2 ms·

I think the problem here is that your side projects aren't really that fun. It's not that fun to read a complicated, dense book. It's not that fun to learn a

I think the problem here is that your side projects aren't really that fun. It's not that fun to read a complicated, dense book. It's not that fun to learn a language, in fact it's one of the hardest things for your brain. It's not that fun to make a personal web site that's basically going to end up being a LinkedIn profile. For me, I do have a side hobby. I built a tool to make grids of peoples' photos into posters that I sell on Etsy, things like people's photos of them visiting each national park. It's a weird hobby but the fact that I'm actually selling something was a big motivator for me. I love making sales -- even though I've done less than $100 total so far.

dencodev 6y ago
This is something I've come to learn as I get older. I used to beat myself up over all the stuff I thought I should be doing with my spare time but didn't. Then I realized - if I'm not doing it and I don't feel motivated to do it, then it's probably not actually that important to me. I make decent money. A lot less than all the FAANG engineers here, but still probably double the national average. I can't afford a house in the major city I live in and not sure I ever will but I'm comfortable and just trying to enjoy my life at this point.