I think there's a difference between working on side projects that are open-source, and actually trying to build another company while you are at work - also da

I think there's a difference between working on side projects that are open-source, and actually trying to build another company while you are at work - also dangerous, because they can claim ownership of what you create. I have friends at other companies that I sometimes give a bit of advice in the evening over drinks, or even do a little work for on weekends, but when I'm at work, or even "working from home", I'm working for my employer. You can always find opportunities to 'sharpen the saw', so to speak, when your official duties are blocked by someone else or you are ahead of schedule. I've even heard of people being fired for connecting over ssh to external servers that clearly belonged to another company. Not only are there technical ways to avoid being that obvious, but there are other ways to balance side projects.