"I believe pretty strongly in having a side project, and working on it at work, but only when I think the side project is something that directly (20% Google mo

"I believe pretty strongly in having a side project, and working on it at work, but only when I think the side project is something that directly (20% Google model) or indirectly (skills) benefits the company" Right. As long as it directly or indirectly benefits the company. In software development, it can be really beneficial to the employer. But I also agree with the example of a PR guy working on his stand-up routine. That probably isn't something you want your employee doing during prime time for an hour a day.