This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Ethan857
At 40, I got laid off. The feeling of being stuck was overwhelming. But then I discovered Veo3 and Textideo—AI tools that completely changed my workflow and opened new income streams.
Getting Started with AI
I began by creating content:
- Videos: Animated shorts, explainers, and social media clips using Veo3 and Textideo.
- Images: Thumbnails, social visuals, and illustrations.
- Dynamic Content: GIFs, cartoons, and brand mascots.
I published content on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, and within weeks, I earned my first bucket of revenue.
Monetizing Knowledge
Next, I leveraged my experience:
- Created tutorials teaching others to use Veo3 and Textideo.
- Published courses and guides on Patreon, Udemy, and Substack.
- Helping others turned into a steady revenue stream while expanding my personal brand.
Ways to Make Money with AI
1. Video Content
- Generate animated shorts, social posts, and explainers in minutes.
- Ideal for marketing, brand content, or freelance projects.
2. Images & Illustrations
- Produce high-quality visuals for social media, blogs, or e-commerce.
- Sell graphics to creators or businesses.
3. Dynamic Content & IP
- Create GIFs, cartoon characters, or brand mascots.
- Design merch like mugs, apparel, and phone cases.
4. Tutorials & Paid Courses
- Teach beginners how to use AI tools.
- Publish on Patreon, Udemy, or Substack to monetize expertise.
Why AI Works for Creators
- Efficiency: Tasks that used to take hours are done in minutes.
- Accessibility: No complex software or technical background required.
- Creativity: Combine AI models to explore unlimited styles.
- Revenue Diversity: Monetize across platforms, tutorials, and merch.
Takeaways
Being laid off at 40 felt like the end, but AI gave me a second chance. I regained financial independence and creative freedom.
If you’re exploring side hustles, I highly recommend trying Veo3 and Textideo. They make content creation faster, more flexible, and profitable.
Age isn’t a limit—curiosity, adaptability, and the right tools are.
Try them out and share your feedback. You never know how it might open new opportunities.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Ethan857
Ethan857 | Sciencx (2025-09-15T08:47:33+00:00) How I Turned AI into a Side Hustle After Being Laid Off at 40. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/09/15/how-i-turned-ai-into-a-side-hustle-after-being-laid-off-at-40/
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