It always helps appearances if an employee's "side project" can, in some small way, be incorporated into their job. I've had ideas for web apps before that I've

It always helps appearances if an employee's "side project" can, in some small way, be incorporated into their job. I've had ideas for web apps before that I've developed as internal company tools just to justify my time at work spent developing them. I don't think this is always required, but it certainly staves off criticism from bosses and co-workers.