The next article is a visitor publish and opinion of Yurii Kovalchuk, Senior Blockchain Engineer at Forte Group
Three and a half years in the past, I decided that fully modified the trajectory of my profession. I left the acquainted world of Web2 and stepped into the deep, chaotic, and exhilarating house 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 expertise that aligned with my values, challenged my pondering, and gave me a purpose to maintain constructing.
Since then, I haven’t appeared again. Web3 turned greater than a job – it turned the lens by means of which I now see the way forward for the web.
On this piece, I wish 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 Anticipate 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 infrequently extra rewarding – the compensation construction is in comparison with conventional tech.
As a substitute of mounted salaries and HR paperwork, Web3 initiatives usually supply a mixture of stablecoin funds, on-chain invoices, and token-based incentives. In lots of circumstances, you’re paid on to your pockets. Generally it’s a clear bill; different instances, it’s a hybrid mannequin.
Then there are the tokens.
Very like fairness in startups, undertaking tokens offer you 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 duplicate in Web2. However in fact, tokens can even drop in worth simply as quick – market volatility is actual, and so are the dangers.
That mentioned, the upside potential is commonly a lot better. Primarily based by myself expertise, senior-level Web3 engineers usually earn greater than conventional tech leads – particularly when combining base comp with token incentives.
Nonetheless, there’s a tradeoff: stability.
Web3 strikes quick. Initiatives pivot, funding shifts, markets crash and rally. It’s not the place to simply “trip the paycheck.” However in the event you’re snug with change, the flexibleness and upside may be value 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 development right here – they’re the default.
For a lot of, meaning the liberty to work from anyplace, 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 function? Anonymity is commonly the norm. In lots of initiatives, 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 usually 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 stay.
In fact, in the event you’re somebody who thrives on in-person collaboration, Web3 may really feel isolating. Places of work 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 listing, Web3 delivers that in full.
A Completely different Growth 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 techniques, decentralization, and consensus algorithms. And since the foundations haven’t been absolutely written but, conventional growth approaches usually 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.
Should you’re the form of developer who thrives on studying, tinkering, and constructing in uncharted territory, Web3 is the proper setting. It’s messy, thrilling, and stuffed with alternative.
However it additionally calls for agility and a excessive tolerance for change. Should you’re in search of predictability, legacy instruments, or clearly outlined roadmaps, Web3 may take a look at your persistence. 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 initiatives is open-source by default. Meaning anybody can dive right into a protocol’s logic, discover its mechanics, and even begin contributing instantly.
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, status is all the things – and publishing your code is without doubt one of the clearest indicators of integrity.
Open code invitations scrutiny. It encourages neighborhood contributions. It allows public, zero-cost code opinions that may assist you to catch minor points lengthy earlier than a proper audit.
If open-source has ever felt like greater than a aspect undertaking to you – in the event you see it as a philosophy or a craft – Web3 provides you the house to stay 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 yr marked a significant milestone with the approval of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs within the U.S., and 2025 is anticipated to convey related developments for different digital property.
Web3 comes with countless prospects, but additionally its justifiable share of challenges. It calls for adaptability, curiosity, and the willingness to develop by means 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 expertise I had developed in my Web2 roles as a staff lead.
When hiring builders for that undertaking, I wasn’t in search of deep data of sensible contracts or decentralized techniques. What mattered most had been robust fundamentals: strong programming expertise, understanding of databases, and a grasp of networking ideas.
So in the event you’re a JavaScript backend dev seeking to break into Web3, the very best transfer isn’t to pivot into one thing completely new like protocol engineering. As a substitute, discover a position 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 all the things without delay – that’s the quickest solution to lose each momentum and revenue. 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 aspect.”
However all the things 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 – had been all over the place. Now, I exploit each virtually every single day.
Should you’re getting ready to enter Web3, add these languages to your toolbox. They’re not solely important in blockchain, however broadly 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 data however stronger design pondering and engineering fundamentals. Frameworks may 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 resolve issues, whatever the stack. That mindset is your strongest asset – in Web3 or anyplace else.
Tip #3: Construct Sturdy 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 job coming alongside?”
That mindset often comes with finger-pointing: the bug is QA’s fault, the deployment is on DevOps, the deadline strain is all on administration.
However over time, working as each an IC and a lead, I’ve realized one thing easy however highly effective: success in any position begins with taking accountability 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 properly with put me on the radar for the undertaking I’m on as we speak. And as a lead, I’ve provided flexibility and help to engineers I knew I may rely on, whether or not that meant a break day or house 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. Sturdy relationships make groups extra resilient and open doorways that expertise alone usually 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 instantly on the earlier level – as a result of robust relationships thrive once they’re backed by motion, accountability, and a willingness to guide.
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 means of. I’ve realized a special rule: initiative will get rewarded.
All through my profession, I’ve launched inner workshops, hosted guilds, kicked off aspect initiatives, and constructed neighborhood initiatives. Most of the time, 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 instructing position on the college.
In each undertaking I’ve labored on, those that take possession – the individuals who don’t wait to be informed 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 folks continued to obtain raises throughout company-wide freezes. And when arduous calls needed to be made, like downsizing, they had been at all times final on the listing. I say that not simply as a developer, however as somebody who’s needed to make these choices.
In Web3, the place the tempo is unstable and groups develop and shrink shortly, being proactive, dependable, and beneficiant together with your data is your greatest job safety – and your quickest path to development.
It’s not nearly getting forward. It’s about turning into somebody others wish to construct with, even when the highway will get powerful.
Tip #5: Construct Your Private Model
No, this doesn’t imply it’s worthwhile to grow to be a full-time influencer or share your life on Instagram (except you wish to). Constructing a private model isn’t about having 1,000,000 followers. It’s about having a novel perspective, sharing it by means of public channels – on-line or offline – and making your experience seen.
In a aggressive market, your private model may be the sting that will get you seen. When recruiters or shoppers are selecting between candidates, they’re extra prone to go together with somebody who speaks up, shares data, and brings one thing distinct to the desk.
Let’s be trustworthy: all of us wish to work with cutting-edge tech, on thrilling initiatives, alongside top-tier folks. A robust private model helps put you on the radar for precisely these sorts of alternatives. It exhibits you’re not simply clocking out and in – you’re curious, engaged, and never afraid to share what you’ve realized.
Begin small. Submit often on LinkedIn. Share a lesson, a software you appreciated, or a technical perception. It’s sufficient to get going.
Not into tying your concepts to your actual title? That’s advantageous – particularly in Web3. Nameless accounts on X (previously Twitter) thrive within the dev and meme tradition. Among the most influential voices on the market don’t actually have a face connected. It’s not my path, nevertheless it’s a legitimate and highly effective one if it resonates with you.
And if you wish to take that visibility even additional – the subsequent tip will turn out to be useful.
Tip #6: Observe Crypto Twitter (Significantly)
Crypto Twitter (or “CT”) is the heartbeat of Web3. It’s the place the most recent traits, instruments, debates, and alternatives emerge – usually earlier than they make it to blogs, newsletters, or mainstream media.
To be blunt: in the event you’re severe a few 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 almost all communication for the cohort (120+ folks from 50+ international locations) occurs on X. Everybody there’s lively, plugged in, and engaged.
In reality, many employers and hackathon organizers now ask on your Twitter deal with through the software course of. And in the event you’re planning to launch your individual undertaking? Your neighborhood begins on X. No traction there = no traction in any respect.
Tip #7: Be part of Hackathons
Hackathons are a cornerstone of Web3 tradition. Dozens occur each week – on-line and offline – with prize swimming pools that always stretch into the a whole lot of 1000’s 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 through the occasion. It’s probably the most accessible methods to interrupt into Web3, particularly in the event you’re simply beginning out.
You don’t must 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 position 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 pays extraordinarily properly – just like the $2.35M bounty from the Uniswap v4 contest – and assist enhance the security of your entire 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 tips on how to construct underneath strain. 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 probably stay 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 expertise, sign good intentions, and construct your status inside the neighborhood.
It’s additionally a strong solution 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. Realizing 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 adjustments, commit code to initiatives 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. Should you’re nonetheless not utilizing AI in your workflow, it raises severe questions.
Ignoring AI as we speak 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 huge coaching units that may dramatically enhance your output.
These instruments don’t simply assist you to write code. They pace you up, scale back psychological load, and allow you to concentrate on actual problem-solving as a substitute of boilerplate. With the correct setup, you actually can grow 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 complicated workflows that used to require a number of folks.
So don’t snooze on AI. Embrace it, combine it deeply, and let it amplify what you’re already nice at.
Closing Ideas
Transitioning from Web2 to Web3 isn’t nearly switching tech stacks – it’s a mindset shift. It means embracing uncertainty, staying adaptable, and turning into a part of a fast-moving, international neighborhood.
Web3 gives builders unprecedented freedom, innovation, and possession, nevertheless it additionally calls for steady studying, resilience, and a bias towards motion.
Should 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 offer you a strong head begin.
Welcome to the frontier.
