[optimal]

Let your employer fund your ideas through your paycheck--they don't own your nights and weekends.

I find the hardest challenge when I start a part-time project is staying motivated at the day job. If you're happy there and can achieve this balance then you have the benefit of both worlds.

[marcus]

The truth is a bit more complicated than that, ownership of IP generated while working for another company can be a very tricky issue, it depends on your local laws, your employment contract and so on... consult a lawyer.

[antiismist]

IAAL, and I second this. Even if you do everything right and would win in the courtroom, megacorp can make it into a Pyhrric victory by consuming vast amounts of time and money (if you have the resources to get that far, even).

[pchristensen]

Wow, the rarely seen twin of IANAL, IAAL. Remind me to pay more attention to everything antiismist says now!

[aston]

Normally, IAAL is accompanied by a disclaimer like "I am not your lawyer. This post does not constitute legal advice. PLZ don't sue me."

[antiismist]

;) My advice was to get advice. I think I am on safe ground there even though I don't have a disclaimer.

[Kaizyn]

If what you make on your own time is related to the business your company is in, then there's a good chance they can lay claim to your idea. So if you're working for UPS and have an idea for a revolutionary package tracking system, you probably wouldn't get to keep it.