[FatalBaboon]

I think it's hard to measure productivity differences, especially in terms of 'x' (times), but it's definitely not constant.

However when it comes to whether they exist or not, here's an anecdote:

I was working for a TV channel and a piece of software needed to be 'actualized' (made over). By the time the other programmers told me the specs, over the office space, and started debating how long many days it should take, I was done (so roughly 1h).

Another point they make is that a group of people can generate compounded productivity. I live the exact opposite. Right now I'm sitting in an office with friendly people, and I roll my thumbs in boredom, but at night I work 1h for select clients and do more than in a week at my day job.

The only problem is loneliness. I hardly ever met anyone who enjoys multiple subjects (maths/physics/software/networks/biology/literature and capital management for me mostly), in fact I mostly receive jealousy disguised as mockery. Heck, I learned not to talk about seemingly arcane languages (Racket, LUA and the like) otherwise I'm cataloged and have to fight ridiculous prejudices. I found the best solution is to appear dumb.

Discrepancy between expectation of programmer productivity and the reality of one programmer can be very deceiving.