Comments on: The Case for Side Projects

By: admin

admin — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 04:08:20 +0000

Great find Anita. Thanks for having the presence of mind to revisit this post and share that with this community.

By: Anita Lobo

Anita Lobo — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:13:14 +0000

How a side project took Ji Lee from bored ad agency exec to Creative Director of Google Creative Lab

http://the99percent.com/videos/6231/ji-lee-the-transformative-power-of-personal-projects

Enjoy!

By: Matt Cheuvront

Matt Cheuvront — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:03:16 +0000

I think you sum everything up here nicely Ryan. For me, having the opportunity to do freelance consulting and design on the side has been extremely rewarding. It allows me to continue developing my skills – it provides me with an outlet for creativity that I otherwise may not get at the nine to five, and it continuously introduces me to new people.

I’m the kind of person who likes a diverse work environment – so being able to do a lot of different things, both 9-5 and in my spare time, is rewarding for me – and I think a lot of people can say the same.

By: Ryan Stephens Marketing » The Case Against Side Projects

Ryan Stephens Marketing » The Case Against Side Projects — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:16:08 +0000

[...] think side projects are invaluable for your career. I also made a good case of at least four reasons why they make people better employees as well. Because of my bias, the other side of the argument [...]

By: Rich DeMatteo

Rich DeMatteo — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:02:19 +0000

I imagine that at some point my blog and what I’ve done so far with my blog will have to become a side project. However, in just a short time I’ve realized how important this on going project is for me. Here is how it has helped me:

1 – Connections. Connections. Connections. While I’m not gaining direct compensation from my blog, I’ve made amazing connections that will surely turn into priceless contacts down the line. This will surely help my future business and the company I work for one day.

2 – Research. Luckily, whatever company I work for I’ll most likely always be working in some form of HR or staffing. What I’ve picked as an on-going side project directly relates to that and I’ve needed to engulf myself in research.

3 – Writing Practice/Social Media Skills – I’ve picked up a whole new skill set in this adventure. These skills will help whoever employs me.

I agree with you. Wherever I work will always be my priority, but if that job isn’t what excites me most, then my passion will always come in the form of a side job. This will keep me excited to wake up each day, and a happier, healthier worker in the office.

Great post!
Rich DeMatteo´s last blog ..A visit with Blogging4Jobs

By: admin

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:43:47 +0000

@Beth – Great insights, and I’m with you re: sanity. For some people keeping their sanity involves playing video games and watching television. For me it involves side projects and going to the gym. I’d like to think that most employers would encourage their employees to better themselves outside of the office, but sadly I’m sure there are plenty that would rather their employees fill a void and keep watching NCIS.

By: admin

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:41:48 +0000

Being fresh and learning new things – sounds like two things that could help not only your career, but also the organization you work for. And unfortunately you’re also very right in that many companies see both as a threat, which is unfortunate. I’ve almost always discovered (with very few exceptions) if you take good care of your employees they’ll take good care of you. And I’m glad you’re boss is supportive and encouraging!

By: Beth Oppenheim

Beth Oppenheim — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:40:26 +0000

This is a really interesting idea – I think that side projects are really important for me, not only for career but for sanity. I think focusing too much on something – especially when in my case it is not my “dream” job, could be detrimental.

I have definitely experienced some of the same. Where organizations are threatened by the desire for education or finding new things. I really hope to one day have a boss that is that supportive – it is great for people to be able to enhance themselves and do a good job at the same time.
Beth Oppenheim´s last blog ..Photo of the Day

By: admin

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:39:45 +0000

I definitely think bigger organizations will need some sort of policy, but with smaller agencies and the like I think clear communication between the employer and their employees will probably suffice.

By: Emily Jasper

Emily Jasper — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:32:36 +0000

I know for me, I’ve been doing a lot of volunteer work. I’m not so focused on getting paid because I want to try a variety of things out first. But as you said, it keeps me fresh. I’m learning new things, new applications, that you’re not going to find in a traditional classroom. Sadly, some organizations see these new skills as a threat, that learning them through an online community diminishes value. Similar to most things, positioning this outside work and it’s value to your organization can help. I know my boss is incredibly supportive and encourages me to learn where I can.
Emily Jasper´s last blog ..What do you do when you’re afraid…