Even though our day jobs can sometimes feel like an obstacle that keeps us from working on our personal projects, I think it's important to also think about the ways in which our day jobs have helped us grow into someone capable of running our own business.
For me, I have learned a lot about build and scaling web applications, and writing maintainable code. I've also gained good experience in working with product and UX teams to design a new product. I feel confident in my ability to handle the technical side of the products that I build.
I have also learned to grow and manage a team of devs, which may come in handy down the road if any of my projects end up becoming big enough to support a team.
What about you?
I learnt about management vs leadership. About company culture and how to create or destroy a good one. About how egos can get in the way of good ideas and silo's slow everything down.
I also learnt how to run a xx million dollar budget, work with lots of diverse people and keep things moving forward.
I also really learnt that the people in this sort of forum are really "my people" and I'm not wired for the corporate world in the long run.
I did have a lot fun along the way though... Especially on the company credit card.