100xBuilder

We’re in a time of seismic shifts—financial turbulence, massive layoffs, and the rise of artificial intelligence. For some, this looks like the end of opportunity; but in reality, it’s a golden age for the solo builder, especially when the Amazon CEO said "Quit if you don't want to return to office".

If you don’t seize this moment to start your side project, you’ll likely look back with regret, wondering why you hesitated.
This is about more than just inspiration—it’s about tools, techniques, and strategies that make starting a side project today a no-brainer. From AI-powered coding assistants to affordable self-hosting with Next.js and Kamal, this moment is filled with potential. If you’re serious about launching a side gig or a full-blown business, I’ll show you why now is the time—and how to get started.

Programming Efficiency: AI Is Your Secret Weapon

Let’s start with the obvious: programming has never been easier. If you’ve tried using an AI-powered coding assistant like OpenAI’s models or Cursor, you’ll realize you can produce anywhere from 10 to 100 times more code than you could a few years back. It’s not just speed—AI helps you write cleaner code, detect bugs, and even suggests optimizations you might have missed.
Why is this possible? Because in most cases, you’re building on established frameworks—React, Next.js, TypeScript—using well-documented libraries and APIs. The magic of AI is that it handles the heavy lifting. Think about it: if coding is like writing in a natural language, then AI can assist with code as easily as it does with email drafts. Tools like Cursor aren’t just generating code snippets; they’re transforming how you build, review, and refactor. They’re like a senior engineer who never takes a break, making your solo effort as powerful as a small team.
Want to get started? Consider investing in tutorials that dive deep into AI coding workflows with Cursor. Learn how to use these tools to write boilerplate code, automate test creation, and speed up your development process. When you can cut down the time it takes to build MVPs or prototypes, your side project moves from idea to reality in record time.

You’re a 100x Builder: Start from Zero, Stay Lean

Back in the day, building something of value used to mean navigating through layers of technical debt, legacy code, and corporate red tape. But if you’re starting from scratch today, you’ve got the best advantage of all: you have nothing to maintain. No outdated systems, no approval processes, no committee meetings—just pure, unfiltered building.
This gives you a massive edge, especially in a shaky economic environment. Inflation has wiped out the savings of many, and job security is increasingly a relic of the past. Starting your own thing now, before the economic downturn hits its peak, puts you ahead of the curve. While others worry about their shrinking 401(k) or RRSP, or even salaries, you could be building an asset that has the potential to earn while you sleep. That’s the magic of software. We cannot cast this magic if we work for any employer. We must be the owner as a 100x builder.
And this isn’t some pie-in-the-sky vision—there’s a playbook. Tools like Next.js, paired with self-hosted setups, allow you to build powerful, scalable applications without burning cash on cloud services. By staying lean, you ensure that even if your project takes time to gain traction, you won’t be bleeding money during the wait.

The Power of Self-Hosting with Next.js and Kamal

Remember when deploying web apps used to be a nightmare? Not anymore. The ecosystem has evolved, and one of the most effective ways to launch is through a self-hosted setup with Next.js and Kamal. Next.js has become the gold standard for building robust, dynamic websites, while Kamal allows you to deploy your Next.js app on a real server with minimal hassle and at a fraction of the cost of typical serverless solutions.
Why bother with self-hosting when the cloud is so hyped? Because self-hosting keeps your costs predictable and low, especially as traffic grows. When you own the server, you control how it scales. You avoid unexpected spikes in AWS bills and can serve a million users without having to cough up a premium. For a side gig or a new business, that’s crucial—especially if you’re trying to maintain profitability from day one.
Interested in making this work for you? There are detailed guides and tutorials available that walk you through the entire process of setting up a self-hosted Next.js app with Kamal. They cover everything from initial setup, deploying with Docker, to optimizing for performance and security. With just a weekend of work, you can have a scalable, cost-effective infrastructure running your app—giving you the freedom to focus on what matters: building in production.

AI Coding with Cursor: A One-Person Development Army

But the real game-changer is how AI coding has turned a single developer into a force multiplier. With tools like Cursor, you’re not just cranking out code faster; you’re automating the dull parts of the job. Imagine having AI help you refactor code, create comprehensive unit tests, and even document your API. This is a level of productivity that used to require entire teams.
With Cursor, you can build features rapidly, pivot your product direction without breaking a sweat, and iterate based on user feedback—all without waiting on a team. It’s like having an engineering team of ten, except they’re all working at AI speed and don’t need a coffee break.

Want to master this skill? Dive into tutorials that teach you how to leverage AI for coding. Learn how to integrate Cursor into your workflow, write scripts that automate repetitive tasks, and use AI to review your code for performance improvements. This isn’t just a productivity hack; it’s a competitive advantage.

Global Reach: AI Translation Is a Game-Changer

Building a global product used to be the domain of tech giants, but AI has leveled the playing field. Translation was once a painful, manual process. I’ve seen this firsthand while working at Microsoft—localization meant a slow, labor-intensive process with an army of human translators. But now, AI does the job better, faster, and cheaper.
With AI-powered translation, you can deploy your app in 10 or 20 languages without hiring a single translator. Large language models don’t just translate—they understand context, ensuring that your app’s messaging is accurate and natural. It’s like having a multilingual team of localization experts, working around the clock.
Ready to take your product global? There are guides that walk you through integrating AI translation into your Next.js project. These tutorials show you how to leverage free or low-cost AI models to translate and localize your app, opening doors to new markets. This kind of automation can save you tens of thousands of dollars in translation fees and dramatically increase your user base.

Job Security Is a Myth: Build Before You’re Forced To

Let’s not kid ourselves—job security is dead. The rapid adoption of AI has changed the landscape. Companies are doing more with fewer people, and the layoffs have already begun. If you think your corporate job is safe, you’re fooling yourself. A comfortable salary today is no guarantee for tomorrow.
Starting your side project now isn’t just about extra income; it’s about creating a buffer against uncertainty. Even if your side gig doesn’t become a million-dollar success, it can be the difference between stress and stability when you find yourself suddenly out of a job. And with AI in your toolbox, you’re building that buffer with the same efficiency that companies are using to cut their workforce.

Tutorials to Help You Get Started

Here’s how you can hit the ground running:

1. Self-Hosted Next.js with Kamal: Learn how to deploy your own Next.js app without relying on expensive cloud services. Get started with step-by-step guides that cover setup, Docker integration, and scaling for larger audiences.
2. AI Coding with Cursor: Master the art of AI-assisted programming with Cursor. Tutorials can show you how to automate testing, refactor your codebase, and create production-ready features in a fraction of the time.
3. AI-Powered Localization: Discover how to integrate AI translation into your projects, making your app ready for global markets. Guides cover everything from setting up APIs to customizing translations for different contexts.

These tutorials and code templates aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re the foundation of a modern side project or startup. They’ll help you build faster, scale smarter, and make your product stand out in a crowded market.

The Time Is Now

While others are pulling back, hesitating, or clinging to their corporate gigs, this is your chance to jump ahead. AI is transforming what’s possible for solo builders, making it easier to create and deploy products that can reach millions. And with self-hosting options like Next.js and Kamal, you can do this without worrying about runaway infrastructure costs.
Don’t wait for the perfect idea or the perfect market conditions. Start building now, learn the tools, master AI, and make the economic uncertainty work in your favor. In a world where job security is vanishing, the real security lies in your ability to create something of your own.