Summary of the Core Content
This news article tells the story of former real estate planner Lao Ding, who, after the decline of the real estate industry and setbacks in the education sector, transformed into an entrepreneur using AI tools to start his own "One-Person Company" (OPC). His experience reflects how middle-aged professionals can break through technological barriers with the help of AI during times of transition, seeking new opportunities despite the uncertainties. It shows that even when the growth of major industries disappears, there is still a possibility for individuals to create their own paths.
1. The Golden Age of Real Estate: "The Wind Stops, and the Pigs Fall"
Lao Ding's story begins during the heyday of the real estate industry, when buildings sold 4,800 units in a single day, sales consultants earned 450,000 yuan in commissions, and companies operated like well-oiled machines. Everyone believed that following the industry would lead to better prospects.
However, in 2021, the collapse of Evergrande and the financial difficulties of Country Garden turned the industry from expansion to ensuring project deliveries, resulting in layoffs of over 800,000 people. Lao Ding's wife lost her job, his income was halved, and the cafeteria became deserted, with even fewer dishes available. The most alarming aspect was the realization that the rules upon which his life depended were no longer valid.
Popular Explanation: It's like being a manager in a large company where your salary and benefits increased annually, but when the company faced trouble, you suddenly found yourself with no skills outside of your regular job and no one willing to hire you.
2. From Real Estate to Education: Two Times of Industry Crashes
Lao Ding didn't leave immediately; he waited for the real estate market to recover, and his wife opened a flower shop as a temporary solution. But housing prices dropped by 35%, leaving him with a mortgage of over one million yuan and monthly payments of 7,000 yuan. Later, he tried the education sector, only to see most tutoring institutions shut down due to policy changes (the "Double Reduction" measures). These experiences shattered the illusion that real estate and education were always reliable investments.
Popular Explanation: You might think changing industries would solve your problems, but sudden policy changes can render them useless, just like a new car becoming a burden when fuel prices soar.
3. AI: A Door Opened for Ordinary People
Unlike his peers, Lao Ding wasn't interested in selling meat; instead, he was drawn to AI. He discovered that with tools like Claude Code and Codex, he could develop software without knowing how to code. He created games for his son, a management app for his wife's flower shop, and an AI-based lesson planning tool for teachers (which generates lesson plans and PPTs from inputted topics).
AI has broken down the barrier that only programmers could use technology. In the past, creating software required a team and funding; now, you just need to specify your needs, and AI handles the coding. Lao Ding's lesson planning tool attracted paying users within three months—something unthinkable before.
Popular Explanation: AI makes technical work accessible to everyone, similar to an automatic cake machine that prepares cakes with your preferences.
4. The One-Person Company (OPC): Dreams and Challenges
In 2025, Lao Ding registered his own OPC, handling all aspects of the business—product development, technology, operations, and sales. The advantages include low costs (800 yuan for registration on Taobao and 2,000 yuan per year for hosting). However, challenges include difficulty in attracting customers (only a few paying users), financial pressure (AI membership fees and mortgage payments), and the fear of being overtaken by larger companies.
Lao Ding views an OPC as both a dream (being your own boss) and a reality (still having to face practical challenges). While AI lowers the barriers to entrepreneurship, it doesn't solve business problems; you still need to find customers and generate revenue.
Popular Explanation: Running a website without renting a store or hiring staff means you have to handle everything yourself—finding suppliers, taking photos, providing customer service, and ensuring sales. AI reduces costs, but success depends on your business acumen.
5. Midlife Transformation: From Relying on the Times to Creating Your Own Future
Lao Ding's goal is now simple: a monthly income of over ten thousand yuan to cover his mortgage and expenses. He focuses on small projects and writing science fiction novels, driven by curiosity. His story isn't about a dramatic turnaround but about finding a way out in uncertainty.
Middle-aged people used to rely on the industry for their livelihood; now, they must create their own paths. AI offers a chance to experiment, even if failure is possible.
Popular Explanation: In the past, companies provided employment and income; now, you need to find your own opportunities, whether through small businesses or learning new skills.
Conclusion: Times Change, but Life Goes On
Lao Ding's story represents many middle-aged individuals who have experienced industry growth and decline. AI gives them a new option to use their experience and tools to achieve something they couldn't before. Whether it succeeds or not, his attempt shows that when major trends no longer support you, you can start by solving small problems to find your value again.
Life moves quickly, but at least you can choose where the next step takes you.