most recently i messaged https://x.com/jamesob, and he mentioned to get good at Bitcoin script, i assumed it may be similar to C++ (maybe erroneously) or at least understanding computer science more in academia might help me be more prolific to help in that very niche but needed area still i suppose,

Personally other than that, connecting bitaxes wherever possible and IT consulting does seem like a good path, but im looking into possibilities on anything else too (like i mocked up a product where it's like a memory note taker that when you presses keeps a note of a time with a taproot asset and a block height, but seems more novelty than viable business), great advice...

Freelance system sounds cool for sure! Sounds like this project, happy to work with anyone to focus on hacking away at ln402 or API/streaming payment endpoints (seems like a very elusive target!): https://youtu.be/dAuLnNxU0Yg?si=cxUkuvBxLnlbOOJz&t=1130