Juggling Multiple Projects: What Actually Works
Every indie founder dreams of running multiple projects. The reality? It's harder than it looks—and the beginning is always the roughest.
The Cold Start Problem
When you're starting something new, especially with a tech stack you only know from conference talks and tech lead war stories, everything takes longer. You're learning patterns, fighting with configs, and second-guessing every architectural decision.
I got lucky. The domain I jumped into let me build modular, reusable abstractions. Components that worked in one project could move to another with minimal changes. That compounding effect is real—but only if you invest upfront.
Time Management Is the Real Challenge
Here's the uncomfortable truth: even with reusable modules and clean architecture, time management will humble you. The right prioritization often becomes obvious only after you've missed the milestone.
You'll think you're balancing well until one project stalls while you're heads-down on the other. Users notice. Momentum dies.
Keep Both Projects Alive
The solution? Reasonable release cycles and tight feedback loops for each project. Don't let either go silent for too long. A small update, a bug fix, a newsletter—anything that signals life.
Set expectations with your users. If you're shipping weekly on Project A, don't promise daily updates on Project B. Be honest about your capacity.
The AI Factor: Micro-Management Matters
If you're using AI to accelerate development, here's what nobody tells you: the first 20% is everything.
You have to explain your vision from the ground up—architecture, design patterns, conventions, the technologies you want. Skip this setup work and you'll spend more time correcting the AI than you saved.
But once that foundation is solid? You can loosen the reins. A little. The point is: how you start matters more than how fast you move.
Keep Users in the Loop
Finally, never go dark. Newsletters, changelogs, blog posts, Twitter threads—whatever works for you. Just keep shipping updates about what's shipping.
Users forgive slow progress. They don't forgive silence.
Running multiple projects isn't about superhuman productivity. It's about sustainable systems, honest communication, and knowing which corners you can cut—and which you can't.