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Getting too absorbed in side projects

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Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#61

Post by new_here »

I find working towards wins (new users or customers) helps to replenish my excitement and enthusiasm for my project, so I aim for those.

Otherwise, I just end up grinding until my mind eventually says enough and I'll just have to stop for a few days. I've considered whether a more balanced schedule could help but have currently settled on the opinion that while we may be looking for the right approach, there isn't one, only trade-offs. You either neglect progress on your project or neglect your personal life. You just have to decide how important each of those are in your life, then prioritise accordingly and accept the trade-offs.

Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#62

Post by zikzak »

lukaszkups wrote: post #47
oarsinsync wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Enjoy the time with your children too. The memories you build with them today will last a lifetime, and will be much more valuable than any side project you're dreaming of

I've learnt side-projects are possible you only just have... sleep less :) I'm a father of 2 (4yrs old + 6mo old) and I start doing side-projects when kids and wife go to sleep (we spent time together as well, she doesn't go to sleep at the same time as kiddos). So around 22:30 I've work on something for myself for 2 - 3hours. Then repeat :) But I'm blessed that my kids are sleep through 99% of the night time.

I was really good at getting up early and working on my projects before everyone woke up (30 minutes a day, more or less) then we moved to a new time zone and my work day starts at 5:00 instead of 8:00. Meanwhile, we moved because my spouse has a great but very demanding job so I have way less free time. :) It's for a good cause (and she makes way more money than me). I'm figuring out how to make it work. 15 minute increments. Ha ha. It's possible.

Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#63

Post by ytjohn »

zmil wrote: post #38
sneak wrote: post #34

Hire cleaners. Outsource laundry. Have food delivered. If you love hacking, nothing wrong with hacking from the time you wake up until the time you go to sleep.

> Outsource laundry Know any good services for that? I feel like this is always the hot, new startup idea that's gonna take over but they always fizzle out

A coworker of mine originated from NYC. They didn't have any space for a washing machine or dryer in their apartment. No one did. According to him, there were several dozen laundry services that they could use, super cheap. All they had to do was put the bag of laundry outside the door in the morning, and next morning would be bag of folded laundry. To me, this sounded like heaven, but it was just common for him.

For less populated areas, this seems like an extension of housecleaning services. I've known a few people that have someone come in, maybe just once a week to clean. Some have laundry done then, others just want the cleaning. Granted, since they would be using your washer/dryer, there is a limit as to how much laundry they can do in a day. Manageable with 1-2 people, but 3 or more, each with their week's worth of laundry could really add up the dryer time.

Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#64

Post by albertgoeswoof »

99052882514569 wrote: post #15
albertgoeswoof wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I feel like this is an excuse (sorry to be blunt). I’m a new parent and managed to build and release a side project in the first few weeks, as well as keep up with a bunch of other side projects. I’ve just had to adapt the way I work on them. Eg I’m spending significantly more time planning than before, I’m using tools that have been consistently applied to solve similar problems, I’m ruthlessly prioritising features…

>I’m a new parent and managed to build and release a side project in the first few weeks Oh gee, no, no. If all you know is the first few months, you know not of parenting time requirements. You need to come back and talk about ruthless prioritizing and efficient coding when you parent a toddler, or two. Then we can all have a hearty laugh at this post together.

I think that's fair. And I can see how having 2+ will make a big difference.

I do find myself already thinking I'm too tired / busy to do something, but then actually I sit down and get started and find I can make progress. I feels to me like it's a mindset of prioritising the things that matter the most, and side projects should be high on the list in my opinion.

If you can find the time to read articles and articulate a response on HN you probably have time to spend on your side project.

Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#65

Post by gwbas1c »

I used to get absorbed in side projects in my 20s that would go nowhere. I once quite my job to work on one, because I wanted it to turn into a business. (Where it went is TLDR.)

Anyway, a few months after the business went nowhere and I got a real job, I decided that I wasn't going to start any kind of a side project until I found a girlfriend.

That was the best decision in my life.

I'll admit: Ever since I met my girlfriend, (now we're married with two kids,) I haven't been able to have a long-term "side project." I tried to start this and that, but what I realized is that anything that interesting would be so all-consuming that I'd need to quit my job; and that I have no desire to figure out how to make it profitable.

So, every once in awhile I take 1-2 days off from my job and work on learning projects. I don't have any expectations that they will ever be finished.

Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#66

Post by harwoodleon »

bbx wrote: post #40

I've got the same issue, but only for the first 80% of the project. At that point, the project becomes a burden I have to finish, otherwise I would have wasted my time. The initial burst of inspiration is always exciting: you've got a novel idea, there are no restrictions, no deadlines, no requirements. You don't care about bugs or beauty, just about making things happen. You could even abandon the project and it wou…

Chunking your work, or using pomodoro are good ways to break this cycle. As you get closer to the end of the work make smaller chunks and have more breaks. Also understanding what gives you pleasure in your work will help through the mundane tasks.

Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#67

Post by stared »

I have the same issue... but it makes me love side projects ("there are no projects like side projects" from https://crastina.se/theres-no-projects-like-side-projects/).

I don't take for granted that I can get absorbed by something. It's like... love. While I can hold myself from it, I cannot force myself to have this level of energy, and dedication.

What I struggle with are ill-invested infatuations. Obsession for starting a project, but then later focusing on not-so-important details... or dropping it in favor of another project. I am haunted by a ghost-town of unfinished (undead?) projects. For ones that I finished - I rarely (if ever) regret them.

Another story is with balance - how to make sure my projects don't have too negative impact other activities (don't mind a pile of clothes from time to time; all in all, I won't get influential by "this you kept his room tidy most of the time"). Though, it is crucial to take into account long term consequences on health, paid work, relationships or... energy to do side projects. E.g. my brother considers it unwise to cut on sleep (I agree) and claims that overnight work is a load (with high-interest).

Full disclosure: I am a consultant and I do have time between paid projects (I organize my time, so to be able to have ~50% for side projects).

Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#68

Post by fastbeef »

bbx wrote: post #40

I've got the same issue, but only for the first 80% of the project. At that point, the project becomes a burden I have to finish, otherwise I would have wasted my time. The initial burst of inspiration is always exciting: you've got a novel idea, there are no restrictions, no deadlines, no requirements. You don't care about bugs or beauty, just about making things happen. You could even abandon the project and it wou…

Just wanted to say I really enjoyed clicking through "Web Design in 4 minutes", every click brought a deep satisfaction of a task accomplished.

Awesome work!

Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#69

Post by Milank »

IloveHN84 wrote: post #3

I'm too absorbed by parenting that I dream about side projects I will never do. Enjoy the free time

Ha-ha, been there, done that.

It takes a lot of effort, energy, support from the spouse, ...

I often say - if I could go back in time, I would go visit younger me, single, with 9-5 job being only obligation. I would go there, and slap him (myself) across the face for complaining about not having enough time. I mean, seriously?

And a note to those parents with one kid - enjoy your spring break. That's what it feels like compared to having two kids. Wouldn't dare to think about how it is with 3+.

Enjoy your time with kids, you won't get another chance with that. With side projects you can always start over.

Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#70

Post by faitswulff »

fastbeef wrote: post #68
bbx wrote: post #40

I've got the same issue, but only for the first 80% of the project. At that point, the project becomes a burden I have to finish, otherwise I would have wasted my time. The initial burst of inspiration is always exciting: you've got a novel idea, there are no restrictions, no deadlines, no requirements. You don't care about bugs or beauty, just about making things happen. You could even abandon the project and it wou…

Just wanted to say I really enjoyed clicking through "Web Design in 4 minutes", every click brought a deep satisfaction of a task accomplished. Awesome work!

Oh wow, just realized by clicking through that that grandparent poster is the mind behind Bulma.css.
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