[meiraleal]

> Why should a company hire someone who is potentially going to impact their own revenue?

Because every software engineer can impact their own revenue the same way.

> To your second point, sure, employers hold more power. What is wrong with that? If you don't like it, you can always work somewhere else.

Don't liking it, I'm supporting my peers in HN that it is not unethical to have a side project and use it as a leverage to not be subject to the humor of your boss. It is also good for the company, as desperate people aren't creative.