My Journey from Web2 to Discovering My Place in Web3
Countless thoughts race through my mind as I attempt to articulate my journey from Web2 to Web3. Unsure of where to begin, I decide to start at the very beginning. Once upon a time...
I joined a youth-run NGO, an experience that was nothing short of amazing. It was enjoyable, enlightening, and, without a hint of regret, one of the best times of my life. However, the reality of adulthood soon beckoned. Living in Athens in 2024 isn't exactly affordable or easy, so the search for my first "adult" job began. I needed something that was not only remote and flexible to accommodate my university schedule but also something that offered a real, full-time engagement.
Then, the perfect opportunity appeared. It wasn't full-time, but it provided just enough to survive. My journey as a Tutor began. Although the job was remote and allowed me to choose my availability, it wasn't exactly aligned with my background in operations. However, that didn't bother me. The CEO of the company later approached me with the chance to become a Community Specialist in a hybrid working environment. This was my golden opportunity. My interest in ed-tech, particularly in the startup's focus area, made me more than content. During my 9-month tenure as a Community Specialist, and 15 months with the company in total, I was fortunate to work alongside incredible people and learn immensely. You might be wondering why I left. The answer lies ahead.
We're talking about a future where the internet is not just something we use, but a space we shape together—more open, fair, and ours.
My Web3 journey began at Devcon Bogota in 2022. My partner, deeply involved in crypto, asked, "Do you want to join me in Colombia for a crypto conference?" Naturally, I said yes. The trip was fantastic in its own right, and even though I only attended the conference for a few days, my curiosity was piqued. I began exploring, asking people about Ethereum and its workings.
Over the next two years, I sought out conferences and opportunities within Web3. An extraordinary chance came when I joined Devconnect IST as a lead volunteer. It was my first time experiencing the Web3 crypto community, and I couldn't have been more thrilled about the incredible people I met.
A reunion with a childhood friend, already immersed in Web3, was eye-opening. Even a thirty-minute conversation with her revealed new horizons. She recommended newsletters, companies to observe, and strategies for growth in Web3, eventually suggesting SheFi.
Following her advice, I looked into SheFi and applied for a scholarship, which I was fortunate to receive. I owe my gratitude to Zerion for making this scholarship possible. SheFi has crafted an extraordinary platform for learning, growth, and networking, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds to unlock the potential of Web3. The curriculum, mentors, and community have been incredibly inspiring. For anyone curious about blockchain and its capabilities, SheFi is highly recommended.
Subsequently, I started contributing to Beast DAO, connecting with more phenomenal individuals. Simultaneously, a small group and I began building the ETH Greece Community.
The pivotal moment arrived. It was time to transition from Web2, as LayerX, a remarkable hub for developers and organizations, fosters connections through hackathons and task-based work, presented me with the role of Community and Social Media Manager.
So, why did I say goodbye to Web2? Honestly, it's because I see Web3 as the next big chapter. Right now, Web3 might seem like a buzzword to some, but give it 5 to 10 years, and it'll be a game changer. We're talking about a future where the internet is not just something we use, but a space we shape together—more open, fair, and ours. This shift might not be super clear today, but as everything grows and clicks into place, it's going to be massive. That's why I jumped ship. I wanted to be in the mix, learning and growing with Web3, as it starts to really take off.
But there's another layer to why I made the jump: the incredible flexibility Web3 companies and organizations offer. Flexible working hours, the ability to work from anywhere, and enhanced paid time off are just the start. This isn't just about having a job in tech; it's about embracing a lifestyle that values freedom, balance, and well-being. For me, transitioning to Web3 was as much about embracing this modern work culture as it was about being at the forefront of the next digital revolution. I wanted to dive into something that wasn't just innovative in technology but also in the way we think about work and life. That's the real game-changer for me.
Starting this crypto journey has truly been a leap into the unknown, and I'm just at the beginning. I can hardly wait to see what's next, what I'll learn, and who I'll meet along the way. Here's to the adventures and opportunities that lie ahead!