On that last part, that’s what I learned in business school (many years ago) that I"m not 100% sure is true but salaried employee’s time isn’t just 9-5 so my ‘own time’ might not even qualify here.

I did this on my PC though and haven’t used it at work yet (but will need to soon so that’s why I’m asking) but that’s not something I want to raise because then they’ll make me use their equipment and I"m way more efficient on my own system.

Decent chance my company doesn’t care but if I was going to bring it up, wanted to be sure I knew all my options.

Hearing loud and clear to consult a lawyer/take this seriously. Thank you!

Yeah, not trying to oversell what this is. It’s not an IP’able tool… but it could make money, money my company would probably prefer to make instead of me. Some of the things I’ve made in the past too, we’ve kept to maintain a competitive advantage (I don’t know how much it’s truly an advantage but that’s what we’ve done)

That’s an interesting story! Definitely picking up from the answers to take this seriously though which is what I was looking for. Thank you!