> The problem with surfing sites like HN, S.O. is that it is engaging. ... Taking a short walk is great because it doesn't take much of your brain to walk, so you can collect your thoughts.
Very good point.
> The worst part about this for me is that it is a small office of non-developers with a serious work ethic, so any time I step out during the day, I feel like they are looking at me like I think I'm an elitist doing whatever I want.
This is a tough one. Essentially, if you adopt working practises that maximise your productivity/output, you risk creating the impression that you are lazy. In an ideal world, either they would recognise that you need to work differently to them or their opinion wouldn't matter because the boss understands what you're doing.
It might be worth thinking about raising the subject in conversation. Sometimes getting things out in the open and discussing them is the best way of clearing the air.
I would also suggest thinking about what you can do to avoid giving them the impression that you're slacking off. For example, say you had a whiteboard next to your desk. Whenever you felt the urge the go for a walk, you could draw out the problem you're trying to solve first, look at it ponderously for half a minute, then go for a walk, come back, amend the drawing and sit down to code up the solution.
Okay, so it's largely theatre, but if it allows you to go clear your mind (and, therefore, be more productive) without giving your colleagues the impression that you're slacking off... shrug
Very good point.
> The worst part about this for me is that it is a small office of non-developers with a serious work ethic, so any time I step out during the day, I feel like they are looking at me like I think I'm an elitist doing whatever I want.
This is a tough one. Essentially, if you adopt working practises that maximise your productivity/output, you risk creating the impression that you are lazy. In an ideal world, either they would recognise that you need to work differently to them or their opinion wouldn't matter because the boss understands what you're doing.
It might be worth thinking about raising the subject in conversation. Sometimes getting things out in the open and discussing them is the best way of clearing the air.
I would also suggest thinking about what you can do to avoid giving them the impression that you're slacking off. For example, say you had a whiteboard next to your desk. Whenever you felt the urge the go for a walk, you could draw out the problem you're trying to solve first, look at it ponderously for half a minute, then go for a walk, come back, amend the drawing and sit down to code up the solution.
Okay, so it's largely theatre, but if it allows you to go clear your mind (and, therefore, be more productive) without giving your colleagues the impression that you're slacking off... shrug