This episode explores the challenges and opportunities for experienced designers in the tech job market who are considering building a consulting business while developing side products. Against the backdrop of a listener's question about balancing income generation with product development, the hosts discuss the current landscape of software entrepreneurship. More significantly, they highlight that while creating and launching products has become easier due to technological advancements, gaining attention in a saturated market remains difficult. For instance, the hosts draw parallels to the music industry, where the ease of publishing music has led to increased competition. The hosts advise focusing on a strong consulting business as a reliable income source while simultaneously pursuing passion projects, emphasizing that the learning and personal growth derived from these endeavors are valuable regardless of commercial success. In contrast to the pursuit of quick wins, they advocate for building products with integrity and conviction, even if the odds of success are low. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the importance of personal growth and continuous learning as key benefits, irrespective of whether a side project becomes a major success.
