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Comment by TexanFeller | Hacker News Reader

Pairing is actually one of my most helpful strategies for keeping myself on task with boring tasks. People probably notice my ADHD much less when pairing with me. One reason remote work has destroyed my productivity is that pairing just can't happen in the same way.

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I totally agree. I have some minor attention deficit issues, but working closely with others really lights a fire under my ass and I experience zero distractions.

I also agree that there's something distinct about working when someone is directly watching you, versus working without direct observation (e.g. over Zoom). Perhaps this is why I'm far more productive working remotely from coffeeshops than I am from home.

interesting, I've had a much easier time pairing (and felt benefits like you describe) over Zoom. Pairing by actually having 2 people at a desk never felt very comfortable, but screen-sharing with each person on their own monitor etc. works great, IME. I'm curious what you've tried / why it hasn't worked...

Back in the day, about 15 years ago now, when I was pair-programming every day and trying to teach new people how to do it, everyone was awkward at first. People who were Vim experts suddenly started stumbling over basic tasks. All of them who persisted eventually got over the awkwardness. Not all of them enjoyed the pair programming, but the ones who I talked to later found that it wasn't as awkward after a bit.

I've always been afraid of pairing. I don't know how well others would appreciate my periods of daydreaming followed by periods of hyper-fixated focus.

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