One day, in a past interview, a hiring manager told me he wouldn’t hire me because I was working on a personal project. He believed I should watch TV or play video games after work instead. This perspective left me perplexed.
I’ve come to realize that personal projects can significantly enhance one’s skills and benefit companies.

The Power of Personal Projects
Personal projects are not just hobbies; they’re catalysts for professional growth and innovation. They provide a platform to:

🎨 Fuel Creativity & Expertise: they allow us to explore bold ideas and experiment with emerging technologies, fostering an environment where innovation thrives.
🧪 Experiment Freely: Personal projects offer a risk-free environment to install software from scratch, try new technologies, or explore unconventional approaches that might be impractical or impossible in a work setting.
🔬 Test and Propose Improvements: By experimenting on your own, you can gain valuable insights and experience that can later be proposed as improvements at work, backed by practical knowledge.
🌟 Showcase Unique Perspectives: These projects offer tangible evidence of our commitment to excellence and innovation, distinguishing us from peers.
📊 Enhance Your Resume: Personal projects demonstrate practical skills, creativity and initiative in your CV.

While personal projects can be immensely beneficial, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy balance:

🔒 Set Boundaries: Clearly separate work time from personal project time to avoid burnout.
⏰ Time Management: Allocate specific time slots for personal projects to ensure they don’t interfere with work or personal life.

Engaging in personal projects also help you stand out in job applications and interviews.

😊 Increased Job Satisfaction: Pursuing passion projects can reignite your love for your field.
🤝 Networking Opportunities: Sharing your work can attract like-minded individuals and potential collaborators.

Personal projects after work hours can indeed be a powerful tool for professional growth. They demonstrate initiative, passion, and a commitment to continuous learning, all qualities that forward-thinking companies value. While it’s essential to maintain a work-life balance, investing time in personal projects can significantly enhance your skills and career prospects.

As a Software Engineering Manager, I encourage my team to pursue personal projects responsibly. It not only benefits their individual growth but also brings fresh perspectives and innovation to our company.