[tjoff]

Yes, but the problem is that people often choose a hobby that will benefit their career.

If you are going to spend time on a hobby why not pick a hobby that also benefits your career? Win win?

I struggle with that, partly because computer science was my hobby. Then I went to university studying it, and enjoying it as a hobby. Then I started working, still enjoying it as a hobby.

And if I have 10 interesting topics I want to explore on my free time. Why not pick one that will also benefit my work?

After all, I don't have as much time for my hobbies nowadays. So picking one that also benefits and influences my work is more fun and meaningful and also allows me to be paid doing something I would have done for free anyway.

This article highlights the problem with that approach.

Feels like it is very common in our industry. A very high percentage of "Show HN" fits dangerously close to that. Which is not necessarily a bad thing, it is just exposing yourself to the risks mentioned in the post.

[Lio]

I think the dream for a lot of us is a job that doesn’t feel like work.

Why not work on something that might have value in your free time?

Worst case scenario it’s just a hobby. Best case scenario it’s a hobby someone will pay you to do.

[tjoff]

I'm with you. But the worst case isn't a hobby. The worst case is if you burn out and at the same time loose all appetite for both your work and your hobbies at the same time.