Path to Ramen Profitability for a Software Engineer with no ideas?
I currently have a job, but I despise working for others. I would happily quit my well-paying job now if it just meant being able to be Ramen profitable independently. I live alone, and have no bills or obligations other than myself. I don't have any revolutionary ideas or even a clue where to start, but I'm a software engineer who's ready to put in the effort.
What do I do?
I've been collecting IH-related articles because I want to make a little mini site of great, categorized content from the best minds. I've seen a lot of links on this topic, but as far as a full system, I think Amy Hoy pretty much nails it (although, to be 100% honest, I haven't put in the work to actually follow what she says :-P):
https://stackingthebricks.com/guides/your-first-10k/
The problem: I don't think people (like me) like the advice. We want a shortcut to a SaaS that immediately makes us money. It's at least worth a read, and the PDF you can get by subscribing is pretty cool.
Some less-systematic links:
https://www.indiehackers.com/article/how-to-come-up-with-profitable-online-business-ideas-305fa512be - breaks down how a bunch of people came up with their ideas
https://justinjackson.ca/how-to-start - Justin Jackson says to start smaller
https://www.indiehackers.com/article/how-to-come-up-with-good-business-ideas-4b4bfc0980 - Ways to find ideas
And later down the road, when you're thinking "OMG I NEED TO BUILD THIS NOW!!!":
https://www.indiehackers.com/article/how-to-validate-a-business-idea-41245a143b
In the mean time, it doesn't hurt to build a bunch of small little apps. It helps you learn to focus on an MVP, when to stop working on an idea, and can help you grow an audience so there are people listening to you when you do have that big idea :)