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Ethan857
Ethan857

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How I Turned AI into a Side Hustle After Being Laid Off at 40

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.

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