Building On the Side

Have a day job but dreaming of launching the next big thing? In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, a listener question sparks a conversation with 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson about juggling consulting work while building products on the side. They share real talk about timing, expectations, motivation — and why your side project should serve you, even if it doesn’t turn into a smash hit. Key Takeaways: 00:12 – Host Kimberly Rhodes reads a listener question about balancing consulting with product building01:01 – Why it’s easier than ever to build something—but harder than ever to get noticed05:48 – The barrier to entry is low, but staying in the game is the hard part08:05 – There’s no formula for what will take off and what won’t13:08 – Aim for more than just small wins—set bold goals16:04 – You have to be fully invested if you want your idea to stand a chanceLinks and Resources: Get Basecamp for free at Basecamp.comBooks by 37signalsHEY World | HEYREWORK podcast merchThe REWORK podcastThe Rework Podcast on YouTubeThe 37signals Dev Blog37signals on YouTube@37signals on X