What to do when a side project at work is more exciting

In this series, manpower reporter Tay Hong Yi offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times' HeadStart newsletter.

Q A side project I took on at work interests me more than my usual tasks. How can I pursue my new interest?

A Side projects at work are either delegated to employees by their management, or initiated by employees themselves, says veteran career coach Tan Kok Guan.

“In any case, these projects are sometimes related to the employee's core work, but not directly tied to their primary responsibilities. Sometimes, they are totally unrelated,” notes Mr Tan, who founded career coaching company Broccolise.

Some side projects may offer creativity, learning, or a sense of accomplishment that the core job may lack.

Examples include organising corporate social responsibility or team bonding activities, or developing automation tools.

“If someone finds these projects more fulfilling than their core job, it’s important to assess whether this interest aligns with their long-term career goals.”

However, their core job performance should not suffer in this process of discovery, Mr Tan stresses.

He suggests that employees share the new interests with their immediate supervisor or manager, as these individuals have influence over tasks and responsibilities and also understand the organisation's goals.