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Forging My Path in the AI Wilderness: A Story of Learning and Growth
Hey everyone!
Spending my free time immersed in AI coding and building my own projects has become a significant part of my life. This journey is incredibly fulfilling, but it comes with its challenges. In this post, I want to share my progress, the lessons learned, and how I balance my passions with the demands of everyday life.
The Passion for Learning
During my free time—whether it’s after work on weekdays, weekends, or while on vacation—I dive into YouTube, watching channels that offer well-curated content on AI, new tools, crypto, and investing. I also listen to Spotify podcasts and stay updated on Twitter by following accounts that share interesting content in these fields.
Often, I'm consuming content, but whenever I encounter something intriguing or challenging, I dive deeper to fill those gaps. AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude have been incredibly helpful for summarizing complex information and breaking down difficult topics into simpler concepts.
These activities never feel like chores; instead, they are fulfilling pursuits driven by curiosity. I see immense potential in cryptocurrencies, investments, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence. I’m fascinated by how global dynamics, geopolitics, and technology evolve. This curiosity compels me to follow and explore more, often supported by algorithms tailoring my feed to my interests. It’s a cozy way to relax—whether I’m tapping away on my phone, listening to a podcast during a walk, or exploring topics on my MacBook. It can be tiring, especially when grappling with complex concepts, but doing this for myself makes all the difference.
Projects and Challenges
I increasingly believe that the future lies in online and remote interactions. Tools like chatbots and AI are becoming integral, serving as assistants across different areas. At the same time, traditional jobs feel more uncertain—easily replaceable by advancements in AI.
My goal is to gain more independence through these skills. Without a formal IT background, I'm figuring things out as I go. AI tools are my main resource for learning and building fun, experimental projects. I already have a blog that I'm integrating into my landing page, and I'm also working on an AI-powered niche-finder—a tool to help people like me discover their direction and build their personal brand.
It's far from perfect, but I'm enjoying the process. These projects are just the start, and I see them as stepping stones toward something bigger.
Challenges: Without a formal coding background, I'm very much a beginner learning the basics. Modern AI-driven platforms like Cursor, Replit, and Bolt are designed for people like me, making website building more accessible with simple prompts. Even though I frequently face frustrating errors, these tools allow me to create something meaningful while continuing to learn and improve.
Progress: Despite the frequent errors, I keep learning and pushing forward. I'm picking up the basics of web development and getting more familiar with AI tools. The progress I've made in just a few weeks has been incredible, and each small victory keeps me motivated to continue building and exploring.
The Cycle of Work and Free Time
The hardest part for me is realizing, during times without obligations—like vacations or weekends—how much I love dedicating myself to my personal projects. These moments highlight what truly fulfills me, but they also come with the bittersweet knowledge that this freedom is only temporary. It's not that I dislike working—it's that I want to spend my time creating something meaningful, and knowing that this balance is fleeting makes it challenging.
I’m aware of how precious time is and don’t want to spend more years stuck in the traditional hamster wheel. Even though I’ve been trying to change my circumstances—switching jobs—it still doesn’t feel quite right. Maybe I just don’t want to work for someone else anymore. Ideally, I want to work for myself. But financial needs mean I have to keep seeking alternative paths in my free time. Balancing everything leaves me exhausted and constantly pressed for time.
The Desire to Escape the Hamster Wheel
I hope that by staying on this path, I'll find success—even in small victories. Self-employment has its pros and cons, but I don't want to look back with regret for not having tried. My intuition tells me this is an experience I need to have.
My aspiration is to live a self-determined life—not necessarily aiming for more, but for a life driven by passion and motivation. I want to create something meaningful for myself and for others with similar interests and challenges. That is my ultimate goal.
Conclusion: Self-Reflection and Looking Ahead
To stay motivated, I try to celebrate small victories and not let setbacks discourage me—even when I constantly encounter errors. I’m working on cultivating patience and trusting the process, despite the ever-ticking clock.
I believe that platforms like Twitter connect us in ways that make it possible to engage with like-minded people. This exchange can help me learn more and open new doors.
I plan to keep working on my projects, expanding my skills, and connecting with like-minded people. With enough persistence, maybe one day this journey will take me beyond the traditional work life and into a truly self-determined and fulfilling existence.
What I saw today:
What I listened to today:
What I liked today:
job titles are having an identity crisis
— GREG ISENBERG (@gregisenberg)
12:27 PM • Oct 8, 2024
What I learned today:
The Coinbase Premium is an indicator that measures the price difference between Bitcoin on Coinbase and other major exchanges such as Binance or Bitfinex. If the price of Bitcoin on Coinbase is higher than on other exchanges, this is referred to as a positive Coinbase Premium. This may indicate that there is a high demand from buyers in the US, as Coinbase is one of the largest exchanges in the United States.
This difference can sometimes indicate market inefficiencies or increased buying activity. A high Coinbase premium is often seen as a bullish sign for the market because it shows that buyers are willing to pay more.
That’s it for today! ☺️