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Getting too absorbed in side projects

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Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#91

Post by drieddust »

VBprogrammer wrote: post #42
oarsinsync wrote: post #21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have absolutely no idea how you've managed that, and well done to you, but the judgement at the start is unnecessary. For another perspective, I lose 11 hours of my day with my day job, including commute time. With the 13 hours remaining, I get maybe 45 mins a day to groom myself at start / end, usually interrupted multiple times. I don't tend to get more than 2 hours continuous sleep in any given night, so while I…

> 2 hours continuous sleep Awch. I've got a 2 month old who, for the moment, is a surprisingly good sleeper. It's still exhausting, getting in from work, trying to spend an hour of quality time with her while helping mum finish dinner before she goes into an over tired 'witching hour'. I'm much more driven to try some side projects though. The sudden drop to a single salary and the vain hope that one day I could be f…

Things change, my son was an angel for first 2 months so keep your fingers crossed.

Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#92

Post by abrugsch »

Hates_ wrote: post #29
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…

As someone with a five week old that refuses to be put down most of the time and even the short quiet spaces of time are spent having to do things around the house, how do you do it?

they may be lucky... my first was as you describe, but most of the other parents in our (ante natal) group spent their first few months relaxing (relatively) as their babies were a lot more compliant early on.

Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#93

Post by halfnibble »

cjarrett wrote: post #85
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

Agreed. I wish I could have spent more time with my parents when they were younger. At least they were able to retire early and we're making up for it in adventures nowadays.

My parents retired early too, and it looked like we were about to be in a similar situation, but then my mom caught a rare and aggressive form of cancer. It happened so fast. We are all still in shock. Don't take any moment for granted, and call your mom—even if you're busy.

Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#94

Post by ascavalcante80 »

Carpetsmoker wrote: post #48

This sounds familiar, but I don't really see the issue. Sometimes I get absorbed in a side project, and I'm being creative and having fun. Why put a brake on it? I think that some of the best things I've done (professionally) were when I was in a "being completely absorbed in a project"-mindsets. Sometimes I don't works on side-projects for months at a time. I just don't feel like it and I'm doing other stuff. That's…

Sometimes you don't realize how many thing are giving away for those side projects. With those side project don't make you any money, they are pure leisure you should see it like 'playing video games'. When start to refuse go out with friends or make simple home tasks to keep working in this side project, it becomes serious... Of course, those side project allow you to acquire or improve skills which may be useful in your professional life. But the way you balance it is very important.

The analogy of 'playing video games' should help you to see how serious and important these projects are to your life.

Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#96

Post by ascavalcante80 »

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.

I agree with you about cleaners, laundry and food... but, what about stop seeing friends? Hacking is just so cool as addictive.

Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#97

Post by schwartzworld »

CodeCube wrote: post #73
lukaszkups wrote: post #47

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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 did the same thing when my kids were born (similar age difference), and it took approximately 4-5 years for me to burnout. I took for granted that my time was a limited resource, and left very little for myself (for rest, relaxation, and just plain enjoyment). I got to a point that I couldn't bring myself to even open a computer after I got home from work ... and while I recovered to an extent (I've had a number of…

How do you balance your own needs against those of your family's? My kids are 2.5 and 6 months, and I frequently stay up late to work on personal projects or even just drink beer and watch TV. Its hard being tired the next day, but the alternative is never taking any time for myself.

Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#98

Post by cuillevel3 »

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…

It's worse if your hobby attracts users. Not a lot of users, of course, but barely enough to continue. You feel responsible and can't drop it. After a while the project becomes boring and keeps you from learning new and exciting things.

Soon you have to make excuses to family and friends, which don't understand why you still spend your time on the project...

Re: Getting too absorbed in side projects

#99

Post by scruple »

cuillevel3 wrote: post #98
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…

It's worse if your hobby attracts users. Not a lot of users, of course, but barely enough to continue. You feel responsible and can't drop it. After a while the project becomes boring and keeps you from learning new and exciting things. Soon you have to make excuses to family and friends, which don't understand why you still spend your time on the project...

I'm living through this right now. I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach whenever I think about dropping it. Do not recommend.
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