Building rcordr privately is joyful and restorative, but staying comfortable forever means it never gets tested. The challenge is letting reality in without losing the reason I started building in the first place.
Side projects don't need to become something bigger. For me, they're a way to let excess thinking escape—small decisions that are mine alone, without needing to turn into anything else.
Not all progress is equal. Real signal is any response from the world that comes from someone who does not owe you encouragement, forces you to update your beliefs, and creates some level of discomfort or friction.
Supporting side projects isn't just "nice to have"—it's strategically valuable. When done right, side projects elevate individuals, teams, and ultimately, the entire company.