Have a day job but dreaming of launching the next big thing? In this episode of The REWORK Podcast, a listener question sparks a conversation with 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson about juggling consulting work while building products on the side. They share real talk about timing, expectations, motivation — and why your side project should serve you, even if it doesn’t turn into a smash hit.

Key Takeaways:

• 00:12 – Host Kimberly Rhodes reads a listener question about balancing consulting with product building
• 01:01 – Why it’s easier than ever to build something—but harder than ever to get noticed
• 05:48 – The barrier to entry is low, but staying in the game is the hard part
• 08:05 – There’s no formula for what will take off and what won’t
• 13:08 – Aim for more than just small wins—set bold goals
• 16:04 – You have to be fully invested if you want your idea to stand a chance

Links and Resources:

• Get Basecamp for free at Basecamp.com
• Books by 37signals
• HEY World | HEY
• REWORK podcast merch
• The REWORK podcast
• The Rework Podcast on YouTube
• The 37signals Dev Blog
• 37signals on YouTube
• @37signals on X