Just wanted to add that your "side-projects" don't necessarily need to be done outside of the context of your job. On my resume I list several passion projects I've done at work on the side and have been given positive feedback about them. These projects are usually things that would benefit the company and also give me the chance to learn something new.

Although there's no official "20% time" policy at my company I tend to carve out a few hours a week of company time to work on these projects. One of my more senior colleagues managed to carve out 40-50% of his time working on these types of projects.