How to Build a Side Project While Working a 9–5
Let’s be real, building a side project while working a full-time job isn’t easy. But it’s also totally doable if you work smart, not just hard.
Here are some practical tips to help you make consistent progress (without burning out).
1. Ruthlessly Scope It Down
Your time is limited; your idea needs to be too.
- Start with a tiny MVP (one core feature is enough)
- Cut any feature that’s “nice to have”
- Focus on solving one problem really well
You can always add more later. Get version 1 out the door first.
2. Schedule “Maker Time”
Carve out focused, distraction-free time each week. It could be:
- 1–2 evenings a week
- A few early mornings
- Sunday deep work sessions
Protect that time like a meeting with your boss. No multitasking, no context switching.
3. Pick Tools You Know
Don’t waste time learning a new stack if you don’t need to. Use what you already know so you can move faster.
Speed > novelty when you’ve got limited hours.
4. Automate the Boring Stuff
Side projects die from busywork. Use no-code or low-code tools to handle:
- Landing pages (e.g. Carrd)
- Forms & waitlists (e.g. Tally)
- Email onboarding (e.g. MailerLite)
Your goal is to ship, not become a full-time ops team.
5. Talk About It Publicly
Share your journey on Twitter, Reddit, or Indie Hackers. It keeps you motivated and builds a small audience ahead of launch.
Even short updates like:
Just built the first version of my side project to help freelancers track late invoices. Feels good to make progress 💪
...can get people curious.
6. Don’t Aim for Perfection
Your side project doesn’t need to be flawless, it just needs to exist.
- Bugs are okay
- Ugly UI is fine
- You can fix things post-launch
Done is better than perfect.
Final Thoughts
Building a side project while working a 9–5 is about momentum, not intensity. Make small, consistent progress, keep things simple, and stay excited.
And when it’s ready? Submit it to MicroLineup to get your first wave of eyeballs 👀