You can't resell a git patch that fixes a bug in an existing codebase. This isn't an act of creation, usually. I'm thinking more around creating UI components,

You can't resell a git patch that fixes a bug in an existing codebase. This isn't an act of creation, usually. I'm thinking more around creating UI components, or developing libraries that add whole new facets of functionality, or enable new ways of working with data. Things that could be reused elsewhere, or enable higher-level programming of application features. But it's not realistically possible for an individual contributor at a medium to large tech company I wouldn't agree to being an individual contributor on a wage-only basis, at this point, without major compensation. A possible exception would be something vocational: going back to working on developer tools, perhaps.