If there is a start up bubble wouldn't that insinuate it's going to burst at some time? What would the burst consist of? The mass realization that I shouldn't do side projects anymore? I agree with the premise of the article, a side project can distract from 9-5 work, but there is no "bubble"
The Startup Side Project Bubble
21–30 of 56 posts
Re: The Startup Side Project Bubble
#22Of all the things that can be called to be in a bubble, I think this one is the most ridiculous one. What does it even mean to call it a side project bubble? Is it going to burst at some point, I really hope not.
Even if we agree that a lot more people are working on side projects, instead of calling it a bubble, which has negative connotation, what we should be looking at the positive side that more and more people are taking the first step and recognizing that they don't necessarily have to just keep working for an employer and are at least trying to create something of their own. The tools and technology have become more accessible, be it cloud or even 3D printing, and will become more accessible in future which will motivate even more people. The whole Maker scene is another such. People used to have different hobbies, now a lot of that energy is channeled into side projects.
We should be celebrating this, rather than call it a bubble.
Re: The Startup Side Project Bubble
#23I'm sorry, but this whole article is based on a completely unfounded premise - that being the premise that you're not "committed" to your startup unless you've quit your dayjob and are working on the startup fulltime. But there's no basis for asserting that, and it is - quite simply - not true. It's not "shooting yourself in the foot" to work on a startup while working a dayjob, it's called "funding your startup with…
You are missing the point, I am not saying you should raise money. I bootstrapped my company and am very proud of it. It is hard to argue that spending 40+ hours in a week on something other than you startup shows you are committed to your startup. You are committed to making money and then working on your startup. I have personally invested in many employee's startups but that does not change the fact that trying to…
I do not see my side project as a distraction from my day job (it only distracts me from my other, non-commercial side projects).
Stuff I learn at work is often applicable in my side project as well - and vice versa. I can re-use the code (as most of the work-code is open source) and use the project as a testing / learning opportunity for things I may use at work.
The things which do reduce my motivation is the projects legal side (having signed a disadvantageous contract...) and not knowing if there really is a market for the kind of application I write ("$megaCorp can do this probably sooo much better.").
Re: The Startup Side Project Bubble
#24> "It’s a problem because side projects create a talent bubble of people who aren’t fully engaged and are just doing enough at their “real” or full-time job"
I'm sorry, but where was the part in my employment contract where I was required to live and breathe work every minute of my life?
If you're an employee with no stocks or shares, then doing "just enough" of your job is exactly what you're being paid to do. Do more if you like, but going the extra mile isn't a requirement.
Also, some people enjoy working on side projects because they're fun, and not because they dream of being an entrepreneur.
(Edit: formatting)
Re: The Startup Side Project Bubble
#25In my experience the people who have side start ups are the ones who are twice as productive at work. Most people don't give a shit about their jobs.
I was going to write this. You beat me to it, thanks.
Re: The Startup Side Project Bubble
#26"This means their productivity suffers at their full-time job, an expense the employer ends up paying."
Incorrect. My side projects have made me a better developer in every way, which actually saves my employers money over the long-term. I learn new techniques, skills, and tools off-the-clock. The kind of training that used to be the responsibility of the employer is now on the employee.
Re: The Startup Side Project Bubble
#27When this bubble bursts, namecheap.com is going to lose out on all sorts of $10.99 renewals in 2 years. It's gonna get ugly.
Re: The Startup Side Project Bubble
#28This article is awfully preachy for just being a flimsy tower of assumptions. It sort of seems like a way to draw an arbitrary line that frames the author as a real entrepreneur frustrated by floating in a sea of posers.
Re: The Startup Side Project Bubble
#29Side projects are a great way to improve your knowledge of a language or learn a new language. Creating a number of side projects, most of them fit under this category. Each project has furthered my knowledge of a language, framework, or best practices.
From my experience, developing a project (regardless of scale) is a better form of learning than reading about it. You get instant gratification when you see your project render/compile without error. You're learning in real time, seeing your project work, and learning from trial and error.
Having a side project doesn't imply you're trying to create a startup. What happened to just creating for fun/enjoyment? Reconstruct your sandbox and play.
Re: The Startup Side Project Bubble
#30This article is awfully preachy for just being a flimsy tower of assumptions. It sort of seems like a way to draw an arbitrary line that frames the author as a real entrepreneur frustrated by floating in a sea of posers.
It sort of seems like a way to draw an arbitrary line that frames the author as a real entrepreneur frustrated by floating in a sea of posers.
Not just that, but the tone is downright condescending and demeaning towards "side project" people. I mean,
"But don’t shoot yourself in the foot by stringing your employer along and delaying the leap to becoming a full-time entrepreneur. The choice is yours, but too many people are making the wrong one. I hope you have what it takes to commit and become a real entrepreneur."
Really? C'mon man... Who died and appointed you supreme judge and arbiter of all things entrepreneurial? We need your approval to call ourselves entrepreneurs? Right... good luck with that.