Ask HN: How do you find time for pet projects?

#1

Post by ishener » Mon, Oct 22, 2012, 2:33 PM UTC

I have a zillion pet projects I really would like to work on, but how can I find the time for it? I mean, I have a full time job, a wife that I need to keep entertained, and I need some time for sports/relaxing/whatever, no?

So really, how to make time for pet projects?

The real reason it's so important is that I would really like to start my own startup one day based on one of these projects...

Re: Ask HN: How do you find time for pet projects?

#2

Post by marcgg » Mon, Oct 22, 2012, 2:36 PM UTC

It's not that hard, it's just a matter of saving some time on weekends for instance.

If you don't have a lot of hours to put into them, just reduce the scope and do something you can complete in a few evenings / nights. Then if you're happy with it, you can iterate and get a real product out of it.

I elaborated more on the subject on my blog a few months back if you're interested: http://marcgg.com/2012/01/09/start-working-on-your-side-proj...

Re: Ask HN: How do you find time for pet projects?

#3

Post by adamtaa » Mon, Oct 22, 2012, 2:41 PM UTC

You have asked the question that I ask myself everyday. I even went so far as to start my own business. The answer to this question for me is as follows. I try to have time in the evenings after my child is in bed. I generally will see if my wife needs anything or would like to spend time with me. If not then I will go to my office and program/tinker for a while. This is a variable process and sometimes I cannot get to my office. It is all about balance. You cant neglect your family.

Re: Ask HN: How do you find time for pet projects?

#4

Post by bravoyankee » Mon, Oct 22, 2012, 2:42 PM UTC

Also on Quora: http://www.quora.com/Productivity/How-can-you-increase-your-...

Might find some helpful answers here.

Re: Ask HN: How do you find time for pet projects?

#5

Post by Sambdala » Mon, Oct 22, 2012, 2:53 PM UTC

Turn some sports/relaxing/whatever time into project time.

A project doesn't have to be stressful or unenjoyable for you to make progress or learn something.

Re: Ask HN: How do you find time for pet projects?

#6

Post by matthuggins » Mon, Oct 22, 2012, 3:00 PM UTC

Everyone here is saying "it's not hard", but it really depends on your circumstances. I am newly married and have a I bring my laptop with me in hopes of working on the bus during my commute, but the bus is often far too packed for me to even have the arm room to pull my laptop out of my bag. Because of this, I sometimes just jot notes in a notebook, but that doesn't get me very far when the majority of what I need to do is get down to actual implementation.

I don't really have any fantastic advice other than saying it's a huge juggling act, and you need to find the right balance that works for both you and your family.

Re: Ask HN: How do you find time for pet projects?

#7

Post by thibaut_barrere » Mon, Oct 22, 2012, 3:02 PM UTC

Reduce from a zillion to one, first!

Then make time: go on a part-time job (some places offer 4 days weeks), either freelancing or as an employee.

Lastly, over time it will help to work on pet products rather than pet projects.

Re: Ask HN: How do you find time for pet projects?

#8

Post by throwit1979 » Mon, Oct 22, 2012, 3:04 PM UTC

No wife; no kids; no television; five hours of sleep per night. Easy.

Re: Ask HN: How do you find time for pet projects?

#9

Post by eli_gottlieb » Mon, Oct 22, 2012, 3:05 PM UTC

throwit1979 wrote: post #8

No wife; no kids; no television; five hours of sleep per night. Easy.

Not sure if sarcastic...

Re: Ask HN: How do you find time for pet projects?

#10

Post by mrspeaker » Mon, Oct 22, 2012, 3:06 PM UTC

Mornings. The only way to have some uninterrupted free time for pet projects is to get up and go work at Starbucks for an hour before work. The bonus is, it's usually when I do my best stuff!