Many developers feel guilt when they abandon side projects, but that guilt is misplaced. The real lesson is that not every project needs to be shipped. Sometimes, the act of starting and then stopping teaches you more than forcing a completion.
Abandoning a side project isn't failure—it's a strategic decision. You learn what doesn't work, free up mental energy, and gain clarity on what truly matters. The skills and insights from those unfinished efforts often fuel your next, better idea.
So stop feeling guilty. Letting go is part of the creative process, and sometimes the most valuable outcome is the knowledge of when to move on.