What evidence do you have that even the majority of programmer side projects are interesting and/or cutting edge? Your line of reasoning doesn't actually benef

What evidence do you have that even the majority of programmer side projects are interesting and/or cutting edge? Your line of reasoning doesn't actually benefit you unless you can negotiate a higher wage because of your side projects. In most cases, it's a proxy for an employer getting away with not paying you for training - either your current employer or a prospective new employer.