I'm sorry to hear about your neuropathy, I'm glad my suggestion eases your mind!
On pairing in general: For a long period of time when I worked at bigger companies (before co-founding my current venture) I pair programmed 90% about of the time.
For the most part I really enjoyed it, we alternated pairs quite frequently and I worked with people at a range of seniorities. I really enjoyed alternating between playing the role of teacher vs learning from someone much better at the (insert programming language, database, business domain).
I think during that time I also had some of the most stimulating and deep conversations about software development. When pairing, pairs have a deep shared context that's hard to replicate in other scenarios.
There are some drawbacks though, the main one being it's extremely full on and emotionally tiring. I'd class myself as a high functioning introvert and after a day of pairing I needed some serious regenerative quiet time!
My advice to someone considering this suggestion would be to try some pairing now with friends or colleagues and get a feel for it and see if it works for your personality and working style.
> I'd class myself as a high functioning introvert
Hah, I'm stealing that phrase to describe myself too!
I've never "formally" done pair programming, but have sat and coded/reviewed with colleagues for short stints, and generally found it OK.
From time to time I have to do full days (or several days) of workshops, and find those really tiring and emotionally draining. I always think I fare better 1-1 with people though, so if pairing was a necessity, I'm sure I could adapt.
On pairing in general: For a long period of time when I worked at bigger companies (before co-founding my current venture) I pair programmed 90% about of the time.
For the most part I really enjoyed it, we alternated pairs quite frequently and I worked with people at a range of seniorities. I really enjoyed alternating between playing the role of teacher vs learning from someone much better at the (insert programming language, database, business domain).
I think during that time I also had some of the most stimulating and deep conversations about software development. When pairing, pairs have a deep shared context that's hard to replicate in other scenarios.
There are some drawbacks though, the main one being it's extremely full on and emotionally tiring. I'd class myself as a high functioning introvert and after a day of pairing I needed some serious regenerative quiet time!
My advice to someone considering this suggestion would be to try some pairing now with friends or colleagues and get a feel for it and see if it works for your personality and working style.