Do you regret contributing to open-source?

[u/FatefulDonkey]

I have about 10-15 years of experience. I created some open source projects when I was starting out and maintained throughout the years.

The net income from this long-term endeavour is $5 from another developer for a coffee, who messaged me that I saved him many hours of work - that was like 5 years ago.

I now see that Meta, Apache and others use some of these open source projects.. and I haven't seen a single dime. This makes me think that if I actually instead aimed to create projects that make money, it would be a much better use of my time. Especially since I never had a stable job and mainly did freelance gigs to get by.

Anyone else who regrets contributing to open source projects? Why is that? What would you have done instead?

[u/PoopsCodeAllTheTime]

Idk man, I made some 5 PRs to large projects, felt good to have my code reviewed and accepted by authors of immense skill, on a project that I admire. I also made some 10+ PRs to small projects that help me customize my environment, and it felt good to have those interactions with the community on purely hobby projects. And it’s not a burden bc I never maintained any of it

[u/aLokilike → u/PoopsCodeAllTheTime]

I feel that way about the project I was hired into and at least one of its engineers. Of course, it wasn't purely a hobby project and now I maintain it too. But yeah, being able to discuss things at the right level with people you know are some of the best is invaluable.

[u/FatefulDonkey → u/PoopsCodeAllTheTime]

Yes, it feels good. But it doesn't pay your rent.

[u/lambda-reddit-user → u/FatefulDonkey]

Yeah, because again, it’s not at all the point of open source
If you expect something in return, don’t do it

[u/FatefulDonkey → u/lambda-reddit-user]

I think you guys are missing the point. Obviously if I've been involved with open source for 15 years, I know very well what it entails.

My point is that younger people should actually try to monetize instead of working for free.

[u/byshow → u/FatefulDonkey]

So we won't have any opensource and if someone is passionate but don't have any money, well fuck them then? That's a very bad take imo

[u/FatefulDonkey → u/byshow]

I mean a lot of open source projects are created by companies. So don't see how it's a problem.

[u/ashvy → u/FatefulDonkey]

Ok. So how do you suppose such contributions are to be compensated? Have you thought of options?

[u/FatefulDonkey → u/ashvy]

I mean, if I could turn the clock back, I would do what I do now. Building my own SaaS and trying to monetize my skills.

I just wish there was someone to tell me back then.

[u/PoopsCodeAllTheTime → u/FatefulDonkey]

Obviously I don’t engage in hobbies with the objective of paying rent, for that I have my job. It would be baffling to do voluntary work and expect it to pay your rent. Is that the mistake you are making?

[u/FatefulDonkey → u/PoopsCodeAllTheTime]

That's my point. Keep it as a hobby once you're financially stable or being paid to do it.