Cai's Startup Diary - Day 3

I graduated more than 10 years ago and have always worked hard. For me, work was never that difficult—so I used my free time, both during and after work, to learn new things and build side projects.
Curiosity and testosterone are the core of a man’s creativity. I think that’s why many founders have this unstoppable energy. I’ve never wanted to work until the so-called retirement age. My goal has always been to "retire" in my 30s.
Ironically, I was laid off at 35. But with a decent severance package, and in a deflationary environment like today's China, especially in Dalian, where life is affordable and my needs are simple, this money goes a long way.
I wouldn’t say I’m financially free yet, but I am now time free. And that, to me, is already a huge gift. Now I can finally do what I truly want to do.
Many people learn programming just because it pays well. But for me, it's different. I love it. I love clear logic. I love systems that follow rules. I even have a bit of OCD about order and structure.
My only issue is my body—I sit too long, and that’s taken a toll. But now working from home, I can code in a relaxed way. I take walks, adjust my schedule freely, and build software without pressure.
AI tools like GPT, Claude, and Gemini have made coding even smoother. I spend more time thinking, designing architecture, and solving the real hard problems that LLMs can’t solve.
This is where experienced devs still shine. Architecture matters. And bad architecture leads to dead ends that AI can't fix. I believe the future will be flooded with amateur-built tools full of bugs and security holes.
But devs who understand structure, who see the bigger picture, will stay valuable for a long time—even in the AI era.
Personally, I’ve always wanted to condense 10 days of work into 1, then rest for 9. That’s how I live now. I travel occasionally, stay at nice hotels, eat well, and enjoy life with minimal stress.
Of course, unemployment brings pressure too. But now at 35, I see this as my next “5 years of discipline.” If I succeed in building my startup during this window, then maybe I won't get 50 years of freedom—but even 30 or 40 would be enough.
By the time I’m 40, my energy will decline, my kid will be older, and I’ll hopefully move into a higher-level role—using strategy, delegation, and vision instead of writing code every day.