Ask HN: Hustling with a day job. Did you start with a "hustle name"?

2 fred_terzi 2 5/22/2025, 1:07:25 PM

I’m working on a project that’s completely unrelated to my day job, so I’m not building a competitor or doing anything shady. But I still don’t want my employer to know I’m trying to build something on my own.

I decided to use a “hustle name” instead of my real one. If I do get traction, I know some coworkers would probably like the tool and could come across it. I don't want them—or really my boss—to know unless I can go full time. That means starting from scratch: new accounts, no karma, no online history.

I’m guessing a lot of people here have done something similar.

What worked for you? What do you wish you did differently?

I’ve built a lot of things over the years but never put them out into the world. Trying to do it differently this time.

Thanks, and excited to be part of the community!

Comments (2)

JohnFen · 18h ago

I've never used a pseudonym, but I have always done such activities under my business name, same as when they aren't side gigs.

I don't think of this kind of activity "hustling" or "side gigs", honestly. Calling them those things implies that they are less important or subservient to being an employee, and I've found that's a problematic stance.

fred_terzi · 17h ago

Thank you for that perspective. That really does mean a lot to me. Like I said I’m trying to do things different this time, and that’s a great mindset to have.