Sometimes You Need to Disconnect

Being a sysadmin means constantly thinking about security, networks, and infrastructure. After a long day of troubleshooting servers or configuring firewalls, sometimes you just want to mindlessly tap your phone.

What if I told you that mindless phone time could actually earn you Amazon gift cards?

Enter FeaturePoints

FeaturePoints is a mobile app that pays you to try other apps and games. It’s not life-changing money, but it’s perfect for:

  • Commute time: Earn while riding the bus/train
  • Waiting periods: Doctor’s office, airport delays
  • Mental breaks: When you need 15 minutes away from code
  • Weekend downtime: Better than scrolling social media

How It Actually Works

1. Download apps through FeaturePoints
2. Play for specified time (usually 2-5 minutes)
3. Earn points automatically
4. Cash out for Amazon, PayPal, or other gift cards

No surveys, no complicated tasks. Just install → play → get paid.

Real Numbers

In my experience:

  • 10-15 minutes daily: ~$5-10/month in gift cards
  • 30 minutes daily: ~$15-25/month
  • Special offers: Sometimes 2x-3x points on weekends

Perfect for funding those networking gear purchases or grabbing coffee without thinking about it.

The Sysadmin Angle

Why am I writing about this on a tech blog?

Mental health matters. Constantly optimizing systems and solving problems is mentally draining. Having a completely mindless activity that’s slightly productive helps prevent burnout.

Plus, those Amazon gift cards add up. I’ve used FeaturePoints earnings to buy:

  • Network cables and adapters
  • Raspberry Pi projects
  • Tech books
  • Coffee (lots of coffee)

Getting Started

1. Sign up: Use my referral link featurepoints.com/@GKCWB7 for bonus points
2. Download the app: Available on iOS and Android
3. Start simple: Try 2-3 apps to get a feel for it
4. Set boundaries: Don’t let it replace actual productivity time

Pro Tips

Best times to use:

  • During system deployments (while waiting)
  • Coffee breaks between tasks
  • Public transport commutes
  • Before bed (helps disconnect from work)

Avoid:

  • Using during work hours
  • Installing sketchy-looking apps
  • Spending real money in games (defeats the purpose)

Not a Get-Rich-Quick Scheme

This won’t replace your sysadmin salary. It’s pocket change for dead time you’d spend on your phone anyway.

Think of it as optimizing idle CPU cycles - but for humans.

Alternative Apps

If FeaturePoints doesn’t work in your region:

  • Swagbucks: Surveys + apps + cashback
  • InboxDollars: Similar concept, US-focused
  • Mistplay: Gaming-focused rewards (Android only)

The Bottom Line

Your brain needs breaks from complex technical work. If you’re going to scroll anyway, might as well earn gift cards doing it.

Join FeaturePoints here and start earning during your next coffee break.

Coming up: I’m working on posts about Linux learning games and network simulation tools. Because sometimes the best way to learn is to play.

Want updates? Subscribe to the newsletter for more unconventional productivity tips.

Disclosure: The FeaturePoints link is a referral - we both get bonus points if you sign up. I genuinely use this app during downtime and think it’s worth trying.