Heading 1: From Humble Beginnings to AI Empire
I embarked on my self-taught development journey in 2022, starting with Python basics and gradually delving into machine learning, Go, and JavaScript. It was just before the launch of ChatGPT that I became fascinated with language models and OpenAI APIs, which became the turning point for me.
In a short span of seven months, I gained over 100,000 YouTube subscribers and, nearly two years into my AI journey, I have amassed over 260,000 subscribers. I have experimented with dozens of ways to monetize my AI skills and, today, I share the methods that have worked best for me and thousands of developers in my free community.
Heading 2: Why AI Is the Vehicle for Success
The AI market is projected to grow to 20 times its current size by 2030, hitting nearly $2 trillion in total value. As Warren Buffett says, “It’s not about how hard you row, it’s about the boat you’re in.” Right now, AI is the boat to be in.
Developers who are getting into AI are riding this wave to higher-paying jobs, exciting projects at work, and new business ventures. With tools like OpenAI pre-trained models and no-code platforms, even non-techies are getting into AI and getting paid for it.
Heading 3: The Three Paths to Monetize Your AI Skills
Each of the three paths we cover leverages your existing skills differently, whether you’re looking for stability, flexibility, or the chance to build something from scratch.
Path 1: 9-to-5 AI Developer
If you prefer the stability or comfort of a traditional job but want better pay or want to work on more exciting things at work, then this 9-to-5 route could be the perfect fit for you. You don’t need to launch a new startup or reinvent yourself to take advantage of this AI boom.
Path 2: AI Freelancer
The freelancer path is for people who value freedom and flexibility more than a traditional office job. The demand for AI developers is through the roof, so you can control your own projects, your own schedule, and your own lifestyle.
Path 3: AI Founder
This is the path for developers who want more than just a job or a contract for a client. They want to be able to build something of their own and solve real problems by creating a product around it.
Heading 4: Phase 1: Learning and Upskilling
Once you’ve chosen your path, it’s time to level up with the right skills to get into the AI space.
1. Prompt Engineering
Mastering prompts is the foundation of AI technology. Craft well-written prompts that transform input data into output data as you wish.
2. No-Code and Low-Code Tools
No-code platforms like VoiceFlow and Zapier are excellent for prototyping and building core functionality very quickly. Custom-coded features can be added for more advanced things as needed.
3. Advanced Tools
Once you’ve got the basics, dive into advanced libraries like Language Chain or LLaMA Index and learn to build with vector databases. This is where you can leverage your development skills to tackle larger and more complex projects.
4. Community
Surround yourself with other AI-focused developers to pick up new skills and stay up to date. Join a developer-focused AI community for support and networking.
Heading 5: Phase 2: Apply Your Skills in the Real World
1. Online Communities
Online communities are a great place to find people who need AI solutions. Join my free school community, the largest AI community on School with over 40,000 members.
2. Offer Free Value
Don’t wait for paid gigs right now. Answer questions, make posts, and share tutorials on setting up useful AI systems. Many developers in my community have gained credibility and connections through their helpful content.
3. Take on Real Projects
By providing free help to people in the community, you’ll find plenty of chances to dive into actual projects with them. Focus on gaining experience and building credibility.
Heading 6: Phase 3: Monetize Your Skills and Experience
9-to-5 Path:
- Set up a personal brand website
- Pitch your skills internally at your company
- Apply to external roles that align with your goals
- Get noticed by AI startups directly through their own communities
Freelancer Path:
- Set up a personal brand website
- Focus on getting clients from online communities
- Create content to attract potential clients organically
- Offer consulting services as a secondary income stream
Founder Path:
- Create a personal brand website and portfolio
- Join top online AI communities that attract your ideal kind of co-founders
- Stay active and provide value
- Vet the partnerships carefully and propose a short trial period to work together before committing to a longer-term agreement
Heading 7: Conclusion
Action Steps:
- Join my free school community to access the companion resource for this video, including a figma board with all the pathways and resources.
- For those interested in the nto5 route, apply to join my team at Morningside AI.
Final Words of Wisdom from Successful Developers:
- Put yourself out there, provide value, and understand your worth.
- Don’t underestimate the power of marketing and sales.