Why I left Web2 for Web3 – and why you might, too

The next article is a visitor submit and opinion of Yurii Kovalchuk, Senior Blockchain Engineer at Forte Group.

Three and a half years in the past, I decided that utterly modified the trajectory of my profession. I left the acquainted world of Web2 and stepped into the deep, chaotic, and exhilarating area of blockchain growth.

It wasn’t an apparent transfer. I wasn’t chasing pump or in a single day success. I used to be trying to find which means – for know-how that aligned with my values, challenged my pondering, and gave me a motive to maintain constructing.

Since then, I haven’t seemed again. Web3 turned greater than a job – it turned the lens by way of which I now see the way forward for the web.

On this piece, I need to share why I made the leap, what I’ve realized from it, and the way different builders can strategy the change with readability and intention.

What to Count on from Web3

Versatile Compensation & Excessive-Stakes Incentives

One of many first issues that stood out to me when switching to Web3 was how totally different – and sometimes extra rewarding – the compensation construction is in comparison with conventional tech.

As a substitute of fastened salaries and HR paperwork, Web3 tasks typically supply a mixture of stablecoin funds, on-chain invoices, and token-based incentives. In lots of circumstances, you’re paid on to your pockets. Typically it’s a clear bill; different occasions, it’s a hybrid mannequin.

Then there are the tokens.

Very like fairness in startups, undertaking tokens provide you with a stake within the product you’re constructing. If the undertaking succeeds, so do you. That provides a layer of motivation that’s arduous to copy in Web2. However after all, tokens can even drop in worth simply as quick – market volatility is actual, and so are the dangers.

That mentioned, the upside potential is usually a lot higher. Based mostly by myself expertise, senior-level Web3 engineers typically earn greater than conventional tech leads – particularly when combining base comp with token incentives.

Nonetheless, there’s a tradeoff: stability.

Web3 strikes quick. Tasks pivot, funding shifts, markets crash and rally. It’s not the place to simply “experience the paycheck.” However when you’re comfy with change, the pliability and upside will be price each little bit of the chaos.

True Distant, Not Only a Perk

Whereas conventional firms slowly nudge staff again into places of work, Web3 by no means left distant. Distributed groups aren’t a pattern right here – they’re the default.

For a lot of, which means the liberty to work from wherever, set your individual rhythm, and construction your life round extra than simply work hours. It’s not “remote-friendly,” it’s remote-native – constructed into the DNA of how the business operates.

One other standout characteristic? Anonymity is usually the norm. In lots of tasks, you’re not requested for authorized names or private paperwork. Funds go straight to your pockets, and that’s it. Particularly in roles like sensible contract auditing or white-hat safety, contributors typically stay pseudonymous. On my present undertaking, I don’t know the true names of most teammates – some use voice changers throughout calls, and I’ve no clue the place they dwell.

After all, when you’re somebody who thrives on in-person collaboration, Web3 would possibly really feel isolating. Workplaces are uncommon. Bodily meetups are occasional, not anticipated. The tradition is constructed round async communication and autonomy.

But when independence, flexibility, and privateness are excessive in your checklist, Web3 delivers that in full.

A Completely different Improvement Mindset

Web3 isn’t only a new business – it’s a brand new paradigm. It’s an area the place cutting-edge concepts are shaping the way forward for cryptography, distributed methods, decentralization, and consensus algorithms. And since the foundations haven’t been absolutely written but, conventional growth approaches typically don’t apply.

This can be a world the place experimentation isn’t optionally available – it’s anticipated. Many core instruments are nonetheless evolving. Languages like Solidity are comparatively younger, with frameworks that will not actually have a steady model but.

In the event you’re the type of developer who thrives on studying, tinkering, and constructing in uncharted territory, Web3 is the proper setting. It’s messy, thrilling, and filled with alternative.

However it additionally calls for agility and a excessive tolerance for change. In the event you’re searching for predictability, legacy instruments, or clearly outlined roadmaps, Web3 would possibly check your endurance. Right here, adaptability is a talent simply as vital as writing good code.

Open Supply on the Core

In Web3, transparency isn’t only a nice-to-have – it’s the inspiration. Round 80-90% of all code written for blockchain tasks is open-source by default. Which means anybody can dive right into a protocol’s logic, discover its mechanics, and even begin contributing immediately.

However this openness isn’t nearly collaboration. It’s additionally a trust-building mechanism. In an business the place scams and rug pulls nonetheless exist, fame is every thing – and publishing your code is without doubt one of the clearest alerts of integrity.

Open code invitations scrutiny. It encourages neighborhood contributions. It allows public, zero-cost code opinions that may enable you catch minor points lengthy earlier than a proper audit.

If open-source has ever felt like greater than a facet undertaking to you – when you see it as a philosophy or a craft – Web3 provides you the area to dwell that out absolutely. It’s a uncommon place the place constructing in public isn’t simply inspired – it’s anticipated.

Regulation Is Catching Up

Regardless of its fast development, Web3 nonetheless operates in a panorama of authorized uncertainty.

Regulation varies wildly from nation to nation – whereas the EU has launched clear frameworks like MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Belongings), different areas nonetheless deal with crypto as a authorized grey zone.

That mentioned, we’re beginning to see actual momentum. Final 12 months marked a significant milestone with the approval of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs within the U.S., and 2025 is anticipated to deliver related developments for different digital property.

Web3 comes with countless potentialities, but in addition its fair proportion of challenges. It calls for adaptability, curiosity, and the willingness to develop by way of uncertainty.

So how do you make the leap from Web2 not simply easy, however profitable?

9 Tricks to Reach Web3

Tip #1: Leverage Your Web2 Expertise

After I began engaged on my first Web3 undertaking – a blockchain-based provide chain resolution constructed on Corda – my background in Kotlin and Java turned out to be an actual asset. Since Corda is a non-public blockchain, a lot of the infrastructure was acquainted. Much more vital? The management abilities I had developed in my Web2 roles as a staff lead.

When hiring builders for that undertaking, I wasn’t searching for deep information of sensible contracts or decentralized methods. What mattered most have been sturdy fundamentals: stable programming abilities, understanding of databases, and a grasp of networking ideas.

So when you’re a JavaScript backend dev seeking to break into Web3, one of the best transfer isn’t to pivot into one thing totally new like protocol engineering. As a substitute, discover a function that mirrors your present talent set inside a Web3 context. It’ll be a a lot smoother and extra sustainable transition.

Don’t attempt to change every thing directly – that’s the quickest strategy to lose each momentum and earnings. Consider it as a step-by-step evolution, not a full reset.

Tip #2: Grasp the Fundamentals – Languages, Tech, and System Design

Earlier than Web3, I used to be a die-hard JVM fan – Java, Kotlin, Groovy. I laughed at JavaScript memes and jokingly noticed .NET devs as a part of the “company darkish facet.”

However every thing modified with my second Web3 undertaking – a crypto pockets asset administration system. One of many first hurdles? Studying to work with JavaScript and TypeScript libraries. The deeper I went into Web3, the extra I spotted that JavaScript – and more and more, Python – have been in every single place. Now, I exploit each virtually day-after-day.

In the event you’re making ready to enter Web3, add these languages to your toolbox. They’re not solely important in blockchain, however extensively used throughout tech.

Simply as vital: don’t neglect core applied sciences and system design. In a single hiring spherical, we selected a candidate with weaker Web3 information however stronger design pondering and engineering fundamentals. Frameworks will be realized. Strong engineering instincts take longer to construct – and matter extra in the long term.

On the finish of the day, what issues most is being an engineer who can remedy issues, whatever the stack. That mindset is your strongest asset – in Web3 or wherever else.

Tip #3: Construct Robust Relationships — With Teammates and Managers

In tech circles, it’s not unusual to listen to builders throw shade at managers, calling them ineffective, blockers, or simply individuals who maintain asking, “How’s that process coming alongside?”

That mindset often comes with finger-pointing: the bug is QA’s fault, the deployment is on DevOps, the deadline stress is all on administration.

However through the years, working as each an IC and a lead, I’ve realized one thing easy however highly effective: success in any function begins with taking duty and constructing belief with everybody round you.

A few of my greatest alternatives got here not from CVs, however relations. One engineering supervisor I labored effectively with put me on the radar for the undertaking I’m on right now. And as a lead, I’ve supplied flexibility and help to engineers I knew I may rely on, whether or not that meant a day without work or area to work in their very own rhythm.

This isn’t about being good for the sake of it. It’s about mutual respect and shared accountability. Robust relationships make groups extra resilient and open doorways that abilities alone typically don’t.

In Web3, the place groups are distributed and fast-moving, relationship capital is actual capital. Spend money on it early.

Tip #4: Take Initiative, Personal Your Work, and Share What You Know

This builds immediately on the earlier level – as a result of sturdy relationships thrive once they’re backed by motion, accountability, and a willingness to steer.

There’s an outdated saying that goes like “initiative will get punished,” however in my expertise, that solely occurs when somebody steps up with out following by way of. I’ve realized a distinct rule: initiative will get rewarded.

All through my profession, I’ve launched inner workshops, hosted guilds, kicked off facet tasks, and constructed neighborhood initiatives. As a rule, these efforts paid off – not simply in recognition, however in actual development. For instance, my work on company studying packages laid the inspiration for my educating function on the college.

In each undertaking I’ve labored on, those that take possession – the individuals who don’t wait to be instructed what to do – are those who get promoted, earn bonuses, and get looped into high-impact work. I’ve even seen circumstances the place such individuals continued to obtain raises throughout company-wide freezes. And when arduous calls needed to be made, like downsizing, they have been at all times final on the checklist. I say that not simply as a developer, however as somebody who’s needed to make these selections.

In Web3, the place the tempo is unstable and groups develop and shrink shortly, being proactive, dependable, and beneficiant together with your information is your greatest job safety – and your quickest path to development.

It’s not nearly getting forward. It’s about changing into somebody others need to construct with, even when the highway will get robust.

Tip #5: Construct Your Private Model

No, this doesn’t imply you’ll want to turn out to be a full-time influencer or share your life on Instagram (except you need to). Constructing a private model isn’t about having one million followers. It’s about having a novel perspective, sharing it by way of public channels – on-line or offline – and making your experience seen.

In a aggressive market, your private model will be the sting that will get you seen. When recruiters or purchasers are selecting between candidates, they’re extra more likely to go along with somebody who speaks up, shares information, and brings one thing distinct to the desk.

Let’s be trustworthy: all of us need to work with cutting-edge tech, on thrilling tasks, alongside top-tier individuals. A powerful private model helps put you on the radar for precisely these sorts of alternatives. It reveals you’re not simply clocking out and in – you’re curious, engaged, and never afraid to share what you’ve realized.

Begin small. Submit sometimes on LinkedIn. Share a lesson, a instrument you appreciated, or a technical perception. It’s sufficient to get going.

Not into tying your concepts to your actual title? That’s fantastic – particularly in Web3. Nameless accounts on X (previously Twitter) thrive within the dev and meme tradition. A number of the most influential voices on the market don’t actually have a face hooked up. It’s not my path, but it surely’s a sound and highly effective one if it resonates with you.

And if you wish to take that visibility even additional – the following tip will turn out to be useful.

Tip #6: Comply with Crypto Twitter (Severely)

Crypto Twitter (or “CT”) is the heartbeat of Web3. It’s the place the most recent tendencies, instruments, debates, and alternatives emerge – typically earlier than they make it to blogs, newsletters, or mainstream media.

To be blunt: when you’re critical a couple of Web3 profession, being on X (previously Twitter) isn’t optionally available – it’s important.

I’ll admit, I used to miss it. The trolls, the anonymity, the Elon issue – all of it appeared like a buzz. However over time, I spotted one thing: CT is the place the sign is. Founders, builders, VCs, and core devs – together with Ethereum’s personal Vitalik Buterin – share their ideas and product drops right here first.

It’s not only a supply of alpha. It’s a spot to construct your model, develop your community, and unlock new alternatives. Proper now, I’m a part of Uniswap’s incubator program, and practically all communication for the cohort (120+ individuals from 50+ nations) occurs on X. Everybody there may be energetic, plugged in, and engaged.

In actual fact, many employers and hackathon organizers now ask to your Twitter deal with in the course of the utility course of. And when you’re planning to launch your individual undertaking? Your neighborhood begins on X. No traction there = no traction in any respect.

Tip #7: Be a part of Hackathons

Hackathons are a cornerstone of Web3 tradition. Dozens occur each week – on-line and offline – with prize swimming pools that usually stretch into the a whole bunch of hundreds of {dollars}. However the true worth isn’t simply within the money.

Many hackathons supply funding alternatives, grants, or incubator invitations for promising MVPs constructed in the course of the occasion. It’s one of the crucial accessible methods to interrupt into Web3, particularly when you’re simply beginning out.

You don’t should be a Solidity wizard to hitch. Groups often embody backend devs, frontend builders, deploy wranglers, and somebody to deal with the pitch. Even college students or self-taught devs can contribute meaningfully. Each function counts. Past product hackathons, there are additionally safety contests and CTFs (Seize the Flag), the place the purpose is to interrupt issues earlier than they hit the mainnet. These challenges will pay extraordinarily effectively – just like the $2.35M bounty from the Uniswap v4 contest – and assist enhance the protection of the whole ecosystem.

Personally, I’ve taken half in a number of hackathons. Not each undertaking was a winner, however the expertise was game-changing. I met collaborators, stepped into new roles, and realized how one can construct beneath stress. Hackathons aren’t simply occasions – they’re launchpads for careers, connections, and concepts that may change your life.

Tip #8: Contribute to Open Supply

As talked about earlier, 80–90% of Web3 code is open supply. And finally, your code will seemingly dwell on-chain, absolutely seen to the world.

However past that, contributing to open supply is without doubt one of the greatest methods to showcase your abilities, sign good intentions, and construct your fame inside the neighborhood.

It’s additionally a robust strategy to get seen. On my present undertaking, a couple of teammates began out merely submitting GitHub pull requests. Now, they’re full-time contributors.

One other underrated profit? It forces you to jot down higher code. Understanding that different builders will learn, overview, and depend on your work raises the bar – and sharpens your craft.

If collaboration, transparency, and shared possession matter to you, Web3 is your playground. So begin small: touch upon points, suggest modifications, commit code to tasks you admire. It’s not only a good expertise – in lots of circumstances, it’s your ticket into Web3.

Tip #9: Use AI to Supercharge Your Workflow

There was a time when utilizing AI instruments felt like dishonest, or a minimum of one thing to cover. Some builders ignored them. Others downplayed their usefulness.

However by 2025, that mindset is outdated. In the event you’re nonetheless not utilizing AI in your workflow, it raises critical questions.

Ignoring AI right now is like refusing to jot down exams or use a linter. And in an area like Web3, the place many of the code is open-source, instruments like GitHub Copilot and AI pair programmers have entry to large coaching units that may dramatically enhance your output.

These instruments don’t simply enable you write code. They pace you up, scale back psychological load, and allow you to deal with actual problem-solving as an alternative of boilerplate. With the appropriate setup, you actually can turn out to be that “10x engineer” all of us used to joke about.

And we’re not stopping at autocomplete. In 2025, AI brokers are stepping in – sensible assistants that don’t simply generate code, however test their very own work, analyze failures, automate duties throughout platforms, and even talk with teammates (or different brokers). They’re able to dealing with advanced workflows that used to require a number of individuals.

So don’t snooze on AI. Embrace it, combine it deeply, and let it amplify what you’re already nice at.
Remaining Ideas

Transitioning from Web2 to Web3 isn’t nearly switching tech stacks – it’s a mindset shift. It means embracing uncertainty, staying adaptable, and changing into a part of a fast-moving, world neighborhood.

Web3 presents builders unprecedented freedom, innovation, and possession, but it surely additionally calls for steady studying, resilience, and a bias towards motion.

In the event you’re able to take cost of your profession and lean into change, Web3 can take you additional than you imagined. The ideas I’ve shared right here received’t cowl each problem, however they’ll provide you with a stable head begin.

Welcome to the frontier.

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