"I have been an engineer for years. At this point, I do not see much value in sitting alone and building more projects just to prove that I can build software."

There is one massive thing positive about being independent: your code stays unique to you. If any AI is training off you (especially by stealth,) then it is making your solutions commodities, right?

I am building an RSS reader that I like a lot. But anyone that builds one after me, and especially if they use the AIs that I used, I presume will get there so much more quickly. If I have shared freely with the LLM, then from there it's open to anyone indirectly whether it is OSS or not. Also, the reader is an HTML page - as soon as it is public, anyone can get it.

So the playing field is being leveled for software, it's worthwhile thinking about new uses for software. For example, ways to tip writers and solving the ever present "micropayments" conundrum. Things can atrophy sure unless you look for new problems, new frictions and ways to improve life. Local-first Fediverse is a huge opportunity and enabling safe whistle-blowing while minimizing noise. Enable bravery, but not too much.