A reflection on the cost of change (or why I write software in my free time)

I agree, a side project that satisfy your developerness is a good thing. I see two obvious reasons myself, you learn new things & in return of your time you get some good money as well.

But I see a pain in phrase "...it doesn't compete against my day job...", I dont know why on earth we cant compete with our employer if we are investing our own time after office hours.