I started in Q1 2024. Before that, I was just a random web2 developer. My coding journey started in 2021, learning JavaScript on my phone. No laptop, no fancy setup, just me grinding and figuring things out.

When I first stepped into crypto, the space was overwhelming. There were so many technologies, automation tools, and complex protocols everywhere. It took me about three months just to understand the basics and get comfortable with what I was learning.

My first drops, my first hackathon, and what I actually learned

My first real experience in web3 was through airdrops. I participated in learning programs and made over $500 just for learning. I literally thought it was “learn to earn.” I had no clue it would get deeper than that.

Then I realized something important: I could actually use my skills as a developer in web3, not just collect rewards. That made me happy and motivated me to dive deeper into blockchain development. I learned from Cyfrin, and by February 2025, things clicked fully. That’s when I finally left just being an airdrop farmer and random poster with no job to seriously focus on web3 development.

I didn’t quit airdrops entirely though. I moved into business development to explore networking and connecting people. I gave a few KOLs gigs by connecting them to the right teams, worked with utility protocols sometimes free, sometimes paid and got some good feedback. That’s when I realized I could actually help teams grow with my skills as a developer and bd.

First airdrops: I didn’t earn anything. Lesson: results don’t always come immediately, persistence matters.

First hackathon: I didn’t win, but I saw results. It opened my eyes and made me see problems differently. Lesson: participation itself teaches more than winning sometimes.

First $1k plus in web3: I earned it as a developer. Lesson: skills are the real currency in this space.

Honestly, a big part of growing in web3 is that most of what you need to really learn isn’t fully on X or YouTube. You have to experience it to grasp it. And the friends you make? Some of the most interesting people you’ll meet remote or IRL.

Don’t ignore your web2 skills they’re your superpower

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned: your web2 experience is not wasted in web3. You don’t have to copy what others are doing. Do what works for you.

Take Nader Dabit for example, a cloud expert and software engineer in web2. When he moved into web3, he leveraged his existing skills which was been into the aws and cloud space as a developer. you can find his speech here

Another one is Nikita Bier. Before dominating CT and Solana as a growth and product guy, he bootstrapped apps like TBH sold to Facebook and Gas sold to Discord. In web3, he uses his web2 growth skills to help communities grow and do on chain experiments.

For me, I realized I could combine coding skills plus business development plus natural networking ability, and that combo became my edge. Lesson: double down on what you know and what works for you.

The truth about web3: it’s challenging, and that’s good

Web3 is challenging. By challenging, I mean you have to think big, aim big, and not settle for mediocrity.

When I built my first product, I talked about it like it was already a company. That mindset shapes how you approach building and executing.
Open source contributions taught me so much. I learned by doing, got recognized publicly a bit , and met people I wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s not about checking a box. It’s about real learning, exposure, and connections.
Networking in web3 is real. I can meet someone for the first time, observe, start a conversation, and actually build a relationship that leads to collaboration.

Lesson: growth in web3 is more than money. It’s about experience, learning, impact, and building something meaningful.

How I pivoted to DevRel and why it changed everything

I stepped into DevRel less than six months ago, after working as a developer most of 2025. Since then:

I’ve spoken at top web3 events in my community
Drove developer adoption across three teams
Contributed resources for devs and the ecosystem

Even now, I’m still exploring. I’m going back to the fundamentals of software engineering to understand protocols better while also guiding people as a DevRel.

Lesson: your growth multiplies when you combine skill, contribution, and mentorship.

Lessons I’d tell anyone entering web3 today

If you’re new or even experienced in web3 today:

1. Clarity, skill mastery, and growth first. Money will follow if you do these right.

2. Leverage what you already know. Your web2 experience is valuable.

3. Participate, contribute, network. Experience compounds faster than theory.

4. Think big, aim high, no mediocrity.

“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.” 1 Timothy 4:15 NIV

The above verse simply means :

Show up. Contribute. Learn. Grow. And that’s how you build lasting success in web3 and people notice you.

Thanks for taking the time to read. If this was helpful, you can find me on

Twitter @svector_eth.