Why is it so much about $? What about just creating something out of passion and curiosity?
Do you have projects like that at all (maybe even ones that were not shared with the world)?
If you don’t have a full-time job that generates income, you better think of ways to monetize your side-projects. Completely different story when you have stable income.
I like programming but not as much as I like other hobbies. If I’m not making money in some capacity from programming, then I just go do something else that I enjoy more. Money is a strong motivator and for most people, it is stronger than passion and curiosity because those don’t put food on my table.