I wouldn't worry about not having non-work projects or open source contributions. Most startup and Google engineers I know are in the same boat. Don't worry a

I wouldn't worry about not having non-work projects or open source contributions. Most startup and Google engineers I know are in the same boat. Don't worry about trying to measure up to the Hacker News image of what a well rounded startup engineer rockstar ninja should look like:) That being said, check out some hacker spaces, specifically Noisebridge (in the city), and Hacker Dojo on the peninsula. If you happen to be around for SHDH(shdh.org) or Hackers and Founders (http://www.hackersandfounders.com/ http://www.hackersandfounders.com/), go. They're both really stellar events, where you'll meet lots of cool people. Lastly, if you'd like to meet up for a cup of coffee, send me an email (it's in my profile). I'm down in Palo Alto. I've worked at Google and a few startups, and am now working on my own company. I'd be happy to share any advice that might be helpful.