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Importance of Side Projects

rawsyntax.com

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Re: Importance of Side Projects

#3

Post by Swizec »

Balance, though, is key. I've never quite managed to figure out how to make sure an exciting side project doesn't consume my life leaving everything else to rot, or conversely, how to keep a side project sufficiently alive when swamped with more important things.

Re: Importance of Side Projects

#4

Post by rawsyntax »

Swizec wrote: post #3

Balance, though, is key. I've never quite managed to figure out how to make sure an exciting side project doesn't consume my life leaving everything else to rot, or conversely, how to keep a side project sufficiently alive when swamped with more important things.

I always make sure the work that's paying the bills is done, before I work on the side project. Other than that, I'll typically commit to 5 hours a week. Usually in 2 sessions.

Re: Importance of Side Projects

#5

Post by exratione »

Seems to be a common theme around here:

http://www.exratione.com/2011/03/the-side-project-considered...

"It seems strange to me that there exist developers who do not have side-projects: exploratory exercises in coding, tinkering, and scratching personal itches that run on the weekends, or here and there in the evenings as a replacement for mindlessly consuming mass-market entertainment. Do these people not enjoy their chosen profession?"

Re: Importance of Side Projects

#6

Post by rawsyntax »

exratione wrote: post #5

Seems to be a common theme around here: http://www.exratione.com/2011/03/the-side-project-considered... "It seems strange to me that there exist developers who do not have side-projects: exploratory exercises in coding, tinkering, and scratching personal itches that run on the weekends, or here and there in the evenings as a replacement for mindlessly consuming mass-market entertainment. Do these people not enjoy the…

I once met a few developers through a friend of mine. My impression was that they had no passion for the job. Programming pays well if you're good at it. I think there are a lot of programmers who are just paying their bills.

Re: Importance of Side Projects

#7

Post by dkersten »

My latest side project just attracted attention in a big way and it looks likely that we (myself and my brother; we worked on it together) will be founding a startup around it soon. We started the project for fun and all we expected out of it was some cool toys to play with, a little "oh thats cool" publicity and a fun learning experience. Its been a crazy past few weeks.

So, yes, side projects are very important!

Re: Importance of Side Projects

#9

Post by rawsyntax »

wallflower wrote: post #8
rawsyntax wrote: post #2

I'm the author, will answer any questions / criticisms of the post. Thanks for the upvotes

I really liked your succinct definition of what a side project is. What are your thoughts/experiences/opinions on team side projects?

I find it can be hard to sync up schedules and reliably work on it each week.

Re: Importance of Side Projects

#10

Post by pagekalisedown »

exratione wrote: post #5

Seems to be a common theme around here: http://www.exratione.com/2011/03/the-side-project-considered... "It seems strange to me that there exist developers who do not have side-projects: exploratory exercises in coding, tinkering, and scratching personal itches that run on the weekends, or here and there in the evenings as a replacement for mindlessly consuming mass-market entertainment. Do these people not enjoy the…

Wait 'til you have kids.
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