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nolok • today at 2:34 PM • 3 replies • view on HN

One of my first boss called it the bus factor, not sure where the term comes from. What's the minimum number that need to get hit by a bus before it's impossible to keep things running. He used to say "you always have some bus factor, but it should never be one unless you're alone, otherwise you deserve whatever crap is going to rain on you someday".

I've found that to be incredibly true in my career.


Replies

bombcar • today at 2:40 PM

If you're optimistic you call it the "vacation or lottery" factor - if Bob wins the lottery tonight, will our shit still work tomorrow?

And if the answer is no, well, then Bob just got Hotel California'd and can check out but can never leave.

Help Bob; help yourself.

epiecs • today at 2:56 PM

We call it the HB3 (Hit By Bus Binder). Aka keep a document containing what to do if someone of your team gets hit by a bus.