I Quit My Boring $100k+ Job to Go to an NFT Party
I quit my boring six figure job to go to an NFT party…now, a company I helped co-found is leading one of the biggest global brands into Web3 and the metaverse.
Let me be perfectly clear, this is not a thread telling you to quit your job. Rather, a reminder to anyone who may need to hear it, that your life is yours to design. All you need is conviction, drive, and the courage to take a leap of faith.
Here’s 11 things I’ve learned almost one year later.
The Story
I entered the space in 2017. Today is the 5 year anniversary of my first $BTC purchase. $1000 of Bitcoin at a price of $1593.91 I was hooked instantly, consuming and learning everything I could and ultimately started creating content via REKT Podcast and eventually starting The Mint Condition in 2021.
Fast Forward: July 2021
Feeling stuck in a job I hated, there I was, going through the motions professionally while also thriving in the NFT space.
I was invited to a crypto/NFT retreat/party by Drew Austin to come a chat with the group about P2E gaming and Axie Infinity. The guest list was a “who’s who” of crypto OGs, and VCs. People who at the time, I felt I didn’t deserve to be in the same room as.
I HAD to get to this event. The problem? It was Tues-Thurs and I was scheduled to be in Pittsburgh selling diapers to a nursing home group.
My gut told me this was an opportunity I could not miss. Lucky for me, I have an extremely supportive wife, who told me to follow what I thought was right. So the Friday prior, I quit my job to free myself to attend. What happened next would change my life.
That day I met Adam Brotman and we hit it off instantly. We hung out for only 12 hours.
By the next week, we were in business together and are now through our company Forum3, we are working with a mission to onboard the next 100 million people into Web3.
Here’s what the last year has taught me.
1. Imposter Syndrome
It is real, and it can be debilitating at times. The second you stop asking “Why me?” and start asking “Why not me?” doors open.
2. Momentum is a Hell of a Drug
I spent many years doing things just because I was already doing them, and it was the easy thing to do. Having the courage to shake up your status quo from, “what is safe” to “what you truly want,” may be all you need to change your life.
3. Learn in Public
Learning in public can connect you to potentially hundreds of people that are interested in your topic or field.
It also establishes credibility when you can teach what you’ve learned. Sharing my Axie journey publicly is what got me invited to this event.
4. Your Network is Your Net Worth
Connections are priceless. Make as many as you can in a genuine way. Be vulnerable.
Slide into the DM.
Send that cold e-mail.
Ask for advice.
Make a friend.
The worst anyone can say is no!
5. Add Value to Others
Be generous with your time, and knowledge. Help connect others. Become a resource for people.
Make more deposits than withdrawals in people’s emotional bank account. It will all come back to you in spades eventually.
6. Do What You Love, and Do It Relentlessly
It’s a cliché for a reason. Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.
Your passion will become undeniable.
Your work will become play.
You will be happier.
7. Know What You Are, Know What You’re Not
I am NOT…
The smartest guy in any room.
The most technically knowledgeable.
I AM…
Resourceful AF.
Creative.
Great at connecting people and ideas.
Knowing your strengths and gaps will allow you to put together and surround yourself with great teams.
8. Stop Worrying About What The World Thinks
I can not tell you how many decisions I’ve made in my life because it was what I was “supposed” to do (school, jobs, etc.)
Being “normal” is a myth. Be unabashedly you. You’ll find your niche. Drown out the noise.
9. Comparisons Are Bullshit
Success looks different for everyone and comes at different times. Don’t worry about what others are doing.
Do what gives you pride in your own self worth. Comparison is the thief of joy!
10. Support System is EVERYTHING
Whether it’s family, a discord group, your friends, or a spouse; surround yourself with people that make tough decisions seem easy.
I had a new house, and a 6 month old when I quit. My wife was by my side rooting me on not holding me back.
11. Opportunity is Everywhere
We are blessed to live in a time when all you need is a an internet connection to do just about anything in the world. Once the blindfold is off it’s easy to see that opportunity is everywhere, and if you can’t find it, create it.
In Closing…
If this article resonates with you, please share! My DMs are open. Hopefully something from my experience can inspire you to shake things up, take a chance, make a connection.
Move yourself forward instead of staying stagnant. You might impress yourself!
