The next article is a visitor put up 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 looking for that means – for expertise that aligned with my values, challenged my pondering, and gave me a purpose to maintain constructing.
Since then, I haven’t regarded again. Web3 grew to become greater than a job – it grew to become 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 method 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 fastened salaries and HR paperwork, Web3 initiatives 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 instances, it’s a hybrid mannequin.
Then there are the tokens.
Very similar to fairness in startups, challenge tokens offer you a stake within the product you’re constructing. If the challenge succeeds, so do you. That provides a layer of motivation that’s arduous to duplicate 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 commonly a lot better. 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 only “journey the paycheck.” However in case you’re comfy 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 pattern right here – they’re the default.
For a lot of, meaning the liberty to work from wherever, set your personal 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 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 typically stay pseudonymous. On my present challenge, 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 case you’re somebody who thrives on in-person collaboration, Web3 may 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 listing, Web3 delivers that in full.
A Totally 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 techniques, decentralization, and consensus algorithms. And since the foundations haven’t been totally written but, conventional growth approaches typically don’t apply.
This can be a world the place experimentation isn’t non-compulsory – it’s anticipated. Many core instruments are nonetheless evolving. Languages like Solidity are comparatively younger, with frameworks that won’t also have a steady model but.
Should you’re the sort of developer who thrives on studying, tinkering, and constructing in uncharted territory, Web3 is the proper surroundings. It’s messy, thrilling, and stuffed with alternative.
But it surely 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 endurance. Right here, adaptability is a talent simply as essential as writing good code.
Open Supply on the Core
In Web3, transparency isn’t only a nice-to-have – it’s the muse. 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 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, status is the whole lot – and publishing your code is without doubt one of the clearest indicators of integrity.
Open code invitations scrutiny. It encourages group contributions. It allows public, zero-cost code opinions that may show you how to catch minor points lengthy earlier than a proper audit.
If open-source has ever felt like greater than a aspect challenge to you – in case you see it as a philosophy or a craft – Web3 provides you the area to stay that out totally. It’s a uncommon place the place constructing in public isn’t simply inspired – it’s anticipated.
Regulation Is Catching Up
Regardless of its speedy 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-Property), 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 predicted to deliver comparable developments for different digital property.
Web3 comes with infinite prospects, but additionally 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 challenge – 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 essential? The management abilities I had developed in my Web2 roles as a staff lead.
When hiring builders for that challenge, I wasn’t in search of deep information of sensible contracts or decentralized techniques. What mattered most had been sturdy fundamentals: strong programming abilities, understanding of databases, and a grasp of networking rules.
So in case you’re a JavaScript backend dev trying to break into Web3, the very 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 the whole lot without delay – that’s the quickest solution 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 aspect.”
However the whole lot modified with my second Web3 challenge – 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 noticed that JavaScript – and more and more, Python – had been all over the place. Now, I exploit each virtually each day.
Should you’re making ready to enter Web3, add these languages to your toolbox. They’re not solely important in blockchain, however broadly used throughout tech.
Simply as essential: 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 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 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 preserve asking, “How’s that job coming alongside?”
That mindset normally comes with finger-pointing: the bug is QA’s fault, the deployment is on DevOps, the deadline strain 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 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 nicely with put me on the radar for the challenge I’m on at present. And as a lead, I’ve supplied flexibility and assist to engineers I knew I may depend on, whether or not that meant a break day 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. Put money into 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 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 way of. I’ve realized a special rule: initiative will get rewarded.
All through my profession, I’ve launched inside workshops, hosted guilds, kicked off aspect initiatives, and constructed group initiatives. Most of the time, these efforts paid off – not simply in recognition, however in actual development. For instance, my work on company studying applications laid the muse for my educating function on the college.
In each challenge 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 all the time final on the listing. 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 along with your information is your greatest job safety – and your quickest path to development.
It’s not nearly getting forward. It’s about turning into somebody others need to construct with, even when the street will get powerful.
Tip #5: Construct Your Private Model
No, this doesn’t imply that you must develop into a full-time influencer or share your life on Instagram (until you need to). Constructing a private model isn’t about having 1,000,000 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 may be the sting that will get you seen. When recruiters or shoppers are selecting between candidates, they’re extra prone 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 initiatives, alongside top-tier folks. A robust 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. Publish often on LinkedIn. Share a lesson, a instrument you favored, or a technical perception. It’s sufficient to get going.
Not into tying your concepts to your actual title? That’s effective – 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 also have a face hooked up. It’s not my path, but it surely’s a legitimate 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 (Critically)
Crypto Twitter (or “CT”) is the heartbeat of Web3. It’s the place the most recent traits, instruments, debates, and alternatives emerge – typically earlier than they make it to blogs, newsletters, or mainstream media.
To be blunt: in case you’re severe a couple of Web3 profession, being on X (previously Twitter) isn’t non-compulsory – 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 noticed 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+ folks from 50+ international locations) occurs on X. Everybody there may be lively, plugged in, and engaged.
The truth is, many employers and hackathon organizers now ask in your Twitter deal with throughout the utility course of. And in case you’re planning to launch your personal challenge? Your group 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 tons of 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 throughout the occasion. It’s probably the most accessible methods to interrupt into Web3, particularly in case you’re simply beginning out.
You don’t have to be a Solidity wizard to hitch. Groups normally embrace 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 aim is to interrupt issues earlier than they hit the mainnet. These challenges will pay extraordinarily nicely – just like the $2.35M bounty from the Uniswap v4 contest – and assist enhance the security of all the ecosystem.
Personally, I’ve taken half in a number of hackathons. Not each challenge was a winner, however the expertise was game-changing. I met collaborators, stepped into new roles, and realized tips on how to construct below 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 doubtless stay on-chain, totally 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 status throughout the group.
It’s additionally a robust solution to get seen. On my present challenge, 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, assessment, 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 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 no less than 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 at present 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 increase your output.
These instruments don’t simply show you how to write code. They velocity you up, cut back psychological load, and allow you to concentrate on actual problem-solving as an alternative of boilerplate. With the proper setup, you actually can develop into 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 examine 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.Last 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, world group.
Web3 affords builders unprecedented freedom, innovation, and possession, but it surely 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 guidelines I’ve shared right here gained’t cowl each problem, however they’ll offer you a strong head begin.
Welcome to the frontier.
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