Why Everyone Should Have A Side Project
In 2017 I randomly offered to run a customer focus group for free for a neighbor friend who had left her corporate job and was starting a jewelry company. Customer research was something that I had a lot of experience with, but had never done end-to-end. It was a lot of work, especially on top of my own high-demand corporate job and other responsibilities. I researched the jewelry market. I designed the study, making sure that we had a clear objective and plan for success. I handled recruitment and pre-screen of participants. I found and booked the location. I conducted the focus group session. Lastly I prepared a report of the findings. All in it was about 20 hours of work over a 5 week period. My friend seemed confused by why I would do this, saying several times "This is a lot of work, are you sure?" I was sure. Everyone should have a side project. The benefits are worth the time.
THE BENEFITS OF A SIDE PROJECT
Try new things in a low risk setting
Having the opportunity to design and run a research project gave me real-life experience that I might not have otherwise had. It helped me understand and appreciate what the research teams that I work with in my corporate job do. It also solidified that I don't want to pursue customer research as a career. Knowing what you don’t want to do is a valuable learning for career growth because it prevents you from wasting time following a path that wasn't meant for you.
A side project lets you "try before you buy". Test out and skill-build in the areas that you're interested in. If it's a fit as a career change that you want to pursue, now you have real-life experience to share during your interview and a referral who can attest to your skills. If it's not, the cost to you was a few hours of your time. Low risk, high impact.
Learn from experts and people you admire
Through this jewelry research project I got first-hand insights about what it is like to launch a new business. I was able to learn how this strong female leader thinks about entrepreneurship, digital marketing, branding, and work-life harmony. I'm so thankful for being brought along on that journey. This was just as I was starting to think about establishing my own brand and business and the things that I learned shaped how I think today. Side projects let you learn from people who are doing the things you want to be doing.
In your side projects, unlike your day job, you get 100% control to pick who you work with. You get to expand and strengthen your network. When you put yourself in orbit with people aligned with your values, it’s uplifting in a magical way.
Disrupt your thinking, connect dots
Sometimes we get in a thinking rut. It comes from doing the same kinds of work with the same kinds of people for a long time. One of the best and most unexpected advantages of side projects has been how they have enriched my work as an employee by disrupting how I think. I’ve been able to see things from a different angle and connect dots back to what I do every day in a way that has added value.
Did you notice that none of these benefits had anything to do with earning money?
In her book Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert pleads with readers to avoid monetizing their passions for as long as they can. She believes it stifles creativity with its added pressure and expectations. I agree. I have the luxury to agree. I'm not pursuing side projects for the purpose of financial stability nor am I trying to replace my full-time job financially. These side projects are a way to enhance my skills, experience novelty, explore passions and interests, and meet some really cool people along the way. My side projects have brought me so much joy and made me a better person at work, at home, and in life. If that comes with a financial benefit, great! But it’s not the primary goal.
Here are a list of some of the side projects that I've done through the years to help you think about how to get started:
Started a podcast; The Opposite of Small Talk
Taught my daughter's 4th grade class about public speaking (scariest speaking engagement of my life)
Co-founded a Discord group for project managers; People of PM
Helped a friend create social media content for their business
Designed flyers for school events
Served on the board of trustees for non-profit groups
Launched The Growth Mindset Challenge a 30-day digital experience to help people learn and grow their growth mindset
Designed a communication workshop for Public Allies Delaware (this was 2011, before facilitating workshops was my business)
These are all based on my interests. If you’re interested in music, then volunteer to be part of the stage crew for a few shows at a local venue. If you are a foodie who loves your hometown restaurants, write and submit a review to a local digital media outlet. (I’m looking at you HJ)
Whatever you passion or interest is, I can guarantee you that there is a way for you to do something related to it as a side project. Don’t overthink it. Don’t get in your own way. Start a side project and know that wherever it goes, there will be many benefits.
Post Script
I'm happy to report that my friend's jewelry business is thriving. I love that I was able to play a small part in bringing Jane Win to life and that I own one of the very first original love pendant coins ever created.