We're builders. We build things.
We explore tech, systems, and processes related to how we build things.
We play with the stuff we find that intrigues us, and every now and then, we catch a spark. A glimmer of something bigger. Something that ignites a fire that we just can't ignore. Something that fuels our passion.
Then the bills come. Sigh.
The Allure of Passion Projects
Who hasn't dreamed of turning a weekend hackathon idea into the next big startup? Passion projects are often the playgrounds of innovation. They allow you to get creative, refine skills, and do what you love!
Like a painter with a blank canvas, passion projects grant you full creative control. You're not bound by client demands or company standards. This is your masterpiece. Heck, go ahead and use that new tech stack. Worst case you learn something new. Learn something new. No pressure!
There's a certain euphoria in building something purely out of love and curiosity. That energy can rejuvenate you and break the monotony of the routine.
The Ground Reality of Paying Projects
While passion projects paint an appealing picture, it's the paying projects that often dominate our day-to-day. And, for better or worse, with good reason.
Mmmm, that sweet, sweet, predictable paycheck. It pays for the roof over your head, food in the pantry, if we're lucky (and smart) save a bit, and of course, get new shinys once in a while. Plus, working with clients and folks on your team exposes you to a bunch of new perspectives that broaden your thinking and contacts to add to the network. Let's not pretend that we only learn new stuff when working on our own stuff. Nor should we devalue the benefit of a robust network.
Further still, delivering quality work in full view of peers, clients, and customers can enhance your industry reputation. Over time, this can lead to more lucrative opportunities and establish you as a reliable & valuable professional.
Striking the Balance
Chasing passion without a paycheck might leave you starving, while solely chasing the paycheck could starve your passion. So, how do you strike a balance? We've got to tune things to let our passion burn bright while delivering professionally.
Most obviously, yet most elusive, is finding paying work that allows the freedom to explore new technologies or work with an org already using the new stuff you're interested in! Find those synergies!
More tactically though, there's a few things we can try:
Time Management: Dedicate specific blocks of time to your passion projects. Whether it's an hour every evening or a dedicated weekend, make it non-negotiable.
Set Clear Boundaries: Passion projects should be a joy, not a burden. Be wary of turning them into another form of unpaid labor by overcommitting or setting unrealistic expectations.
Monetize Your Passion: Ever considered that your passion project might have market potential? Exploring avenues to monetize it can be rewarding, both personally and financially.
Reinvest in Yourself: Use earnings from paying projects to take courses, attend workshops, or buy resources for your passion projects. This ensures you're constantly growing and nurturing your passions.
The Developer's Journey
Remember that your journey is always changing, moving, evolving. Today's passion project could be tomorrow's primary income source. On the other hand, and as unlikely as it may seem, a routine paying gig might spark a new passion -- some small detail in there might be a thread that, when pulled, reveals a new joy.
The tug of war between passion and paycheck is real. It's not about choosing one over the other. It's about harmonizing the two.
As a developer, our craft thrives on balance. Both passion and paycheck offer unique rewards. It's up to you to architect your path, blending both elements to craft a fulfilling, sustainable career.
It's not an either-or choice. The synergy exists. Find it!
Top comments (24)
Ah this article speaks to my soul. I have been feeling like I don't have a purpose lately, and my job has been beating me down a bit. I always felt like I am an artist at my soul and was born to create..but the things I like to create don't pay the bills. I am making it a goal for the rest of the year to spend time creating things that I want to create, while also keeping myself from starving with my basic job :).
@ianbonaparte I am so right there with you buddy. Over the last couple of years I've felt my soul wanting more of the things I had to put on the back shelf as I got older and the bills got bigger.
In my case, my Photography has been non-existent the past couple of years almost. That is always great for kicking my motivation for all my projects of any type.
That hedonic adaptation is real! (scary stuff)
Pick up the camera!
Hard to argue with that goal, Ian.
Have to make some breathing room to do the things we love.
This is always a topic close to my heart. Navigating the map of need to do and want to do. We need both sides for sure, and choosing which gets the attention on any given day is always a struggle until the bill drops through the door.
No pressure, but I would dearly love to invite you to discuss this on my Podcast if you are interested. I always feel this is something that needs to get in as many ears and eyes as possible.
Glad this one struck a chord @peterwitham
Happy to chat with ya Peter! Sounds interesting. Feel free to reach out. ivan [at] ivannovak [dot] com
Monetize Your Passion -- this is the bottleneck.
If you get paid for passion project, you found your market. Then if you want to be paid more, you start to attend workshops, courses and hire resources.
Absolutely - scratching an itch for ourselves is one thing, solving our own problem is better, solving a problem for others (or for a market) is magic.
Pursuing one's passion is lovely! However, paycheck is the only language bills understand. This calls for balance indeed. This post is a must read for everyone.
Thanks @opaul !
"Remember that your journey is always changing, moving, evolving. Today's passion project could be tomorrow's primary income source." - I wish. Thank you for the post. Didn't know I needed this.
This needs to be sent to my brain everytime I go to bed late because i was debugging some weird library for my side projects when i should have been sleeping. thanks for the reminder!
I’m sure there’s an app for that 🤪
Helpful
Brilliant writeup!
Notice how the author describes himself as "self-taught"? Developers who do this for fun because they have a passion for it always end up being the better ones.
Reading this article was a therapy. Beautifully written.
I’m genuinely thrilled that it was meaningful to you! Thank you.
Awesome.
A very nice piece.
I love it.
Thanks for this.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for your pragmatic and positive perspective! Even when we don't find enough time for side projects, there might be inspiring aspects to be found in what seemed to be "just for the money" before.