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How Do You Maintain Your Work Focus?

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the that-zen-state dept.

chowsapal asks: "I've recently switched from another line of work into computer programming, where I work as a contractor. I'm making more money than I need, and more than I'm used to even working 20 or 25 hours a week. I'd like to work more, and rake in even more money, but sometimes it's hard to stay focused for more than 5 or 6 hours at a time. What do other programmers do to motivate themselves? Do you work a specific set of hours? In a specific location? Are there types of breaks that you find really increase productivity? Does diet and/or coffee consumption make or break the deal? Do you end up working late at night for the quiet? I realize that on some level you just need to suck it up and put in the time, or stop worrying about it and enjoy your time off. However, the question stands: How do you work best outside an office environment?"

12 of 153 comments (clear)

  1. Motivation by Rydia · · Score: 3, Funny

    Constantly remind myself of my company's small army of trained ninja.

    1. Re:Motivation by __aaclcg7560 · · Score: 2, Funny

      You prefer to be a drone instead of a trained ninja? Your days are numbered.

    2. Re:Motivation by foniksonik · · Score: 2, Funny

      It's modded "Funny" but maybe just maybe it's really a cry for help...... = yes 2 ellipses...

      --
      A fool throws a stone into a well and a thousand sages can not remove it.
    3. Re:Motivation by blugu64 · · Score: 5, Funny

      I just ask my self with every action, is what I'm doing good for the company

      --
      "Personal ownership is a hallmark of conservative capitalism. And I don't believe I am entitled to anything that I did n
  2. Slashdot! by Mini-Geek · · Score: 2, Funny
    Are there types of breaks that you find really increase productivity?
    Slashdot
    --
    do {print "Mini-Geek Rules!\n";}
    until ($TheEndOfTheWorld);
  3. Follow these steps by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Step 1. Stop reading Slashdot

    Step 2. I still haven't gotten past step 1, but when I do, I'll let you know.

    1. Re:Follow these steps by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

      Step 1. Stop reading Slashdot

      Step 2. ???

      Step 3. Profit!

      Fixed.

  4. Thought exercise by mortonda · · Score: 3, Funny

    I keep my attention on task by .... um.... what was the question again?

    Seriously, I have the same problem, as a contractor... Some days I'm lucky to get 1 hour billed. OTOH, I have a 14 month old boy that keeps distracting me. :)

  5. Easy answer... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    127.0.0.1 www.slashdot.org

  6. Re:Why? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    I saw the coroner van in front of a $10 million house on Friday. See all the good that money did the dead guy.


    Do you live in New Orleans? Maybe it was the coroner's house.

  7. Thank you CowboyNeal by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Above post made by Cowboyneal sitting at the server console.

  8. Take up Smoking by Joe_NoOne · · Score: 2, Funny

    Take up smoking - then you can have a 20 minute break every hour but be paid for the whole hour. As a bonus you get to piss off us non-smokers that get paid the same as you do for doing 1/3 less work (and that's now you make MORE money!).