23
💻 Built 7 side projects. Launched 1. Burned out 3 times. Still can’t stop hustling. Anyone else?
r/indiehackers
7/21/2025
Content Summary
The author shares their experience of building multiple side projects, launching one, and facing burnout several times. They discuss the addictive nature of building as a developer and set goals for themselves to focus on small ideas, ship early, share more, and talk to actual users. The post invites fellow developers to share their own experiences and what keeps them motivated in the indie hustle.
Opinion Analysis
The mainstream opinion is that many developers face similar challenges of over-engineering, difficulty in launching, and the addictive nature of building projects. There is a consensus on the importance of focusing on small ideas, shipping early, and engaging with users. Conflicting opinions include the debate between being a 'missionary' (building for love and value) versus a 'mercenary' (building for profit). Some users emphasize the need for marketing and user feedback, while others focus on the joy of the building process itself.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flowglad | http://flowglad.com | Workflow Management | Not specified in the post |
| NextScribe | https://www.nextscribe.cloud | Content Creation | Not specified in the post |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Over-engineering projects
- Redesigning UI multiple times
- Building onboarding flows that no one sees
- Difficulty in launching projects
Problems to Solve:
- Focusing on small ideas
- Shipping products early
- Sharing more frequently
- Talking to actual users
Potential Solutions:
- Launching with fewer features and iterating
- Starting with the problem and distribution before writing code
- Using separate accounts for feedback to avoid job risks
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Focus on small ideas
- Ship early
- Share more
- Talk to actual users
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Building a community around the product
- Sharing progress and seeking feedback publicly
Monetization & Product:
- Starting with free products to gain traction
- Gradually introducing paid features
User Engagement:
- Engaging with users through social media and communities
- Providing value through continuous iteration and improvement