🚀 Projects & Side Hustles
Build real things. Contribute to real code. Create value.
🎯 Project Strategy
🔥 Priority 1: Open Source Contributions (Tiered Approach)
Full strategy, project watchlist, and PR tracker: Open Source Hub
The OSS strategy follows a 3-tier approach: start with tools you already know (Trivy, Falco, OPA Gatekeeper from CKS), then move to FRP and K9s once Go confidence is up, then build Scalr Alternative.
Why tiered: Contributing to an unfamiliar codebase in a language you're still learning is a double barrier. Tier 1 lets you get PRs merged fast using CKS knowledge while learning Go patterns in real CNCF codebases. By the time you hit FRP, you know how OSS works AND your Go is stronger.
What You'll Learn
- Real-world Go patterns
- Network programming
- Proxy protocols
- Open source collaboration
- Code review process
- Production-grade code quality
Double Benefit
Every hour on FRP = Go practice + Open source contribution + Networking knowledge + Resume boost
🔥 Priority 2: Freelancing - DevOps Consulting
Goal: 50k/month side income by end of 2027. Start building now.
Service Offerings
Launch Plan
Phase 1: Foundation (Month 1-2)
[ ] Create portfolio website
- [ ] Showcase work projects (sanitized)
- [ ] Include certifications
- [ ] Add contact form
[ ] Build case studies (3-5)
- [ ] "Kubernetes migration for X"
- [ ] "CI/CD pipeline that reduced deploy time by Y%"
- [ ] "Cost optimization saved Z rupees/month"
- [ ] Use real work (with permission) or create examples
[ ] Set up professional presence
- [ ] LinkedIn optimization
- [ ] GitHub profile README
- [ ] Twitter for DevOps/Cloud community
Phase 2: Platform Setup (Month 2-3)
[ ] Create Upwork profile
- [ ] Professional headline
- [ ] Detailed service descriptions
- [ ] Portfolio links
- [ ] Competitive pricing (start low to build reviews)
[ ] Consider Toptal (higher rates, harder to get in)
- [ ] Pass screening process
- [ ] Build test project if needed
[ ] Direct client channels
- [ ] LinkedIn outreach strategy
- [ ] Reddit/Discord communities
- [ ] Local business networks
Phase 3: First Clients (Month 3-6)
- [ ] Apply to 5-10 jobs per week on Upwork
- [ ] Start with smaller projects to build reviews
- [ ] Over-deliver on first few projects
- [ ] Ask for testimonials and referrals
- [ ] Gradually increase rates
Phase 4: Scale (Month 6+)
- [ ] Aim for 10-20 hours/week freelance
- [ ] Raise rates as reviews accumulate
- [ ] Focus on repeat clients
- [ ] Build passive income (templates, courses)
Pricing Strategy
| Service | Beginner Rate | Target Rate (1 year) |
|---|---|---|
| K8s Setup | ₹1,500/hr | ₹3,000/hr |
| CI/CD Pipeline | ₹1,200/hr | ₹2,500/hr |
| Cloud Migration | ₹2,000/hr | ₹4,000/hr |
| IaC Development | ₹1,200/hr | ₹2,500/hr |
| Consulting/Advisory | ₹1,500/hr | ₹3,500/hr |
Alternative: Fixed-price projects (safer for clients, potentially more profitable)
📌 Pipeline Projects (Start Q2 2026)
Scalr Alternative - Open Source Terraform Management
Start When: After Go proficiency from FRP work
Vision: Open source platform for managing Terraform at scale
Core Features:
- [ ] Multi-tenant workspace management
- [ ] VCS integration (GitHub, GitLab)
- [ ] Terraform execution engine
- [ ] State management and locking
- [ ] Policy-as-code (OPA)
- [ ] Cost estimation
- [ ] Drift detection
- [ ] Role-based access control
Why Build This:
- Solve real problem (Terraform management is hard)
- Portfolio centerpiece
- Potential consulting opportunity
- Deep learning in Go + Platform Engineering
- Open source visibility
Timeline: 6-12 months part-time
Manim Tutorials - Educational YouTube Content
Start When: After freelancing income is stable
Concept: Create high-quality educational animations using Manim (3Blue1Brown's library)
Content Ideas:
- System design patterns visualized
- Kubernetes concepts explained
- Cloud architecture deep dives
- Algorithm animations
- Networking protocols illustrated
Monetization:
- YouTube AdSense
- Course platform (Udemy, own site)
- Sponsorships (cloud providers, tools)
- Patreon for bonus content
Launch Plan:
- [ ] Learn Manim library (Python)
- [ ] Create 5 pilot videos
- [ ] Set up YouTube channel
- [ ] Publish consistently (1 video/week or bi-weekly)
- [ ] Build audience to 10k subs
- [ ] Monetize
💡 Backlog Projects (Someday/Maybe)
Databricks on Kubernetes + Tutorial Series
What: Build data platform similar to Databricks on K8s, document as YouTube series When: 2027+ Why: Data engineering is lucrative, good content opportunity
Mystique - Anonymous Dating App
What: React Native dating app with anonymous profiles, interest matching When: If time permits, low priority Why: App development experience, potential revenue
Bihar Bhoomi Bazar - Land Marketplace
What: Platform to connect land buyers/sellers in Bihar with verified listings When: Someday when have more resources Why: Real problem, potential high value
Backstage - Developer Portal Mastery
What: Deep dive into Spotify's Backstage, build custom plugins When: When needed for work or consulting Why: Platform engineering trend, valuable skill
📊 Project Tracking
Active Projects Status
| Project | Status | Hours/Week | Next Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRP Contribution | 🟡 Starting | 5-7 | First PR merged |
| Freelance Setup | 📝 Planning | 3-5 | Portfolio live |
Completed Projects
| Project | Completion Date | Outcome | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - |
✅ Project Success Criteria
FRP Success:
- [ ] 5+ merged PRs
- [ ] Recognized as regular contributor
- [ ] Go proficiency demonstrated
- [ ] Community connections made
Freelancing Success:
- [ ] First paying client acquired
- [ ] 5+ positive reviews
- [ ] ₹25k+/month consistent income by Q4 2026
- [ ] ₹50k+/month by end 2027
Scalr Alternative Success:
- [ ] MVP deployed and working
- [ ] 100+ GitHub stars
- [ ] Used by at least 5 external teams
- [ ] Portfolio centerpiece
🎯 Focus Rules
- No more than 2 active projects at once
- FRP has priority until 5 PRs merged
- Freelancing setup must start by Q2 2026
- Don't start Scalr Alternative until Go is solid
- Backlog stays backlog until active projects succeed
Avoid Shiny Object Syndrome
New ideas will come. Write them down in backlog. Do not start new projects until active ones reach milestones.
Focus > Scattered effort
💡 Project Management Tips
- Track in daily log - What you did on projects each day
- Weekly review - Are projects progressing? Pivot if stuck.
- Monthly milestone check - Hit targets or adjust timeline
- Public commitment - Tweet about progress for accountability
- Build in public - Share learnings, attract collaborators
- Documentation - Write as you build, becomes content later
The Real Goal
These projects aren't just about building things. They're about:
- Learning by doing (Go, platforms, business)
- Building in public (visibility, network, opportunities)
- Creating value (for users, for community, for yourself)
- Financial freedom (multiple income streams)
Every project is an investment in your future self.