I sound like someone trying to re-invent the wheel, but I’m sure stating this would definitely lay out reasons for solo’s to rethink their strategies.
Last semester I had the privilege of working with the best team ever. During summer, those who could afford the time spent (or are spending as we speak) a month of internship to do further development on our tool smarterscrum (or so we call it for now). I’ve loved the course, met great people, learned lots and lots of aspects — but the internship, working full time on something we’re so dedicated to, is a whole new level of experience. n = number of team members
Reason #1: 24hrs * n
A day is only 24 hours. Regardless of how fast or for how long you could (continuously) work, your day is always going to be only 24 hours. For a full-time job you’d probably only use, say, 6 hours (?) doing pure development. That could be fine to your scale, but once compared to 6 hrs * n — you don’t stand a chance. And time doesn’t just stop at doing code, it includes time you could spend researching solutions, and working on separate tasks. It’s easy straight forward math, really. One person gets x done in a single day. Two, get 2x done in a single day.
Reason #2: Brain power * n
Working on algorithms isn’t always an easy task. Most the time it could be, but there’s always that thing that you just need more power to wrap your brain around. I admit I am not a genius, my core power lies in my potential and my determinism, so n times of my brain power is always more compelling to me than just my brain power.
Reason #3: Inspiration * n
I am a starter. It’s not the perfect habit, but it gets me places. I have visions, and try pursuing them. I usually start by taking action, but I’m not known for finishing things I’ve worked on/with — dkSystem, dk-framework, and the communities, don’t get me started. It’s because I used to play solo — it’s only self motivation keeping me going. And when I feel my work is going unused or without seeing other motivation around, my motive doesn’t always stick around. When there’s even one person around, and you could see something is pushing them forward, you subconsciously push yourself. And when they see the same from you, they’re pushed as well. It’s recursive, and everyone keeps working!
Reason #4: Fun * ∞!
I’ve worked on countless solo projects. Or even projects where I have to work in a team yet alone (remotely, et cetera.) Not once out of all these projects have I had as much fun as I am having, daily, at our summer internship. In fact, even when all combined, a day with smartsoft is much more fun!! There’s the “aslan” “men asaso” line, and the re-opening of Galal’s tasks. There’s always Mc delivery. There’s those that vote for the AC being on, and those that want it off. Those that are “akbar men keda bekter”, and those that curse Eclipse — non stop. And those that I “a7`sem menhom nos yom” (although I don’t really have any say in that, heh ;angel)
Working in a team is not only a bliss. It’s a whole new level of life. If you haven’t worked in a team, or you think you’re doing great working solo — I assure you, there’s much more in life than great.
Share your reasons in the comments, feedback welcome.
