I’m a strong believer in side projects. The work I have been doing on my $99 side project, and sharing the lessons with my readers is testament to that. I strongly believe we should all have a side project; designer, developer, writer, photographer, software engineer; just about anyone.

In this article, I cover my reasons why I feel side projects are fantastic for a number of great reasons, and then I share a few suggestions on why you should find time for side projects yourself.

The benefits of side projects

There are many benefits in being involved with creating side projects, including just the enjoyment of ‘rolling up your sleeves’. You get to try out new tools, new software or new processes to learn new skills.

As an example, instead of just hosting the landing page for my growth.email side project, I purposely chose a different hosting provider, and had to install Apache, set up security, etc on my own. Sure, it turned into hours of work, instead of minutes but was personally gratifying when I completed it.

Skill building that’s enjoyable

  • Learn by doing: Gaining hands-on experience outside a formal job
  • Sharpening existing skills or experimenting with new ones
  • Real-world application: Examples of skills that often improve through side projects (e.g. writing, design, coding, marketing)

Creative freedom without the usual constraints

Creative freedom is the perfect reason to find time for side projects. You get to do what YOU want, not what a boss or a client is demanding. That’s refreshing in itself!

  • No client briefs, no company politics—just pure expression
  • Opportunity to explore personal interests or curiosities
  • Breeding ground for innovation and unexpected ideas

Adding items to your portfolio

Most of us have a resume or portfolio of work. These side projects make great additions to these.

  • Concrete proof of passion and initiative
  • Great for freelancers, creatives, and career switchers
  • How a well-executed side project can land jobs or gigs

Positive mental health & motivation boost

Finding find time for side projects can really help mix your week up, and provide some positive energy to a boring calendar. No more 9-5 then eat and TV. Do something to awaken new ideas in that brain.

  • Provides a sense of purpose beyond the day job
  • Acts as a mental reset or stress relief
  • Builds resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset

Opens doors to fresh opportunities

I’ve made some fantastic connections over the years thanks to side projects. They provide excellent ways to find fresh opportunities both personally and professionally.

  • Networking and community engagement (e.g. online forums, local events)
  • Attracting collaborators, clients, or even investors
  • Real stories of hobby projects evolving into full-time ventures

Helps build an authentic personal brand

  • Showcases what you’re passionate about—naturally
  • Helps others understand your values and creative voice
  • SEO and storytelling benefits if your project is shared online

As you can see, there’s plenty of different benefits to having a side project or side hustle. Now let’s dive into methods that can help you find the time to do this side project you’ve been contemplating.

How to find time for side projects

I started writing this post in a Malaga cafe, whilst I was waiting 90 minutes for my 8 year old who is attending a nearby birthday party on a Sunday afternoon. I got some side project work done, wrote the beginnings of two blog posts and managed to get a mocha in.

I’m now finishing this post, the following night after dinner, on Monday evening. This is the sort of thing I regularly do – look for small opportunities between other responsibilities, such as housework, cooking and driving my kids around.

There are a number of things you can do, to set aside time for side projects.

Schedule time for side projects

I actually schedule my personal side projects in my calendar, so I get an alert. At the moment, I’m only spending about two evenings a week, as well as intermittent time elsewhere.

The way something gets done is by repeatedly allocating time to it. It doesn’t need to be five nights per week; whatever you set aside make sure you stick to it.

Stop watching television

I stopped watching TV a number of years ago, and it has given me so much additional time. I do have a Netflix habit, but at least I can watch what I want, when I have time (typically an evening per week), instead of being at the mercy of terrestrial broadcasters.

I’m amazed how much TV many people watch; the same people who then complain that they don’t have any spare time. These people do have spare time – they have decided to spend it unproductively, sitting on a couch.

Research by Roy Morgan in 2018 shows that Australians watch on average 1,095 minutes of television per week. That’s 219 hours, or nearly 10 days a year. That’s an insane waste of time.

Be frugal with your time

Be mindful of taking on too much stuff. Launch a lean MVP of your side project and slowly chip away at extending it. I am a true believer in Horstman’s corollary to Parkinson’s law, which states that work contracts to fit in the time we give it.

Work contracts to fit in the time we give it.

Be picky with meetups and other events

I could easily attend two or three different startup and digital community events per week, if I accepted most of those invitations.

I enjoy going to them, there is great benefit in networking, however I also enjoy getting things done; maybe it’s just the introvert in me. I do my best to limit these social outings to 1-2 per month instead.

Have a regular sleep pattern

I’ve suffered insomnia much of my life. I found the way to battle this, is to try and walk a fair amount every day, and go to bed and rise at the very same time.

I have my watch remind me when it is 11pm, and I should be going to bed, and I am out of bed no later than 6am, every day of the year.

Keep a checklist for side projects

Just like your own day job, which no doubt has checklists and schedules, do the same with your side projects. Here’s a chance also to try different task management tools, or just keep a text document with your priorities.

Get building that side project!

We’ve looked at the many positive benefits of working on a side project, and we have also discussed a number of fantastic ways to find time for side projects.

So what are you waiting for? Make this year your year of side projects – chip away at something until you’re satisfied, and then show the world. I look forward to seeing what you create. Best of luck!

Last Updated on 8 June 2025 by Miles Burke

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