Doing engineering next to my regular job

[mrkole1379]

Hi, first post here  !
I'm an embedded systems engineer, I mostly do PCB design, but also have experience doing firmware as well.
I like my job and the projects are fun, but I want to focus on some other projects in my free time.

I don't have a family yet, only a gf (which doesn't take up that much time LOL!)

My contract specifies that I can't work the same job for others, but maybe it is not even lawful, have to check.
Either way, I'm interested in what kind of activities do the engineers here do next to the regular job to fulfill their desires.
Do you work on your own products, services? Freelance maybe?

All the best!

[AndyC_772]

...to fulfill their desires.

Personally, I like to do stuff that gets me out of the lab, not that keeps me in it for longer.

I'm a qualified archery instructor, and am just getting back into wildlife photography after a lengthy break. For a number of years I spent my free time touring by motorcycle, and carrying a heavy camera wasn't really practical. I'm also considering learning watchmaking later this year when it inevitably turns dark and cold outside.

Whether or not your contract is legally enforceable (ask a lawyer this, not a forum!!) may not be all that important. If you take on work which causes your relationship with your employer to turn sour, that in itself is a major problem that will keep you awake at night. It's not worth it, IMHO.

When I was last working as a full time employee, and was offered some part time contract work, I was totally upfront about it. I negotiated a shorter working week and insisted on a contract which permitted me to work elsewhere provided it wasn't in direct competition with my employer's business.

I also made sure it was clear that nobody had any claim over the IP that I generate, which is a hugely important issue that engineers don't always think about enough. Make very sure that nobody claims, or thinks they can claim, IP that you produce when working for yourself or for other people.

[Miyuki]

I know plenty of people like us who do projects outside of work just for fun, as open source or so. Or just for personal use.
Who has self made HVAC controller for the house and working on version two    don't be shy to raise your hands
I work more on the firmware and then big server administration.

But also have many hobbies outside.
Like restoring old cars and bikes.
And recently I did some steel railing for neighbor

[fourfathom]

I used to do what they called "moonlighting", where I would do engineering work for other companies (as a consultant) outside of my regular working hours.  At first I didn't tell my main employer about this, but later I did inform them or had it written into my employment agreement.  I would never consult for a company that was in competition with my main employer, and I would not use employer time or resources for my consulting work.  My employment agreements would ensure that the company had no claim on anything I created on my own time without company resources and in areas not in conflict with the company product.