[gsaines]

If you're already a software engineer earning a normal salary in the US (several assumptions there), it's really hard to find side hustles that pay at or above the hourly wage that your employer has already committed to. I personally think that it's a good idea to focus on building a small lifestyle software business over the course of several years. I wrote a long series of blog posts about this over here: https://overthinkingmoney.com/2023/05/02/start-a-business-no...

My first company (Skritter.com) fits this mold. It's been growing slowly, but steadily for more than 15 years now. In the first couple of years we were able to generate low five-figures per month, now it's substantially higher.

There are other ways to earn cash outside of tech, but most of the common suggestions (drop shipping, affiliate marketing, laundromats, etc) are mostly terrible if you really do the analysis.

For better or worse, low risk generally means low upside!

[ferennag]

I would love to come up with a business idea, and slowly grow it to be profitable.

My problem is I am very bad at coming up with a business idea in the first place. (or app idea, or website idea...) I am not sure why, probably my brain is wired differently.

[gsaines]

I struggle too. I've generated 39 ideas in the last 18 months and none have looked very appealing to work on. If it was easy, more people would do it. But, you probably have a unique perspective and set of skills that would enable you to address a problem that you experience on a regular basis. So don't discount your personal experience!

Shameless plug, but I write semi-regular "Steal This Business Idea" posts on my blog. This is an example: https://overthinkingmoney.com/2023/04/25/steal-this-startup-... They're all examples of businesses that I think have promise, but I don't have the skills, experience, insight or all three to execute.

[gcheong]

I'm curious to know the backstory behind Skritter. Maybe you should write a blog post(s) about the journey from inception to now.

[justinram11]

I didn't realize the creator of Skritter was on HN! Just want to say that I've really enjoyed your app, and it's helped immensely with trying to learn Chinese

[gsaines]

Really glad to hear that! It's always awesome to know that the product is helping people.

[Phlebsy]

Another one here - was the only app/tech I needed for practicing other than kindle and a dictionary app. Replaced Sudoku and other puzzle games as my train time-killer when I still commuted perfectly when I didn't feel like reading.