Why Side Projects Are Important And How You Can Get Started

Some of the most popular products and companies we know, including Slack, Twitter, Craigslist, Gmail, and Trello, started as side projects.

Side projects come in various forms but are generally projects initiated outside regular work hours.

Have you recently thought about any of the following?

• “My job is no longer as challenging as it used to be.”
• “Everyone thinks my idea is great, but I can’t quit my job to pursue it.”
• “I wish I could improve this skill, but it’s not part of my daily work.”
• “I want to get into product design [or another role], but I don’t have the opportunity at work.”

Seeking new challenges, expanding or developing your skills, or pursuing an idea doesn’t mean you have to give up your full-time job to achieve it.

Before we delve into how to start a side project (we’ll provide actionable tips below), let’s briefly discuss why you should invest time in developing and pursuing side projects. It could be the most important thing you do this year.

From the Perspective of Side Project Owners:

For those already immersed in the software field, side projects act as a professional playground, offering numerous benefits:

• Skill Enhancement: Apart from regular work, side projects become a paradise for honing abilities. They offer practical learning beyond what textbooks provide, crucial for software development.
• Professional Validation: In a competitive job market, showcasing practical skills becomes imperative. Side projects can serve as evidence of your abilities, often exceeding limited work experience.
• Career Advancement: Even for seasoned professionals, side projects hold immense value. They transcend work experience limitations, providing a tangible showcase of expertise that traditional resumes may not reflect. They add depth to your professional profile and might enhance salary prospects.

For Those Seeking Side Projects:

If you’re looking for projects to engage with, here’s why they’re worth considering:

• Learning Journey: Side projects provide a unique opportunity to go from zero to mastery. They are open canvases for learning, experimenting, and growth, laying the groundwork for future endeavors.
• Portfolio Building: For novices entering the software field, side projects become cornerstones of your portfolio. When resumes lack experience, they serve as tangible proof of your skills.
• Entrepreneurial Gateway: Sometimes, a side project evolves into a profitable business opportunity. Side projects not only enhance skills but also create income sources and pathways to entrepreneurship.

Conclusive Thoughts:

In software development, side projects offer infinite prospects. Whether you aim to enhance skills or seek pathways for growth, these projects unlock a world full of possibilities.

Embark on the Next Adventure: Kickstart Your Side Project Journey with NextStep

In this journey filled with creativity and boundless potential, NextStep serves as the ideal starting point for launching your side project.

If You Have an Idea but Lack Partners:

At NextStep, you can begin building your project and find like-minded partners. This platform allows you to create job postings and find the most suitable collaborators to bring your long-held idea to life.

If You Aspire to Join a Side Project without a Clear Idea:

NextStep olists numerous projects, and many of these projects are actively seeking individuals, enabling you to choose projects aligned with your interests. Whether in design, development, or other specialized fields, you’ll find a suitable Side Project here.

Let’s start together and bring your idea to life or join an exciting side project! NextStep awaits your exploration, collaboration, and creative realization.