The day I put on new shoes, I feel motivated and promise myself to take good care of them. Yet, for my younger self, that resolve often didn’t last more than a week before I found myself carelessly stepping on the backs to slip them on. Looking back now, I realize that motivation can often be fleeting.
I entered this industry in the summer of 2021, a late bloomer by any standard. However, in just five years, I might find myself being called a veteran. To avoid becoming one of those who define themselves solely by their tenure, I try to keep a fresh perspective and a humble approach. Back then, I wasn’t particularly drawn to cryptocurrencies; it was the potential of blockchain technology that truly excited me. Like a child with new shoes, I was motivated and eager. Ignorant but enthusiastic, I was fortunate to learn from numerous experts who guided me through interviews and mentorship—a debt of gratitude I can never fully repay.
Recently, I received news from someone who had been a great help to me since 2021. That person was leaving the industry. Though the reason was positive, I couldn’t help but feel a hollow space left in that person's absence. Over these three years, I’ve experienced countless encounters and farewells. Parting ways with mentors is always hard, and no amount of experience seems to dull that sting. Yet, it reinforces my resolve to produce work that honors their guidance and support.
Reflecting on the years since 2021, the cryptocurrency market has faced numerous upheavals: China’s crackdown on crypto, the Terra (LUNA) collapse, FTX’s bankruptcy, and the subsequent conviction of its founder. These events sent shockwaves far beyond the crypto world, even shaking stock markets. It’s been a journey full of challenges, but I’ve remained in this industry, perhaps because I found ways to enjoy the process amid the chaos.
