complain about the assignment. Very often, some quick, lazy criticism at our attempts would render an astute observation we wouldn't have made if not distracted by the game.