How Pet Projects Drive Innovation and Boost Careers in Tech
Pet projects, side projects, or hobby projects—whatever you call them—are a fundamental part of a developer’s journey. These projects, pursued outside of regular work duties, offer a unique avenue for exploring new technologies, honing skills, and testing innovative ideas. Unlike the day-to-day tasks of corporate development, pet projects are often bolder and more experimental, providing developers with the freedom to push boundaries and learn at their own pace. Whether driven by curiosity, passion, or the desire to solve a specific problem, these projects are key to personal and professional growth in the fast-paced tech landscape.
Research by Stack Overflow reveals that coding outside of work is a widespread practice among developers, with 68% of respondents dedicating time to hobby projects. Even more compelling is the fact that 40% of developers view these activities as opportunities for professional development, often through self-paced learning or online courses. Only a small fraction—12%—reported not engaging in coding outside of their work hours. This commitment to continuous learning through pet projects showcases developers’ desire to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry and refine their craft outside the confines of their primary job.
Some of the most popular pet projects among developers include creating smart home applications or designing games. GitHub’s Octoverse report highlighted the incredible volume of contributions made by developers to open-source repositories, with one billion contributions in 2024 alone. Home Assistant, an open-source home automation platform, was a major recipient of these contributions. In the gaming world, tools like Godot—an open-source game engine—are gaining traction, with a 28% share of the market in hobbyist projects. These platforms not only allow developers to explore new ideas but also to contribute to the broader tech community, influencing the tools and frameworks used by others.
For many developers, especially those who have faced job insecurity due to layoffs, pet projects provide a crucial link to the tech world. The JetBrains State of Developer Ecosystem Report 2024 found that 16% of developers had been laid off in the past two years, and another 14% were in companies affected by mass layoffs. In such uncertain times, pet projects serve as a way to stay up-to-date with industry advancements, build a portfolio, and remain connected to the ever-changing landscape of tech. From self-driven passion projects to open-source contributions, these initiatives are essential for keeping developers engaged, motivated, and prepared for the future.