This is exactly how I'd put it, and also why I absolutely hate context switches. When you're asking me to switch context, for example to a different project, then I have to bring in the project structure, the modules the moving pieces, the problem we're trying to solve, everything before I can remember enough to answer your question.

Totally agree. It takes a while to "load" the project but then once it's loaded moving around a large codebase is a breeze but as soon at the code changes broaden and I slow right down cos I have to rebuild the map with the new additions. only way i can describe it: it's like loading google/apple maps and instead of it showing a low detail view with only the big roads displayed i'm loading the entire super details map, it takes a while but once it's loaded there's 0 lag.

also it's actually reassuring knowing someone else is similar, no-one in my life seems to work the same.