I’ve built multiple projects that no one asked me to. It wasn’t part of my job either.
The main driving reason being – solve problems, little or big, that I face in my life.
I’ve always looked for ways I can use technology, or the programming skills I’ve acquired, to help me optimise and live a better life.
I feel that should be the ultimate use of your skills. Sure, you can get a job and help others solve their problems, and in turn get money. But why not put those skills to use for yourself.
Building your skills is the most necessary thing.
But don’t let that consume you. Unlike at school, you don’t need to finish all chapters before giving a test (which is building projects in our case). And you can have your book open while giving the test.
You can always learning it in time, while doing the thing.
I wrote a long post on Solve problems, don’t just pile up skills which is relatable here.
You often want to learn the new shiny framework, just for the kicks of it.
Paring it with a project helps you learn it better.
I learnt React to build my website. It ended up becoming so mainstream and now it is at a point where my career depends on my React skills.
Helping other people with your projects along the way is the most underrated and joy thing that can happen.
I get messages from people thanking me for my time I’ve spent working on the side projects. This joy is greater than making money using your time.
Side projects are your happy pills.
I’d like to know - would you start side projects? Or would you not? Why?
That’s all for this Tuesday.
See you 👋