This is true, but unless you are at Google or a similarly vigilant company it doesn't have to be a deal breaker. First, don't hobby in the same space as your e

This is true, but unless you are at Google or a similarly vigilant company it doesn't have to be a deal breaker. First, don't hobby in the same space as your employer. Then, hack on the project a little bit, and send your manager and director an email. Explain how it's invigorated you and given you a testing ground for technologies that you will be using to achieve $mission at work. Ask for the company's blessing to work on the project in spare hours on your own equipment. In most cases, you'll get an encouraging response. Reply and say thanks and ask for help getting clearance from Legal and/or a VP or higher. I did this myself building Cronitor.