💣 An Ethereum core developer Peter Szilagyi has voiced strong criticism about the current state of the crypto industry. Szilagyi is disappointed that the sector's focus on speculative trading often overshadows its potential for creating real value.
Having been in the crypto space long enough to witness all kinds of its development, I've also had quite a range of emotions about its evolution. You know what kept me going? I always remained focused on the broader vision and long-term goals.
💡 Every industry faces challenges, and crypto is no exception. It’s your personal contribution that matters.
🎙 Have you read the recent interview our team at LaborX did? Iryna An, the Head of HR at De.Fi, confirmed many things I’ve been talking about.
For instance, Iryna also noticed that the pool of candidates in the blockchain space is experiencing significant growth. It’s a very good sign for the industry.
She emphasized that HR activities in Web3 should support community involvement, requiring more communication through social media, forums, and open-source contributions.
⚔️ Another good point is that there's fierce competition for talent within a limited pool of experts. Web3 employers have to constantly step up their game to set up their dream teams.
I strongly recommend you reading the full piece.
🧠 It’s fascinating how the human mind works. Just like during major sell-offs after China's mining ban or the FTX collapse, we’re seeing a lot of BTC sold at a loss right now. The Fear and Greed Index is down to 17—extreme fear.
It’s a recurring pattern: people often sell at a loss when they panic, despite knowing better.
I admit, it’s a little unsettling seeing so many people in a panic. During times like these, it’s best to take a break from the news and the internet.
🧘 Go for a walk, clear your head, and give yourself a mental detox. Sometimes, stepping away is the best way to regain perspective.
📉 So, Bitcoin recently dipped to around $52,000, while Ethereum fell to $2,100. The Fear & Greed Index has dropped to 26, signaling heightened fear among investors.
Historically, drastic declines in Bitcoin’s price have been followed by remarkable recoveries. I still vividly remember the shock when in 2018, Bitcoin fell to around $3,000.
Data from CoinGecko shows that despite short-term dips, Bitcoin has consistently trended upwards over the long term.
Once again: market fluctuations are a natural part of investing, and downturns can present opportunities to acquire assets at discounted prices.
💡 Remember, while the current dip might seem daunting, it’s just another phase in the ever-evolving market cycle. Stay informed and consider the long-term perspective.
Image: Pinterest
📉 It seems that the US might be heading into a recession. The stock market tumbled, and Bitcoin wasn't spared initially, dipping to around $62,350. However, I believe this situation could benefit Bitcoin in the long run.
The weaker USD, spurred by poor job numbers and rising unemployment, means that Bitcoin could break away from traditional market trends.
Unlike stocks, Bitcoin’s value isn't tied to earnings but to liquidity. If the Fed cuts interest rates as expected, we might see a boost for Bitcoin as a fixed-supply asset.
💡In unstable times, Bitcoin can be that powerful force everyone hopes for. So, while the short-term may look shaky, I think the long-term prospects for Bitcoin remain promising.
🎓 I believe we face a significant gap in our current education system—there's a lack of well-organized, free educational programs accessible to everyone.
The world needs something like a global, universal education program providing foundational knowledge across a broad range of subjects. From basic knowledge and language skills to financial literacy and Web3 expertise, such a program would offer individuals enhanced career and lifestyle opportunities.
Imagine a world where anyone, regardless of their background, can access quality education. This would equip people with essential skills and level the playing field.
💡 Investing in universal free education is key to bridging gaps and enabling people everywhere to thrive in the face of new challenges.
Image reference: wisevoter.com
🌍 I feel like sharing more about Chrono.tech and our mission with LaborX and the upcoming Micro Tasks platform my team and I are building.
Our goal is to help people from less wealthy countries find job opportunities, while also helping companies connect with capable individuals to handle their tasks.
In addition to bridging this gap, we’re tackling several other challenges:
• Ensuring workers are paid fairly for their efforts, regardless of their location.
• Providing a platform where people from developing countries can easily find and apply for jobs.
• Creating a safe environment for both employers and employees, with
and convenient and reliable payment methods.
📚 We will also be offering resources and support to help workers improve their skills and increase their employability.
Our mission is driven by the belief that everyone deserves a chance to work and be paid fairly.
Image: Wolrd Population Review
🧑💻 Another trendy thing that I’m not a big fan of is co-working spaces. The idea of ditching the office to go remote, only to end up paying to work in a “cooler” office, seems insane to me.
However, I have visited and worked in several co-working hubs worldwide. You gotta try it before forming an opinion.
💡Here are my insights:
•Some hubs look cool and offer outstanding amenities.
•I can see how it may be inspiring to work alongside other motivated individuals.
•Not always the most cost-effective or quietest option.
•Make sure the price of coffee is included in the membership fee.
Everyone’s different, though. You might enjoy these vibes.
Image: Hubud coworking
👾 I still remember the first buzz with NFTs and CryptoKitties—it felt like the beginning of something huge. For several years, everyone has been talking about the potential of crypto gaming, and it seems like it’s finally happening, largely thanks to Telegram mini-apps.
Telegram is now approaching 1 billion monthly active users, mainly because it allows easy game launches. It’s amazing to see how quickly this field is evolving, creating a solid real-world use case for blockchain apart from digital money.
💡 Crypto gaming has gone beyond just being a concept and is becoming a 'normality.' It's an exciting time to be part of this community and witness how everything is coming together.
📈Santiment found that the term “Bitcoin” is being talked about more positively on social media now than at any time in the past 16 months. This trend is about more than just Bitcoin's price going up; it has broader implications for the blockchain industry and Web3.
When people talk positively about Bitcoin, it shows growing trust in the technology behind it. This increased attention can attract more developers, investors, and users to the Web3 space, driving growth and innovation.
It also helps mainstream DeFi and encourages people to explore other blockchain technologies like smart contracts and dApps.
The positive buzz around Bitcoin isn't just about money. It highlights the potential for Bitcoin and blockchain to revolutionize industries, improve transparency, and provide financial inclusivity.
💡The renewed interest in Bitcoin comes at a good time for the Web3 space, as we enter a phase of meaningful development and adoption.
🤔 What can you do if you don’t have a ‘proper’ education but have a passion for decentralized tech? I’ve seen many people start as content writers, community managers, and project managers, building fantastic careers in the Web3 space.
These positions are excellent entry points for several reasons.
•They often require strong communication and organizational skills rather than formal education.
•These roles allow you to connect with key players and communities in the industry.
•You gain hands-on experience with decentralized technologies and blockchain applications.
To grow further, you need to immerse yourself in the community, continuously learn, and take on new challenges. Stay curious and innovative, push yourself out of that comfort zone, and you’ll find your path.
💂 My Euro trip was a blast, and London is the absolute highlight! It isn't just a big, shiny city of art, culture, and red buses, but it’s also global hub of fintech innovation.
London’s energy and creativity were absolutely electrifying. All those meetings, conferences, non-stop networking–I’ve got a bunch of opportunities and ideas for months ahead.
Beyond excited to see how all these fresh insights will turn out!
📈 Honestly, it's been fascinating to watch the launch of Ether ETFs. Some people were pretty skeptical at first, but they turned out to be a huge success, breaking past $1 billion in no time.
Now, everyone's eyes are on the ETH price, but it hasn’t moved much yet.
Sure, big investments from institutions are important, but if regular investors like you and me aren't jumping in, the market just feels kind of flat. To really see a strong upward trend, we need both the big players and everyday investors getting involved. Plus, what's happening in the larger crypto market always has an impact.
🎙 Our team interviewed Nelson Lopez, Gate.io's Global Head of People. Twice. The interview turned out incredibly insightful because Nelson approaches every task with passion. He is one of those OG Web3 enthusiasts who entered the industry over a decade ago and still has a burning passion for it. These are the people who keep Web3 moving. I highly recommend reading the full interview on the LaborX blog.
Gate.io certainly employs best practices tailored to the Web3 workflow.For instance, they adopt a highly personalized approach to every employee, refusing the one-size-fits-all model. In return, they seek out exceptional team members—individuals who dream of contributing to the world’s financial education and independence.
💡 I guess, this is the best kind of deal: onboard people who love what they do and give them the freedom to do it.
📈 Better Finance: Fractional Shares
Apart from crypto, one of the coolest products that neobanks get to offer is fractional shares. They enable everyday investors to own a piece of the world's biggest companies without substantial capital.
Fractional shares allow investors to buy a portion of a share rather than the whole thing. This democratizes investing and makes it accessible.
And yes, you can buy and sell fractional shares in European neobanks.
💡The world needs a similar but a lot more well-thought-out universal model for the future of finance: inclusive, accessible, and regulated. This way, we can create a financial system that benefits all and drives forward the next wave of economic advancement.
#betterfinance
💭 Fun fact: in most industries, candidates are the ones vying for positions, trying to stand out among countless applicants. But in the Web3 world, it’s a whole different ball game. Here, companies are the ones competing for top talent.
Web3 attracts a unique, highly skilled talent pool. To woo these experts, companies offer tempting incentives like token-based compensation, equity in the form of cryptocurrency, and the flexibility of remote work.
The competition for these talented individuals is fierce, pushing employers to constantly up their game. I see it as a refreshing change.
☝️ As this industry grows, the demand for exceptional talent only intensifies, making it an exciting time to be a part of it.
Image: X
🎮 Since we’re on the topic of unwinding, I wanted to share my personal favourite.
While some of my friends find their calm through meditation, breathing techniques, or go as far as to attend vipassana retreats, I unwind with gaming. Just enough Assassin’s Creed to clear my mind and regain balance. It’s a perfect escape and helps me reset.
🍃 Everyone has their own method for finding calm, and it’s all about what works best for you.
🏎️ I haven’t had a midlife crisis, and I doubt I ever will. Working in Web3 has given me a sense of purpose and freedom that I believe keeps such existential doubts at bay.
In our industry, we're constantly exploring new frontiers, which keeps the mind engaged and the spirit alive. The flexibility of this space allow me to pursue what I truly love, making my days full of meaning.
Choosing a career that aligns with your passions and values can profoundly impact your overall well-being.
If you’re feeling unfulfilled, it might be time to reassess and find something that ignites your enthusiasm and purpose.
🎯 Life is too short to spend it on anything less than what you love.
📑 I've been noticing a shift in the hiring landscape, especially in Web3. Traditional CVs are losing significance, with social profiles on X (formerly Twitter), GitHub, LinkedIn, and Stack Overflow becoming more important.
In Web3, your GitHub repos, contributions to open-source projects, and activity on Stack Overflow tell me far more about your skills and passion than a CV. Twitter and LinkedIn, in turn, showcase your thought leadership and community engagement.
This trend is positive. It allows us to see real, ongoing contributions rather than static docs. So, show me your GitHub and I will tell you who you are.
🎯 Yesterday’s meme of the day once again proved that you don’t need fancy gear to hit the mark. If you think you don’t have enough to build a career in Web3, think again.
Web3 is an incredibly accepting space, where you don’t need a 2024 MacBook to make strides. A good old Lenovo or even just a basic smartphone will do.
I firmly believe that the key to success lies in starting small and staying consistent.
Begin with what you have, explore the resources online, and gradually build your skills. It’s the dedication and perseverance that count.
💡 Ditch the excuses. Embrace the possibilities with your current tools, and you’ll find that success is well within your reach.
🤖 Almost 40% of global employment is exposed to AI. In developing countries, the impact of modern tech is not as obvious as in advanced economies but it also offers fewer opportunities unless people embrace and adapt to it smartly. Those who integrate AI effectively can turn it into a proper advantage.
At LaborX, we’ve already collected probably the largest database of talent from developing countries, showcasing the incredible potential and resilience of these individuals. This network highlights a wealth of eager and capable people ready to contribute to the global economy.
🧩The only missing piece is accessible education. To fully capitalize on AI’s opportunities, we need to ensure that everyone has access to the education necessary to thrive.
⛺ I’ve been to the US countless times, and the poverty here looks very out of place. It’s very common to see wealthy neighborhoud bordering with the tent sites with Skid Row being the prime example.
But overall, the US seems to be good as their unemployment rate is relatively low. Here, people often choose this lifestyle because of addictions and mental health problems.
In developing countries, the reality is very different. Homelessness and poverty exist regardless of people’s willingness to work hard.
I’ve seen the way people live in some of the African countries, and this image keeps pushing me to build our platform and connect people who want to work with accessible work and payment opportunities.
🏝️ Quite a few countries in SEA and Europe, are making it easier for digital nomads to work within their borders. Yet I haven’t met a real nomad with a thriving career. Hear me out.
They tend to be young people open to sharing housing and a few hours of work each day in exchange for a lifestyle that emphasizes adventure and making new friends. I see it as a pre-career stage where you’re figuring out your next move.
One exception is people who live in one country for several years before moving to another place. This is kinda cool and doable, even with a family and school-aged kids.
🏠 I’ve lived in several countries and travel constantly for work and networking. But I definitely prefer having a solid home base that gives me a sense of stability. Always did and always will.
🎮 Remember Atari? Got some news for gamers and crypto fans this gloomy Monday. The game producer is bringing their classics to the blockchain with an on-chain arcade.
They already released Asteroids, with more games like Breakout coming soon. You'll only need to buy a relatively cheap (0.0015 ETH) NFT access pass and start the adventures.
And this is all happening on Base, which is pretty awesome. I love to see how gaming is evolving with crypto. The idea of having your scores recorded on the blockchain and competing for real prizes adds another layer of excitement.
It surely is a fun blend of old-school gaming with modern tech. As a fan of both retro games and crypto, I can't wait to try this out.
🧑💻 I've been meaning to write about the role of Developer Relations (DevRel) for a while. For those who might not be familiar, DevRel is all about building bridges between companies and their developer communities. I believe this field serves a unique mission while fostering innovation and growth in our industry.
DevRel positions combine tech skills with community engagement. So besides being about coding it is also about understanding and supporting developers, advocating for their needs, and promoting the company’s tech.
It's not every day that you find a job where you can code in the morning, host a webinar in the afternoon, and engage with a global community by evening. This blend of responsibilities is fascinating.
Also, they get paid really well.
🎓 Many of the people who have succeeded in Web3 haven’t graduated from top universities—in fact, some haven’t graduated at all. They don’t have special training or have completed any blockchain courses.
The reality is that many Web3 builders are self-taught. And I think that’s beautiful.
When Bitcoin took off in 2017, it captivated thousands. They did their own research and became so fascinated that they’re still deeply involved, excelling as community managers, content leads, and product owners. This trend emerged organically.
The lack of traditional higher education is not a barrier in our industry. You’ll hardly notice who has formal degrees and who doesn’t—perhaps only a few do.
Yet, the space is full of smart, enthusiastic, and innovative individuals who prove that unconventional paths can lead to remarkable success.
Image: thielfellowship.org
📰 Recently, Ethereum has been out of the spotlight. However, it remains the second biggest cryptocurrency and the first one with a real use case. The network's decentralization depends on the number of addresses owning ETH. It needs to be talked about to be traded more.
In my opinion, Ethereum's importance cannot be overstated. Its smart contract capabilities and role in decentralized finance make it a cornerstone of the crypto world.
🔗 Ethereum is not just a digital asset; it's a platform for innovation and a catalyst for the broader adoption of blockchain technology. This is why ETH will always have a spot in my portfolio.
Image: Ethereum.org
💼 Another thing I love about Web3 is the revolution in HR. This space moves fast, there’s no time to waste. You have to be incredibly efficient to stay afloat, and HR professionals are no exception.
I keep hearing wild stories from friends in other industries about the lengthy and confusing hiring processes—or even questions about their start sign.
Now, judging by the feedback of both talent and employers who published on LaborX, Web3 companies have streamlined their hiring processes to be faster and more transparent.
So yes, I might be biased, but in my experience, the Web3 HR professionals I've encountered are some of the finest. They get things done quickly and effectively, making the entire process not just bearable, but enjoyable.
🧠 Twitter seems to be obsessed with Elon Musk's statement regarding his son, whom he referred to as "dead" due to the woke mind virus and the use of puberty blockers. This got me thinking on the broader issue.
Personally, I am not in favor of interfering with nature, especially at a young age. In such cases, I believe it’s more beneficial to work with a child’s mind. If a child is unhappy with their body, we should help them address the underlying issues causing their discomfort. When they are old enough, they can make those big decisions for themselves.
On the other hand, there is nothing inherently wrong with being 'woke'. Challenging traditional norms is a driving force behind innovation. If we didn't challenge the norms, women might still be denied education. It’s ok to question conventions and propose new models, embracing diversity.
💡 If everyone strictly adhered to the norm, there would be no Bitcoin and, quite possibly, no Tesla either.
⚖️ Better Finance: It's All About Regulations
I guess it’s Europe's forward-thinking approach to crypto regulation that has created an environment where innovation thrives alongside consumer comfort and protection.
Neobanks with crypto on-ramps are products of this approach. These user-friendly platforms make it easier for everyday people to access and use digital currencies, seamlessly integrating with traditional banking services. Such a feature is only possible with regulatory clarity and commitment to fostering innovation.
Contrast this with the United States, where the regulatory foundation is a tangled web of agencies and state-level regulations. Crypto businesses face a constant struggle to navigate this complex system, often stifling the very innovation they are based on.
The EU model is a win for consumers. They get to enjoy convenient financial services.
#betterfinance
