# I've built my first successful side project, and I hate it

![rw-book-cover](https://switowski.com/posts/2024/i-have-built-my-first-successful-side-project-and-i-hate-it/cover.jpg)

## Metadata
- Author: [[switowski]]
- Full Title: I've built my first successful side project, and I hate it
- Category: #articles
- URL: https://switowski.com/blog/i-have-built-my-first-successful-side-project-and-i-hate-it/
- Archive: https://web-archive.alecodes.page/bookmarks?bf=1&search=&title=I%27ve%20built%20my%20first%20successful%20side%20project%2C%20and%20I%20hate%20it
> [!tldr]
> Sebastian Witowski created a stock trading script that initially excited him, but he soon faced challenges with customer support and feature requests. Despite some sales, he experienced burnout from managing the project while juggling a full-time job. Ultimately, he learned that selling a product is just the beginning, and it requires ongoing effort and support.

## Highlights
I'm an engineer, goddamit! We're not meant to click buttons in the browser or send the same email over and over again! [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j5y28d3ftfhss7wegbnkdwea)) [[favorite]] 

Did disconnecting from my project affect my sanity? Oh, hell yes! The project went on autopilot, and it no longer felt like a dreaded chore when I was checking my emails or logging in to my TradingView account. It lost a lot of traction because I stopped updating it, so people think it's not useful anymore (even though it does its job as well as it did a few years ago). Its revenue declined in the past years. But I don't care. I'm happy again. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j5y2yn2enf1aqz6y9akfmpxa))

The dreaded truth that most programmers learn the hard way is that releasing a product is just the beginning. Once it's out there, you have to maintain it: fix bugs, implement new features, deal with disputes or frauds, and answer a LOT of emails (often from curious window shoppers who never convert to paying customers). [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j5y2gg4qd0p65b97g6xjgxy1))

If your side project is not a source of genuine joy and you have other priorities, it's important to set some boundaries. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j5y323gv3dwa4y15qzwpycg3))

If you're planning to sell products globally, consider using a "merchant of record" like Gumroad or Paddle. This way, you won't have to figure out how much tax to charge for each country (basically, you only sell to Gumroad, and they resell your product to the final customer). [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j5y32rm97xwbjg1tv9hr65g6))

