Why I Quit My Job To Go All In On Web3
PoolTogether Community Interview #13: Anne_O
We hope you are enjoying the New Year.
We have had some great wins and APY enjoyed by people using PoolTogether v4 so hope you are also able to or will benefit from this.
Today, we have a special PT Community Interview with someone who in just 3-4 weeks with the PT Community has already made a major difference to the protocol with her work looking at our NFT and Marketing Strategies: Anne_O
Tell us a bit about yourself. Describe yourself in a few words/facts:
I am a rule follower - a planner, someone who’s always opted for the “traditional path” and didn’t question it. That’s why leaving all that behind to join the crypto community has been a real thrill for me. I’m 100% out of my comfort zone and I’m having so much fun. As a marketer, it’s an exciting time to jump into crypto and Web 3 since there is so much to build and create!
Why did you decide to quit your job?
I had an amazing conversation with an incredible woman at Liscon and she was telling me how women -typically- aren't encouraged to take risks compared to men and that from a young age. You know boys will receive crazy, dare-devil, adrenaline-type games where girls will play with non-risk-type toys.
That conversation switched my perspective. I wanted to take part in the creative and growing Web 3 space and I decided to do so I needed to jump all in. I could have managed a full-time job and do my research during nights and weekends, but I wanted to do it this way. I wanted, for once, to take a risk!
What are you hoping to do or achieve within the crypto/Web3 space?
On a personal note, I want to find a passion project. Right now, everything is interesting and I want to learn about it all. I'm not sure where I quite fit in just yet, but I'm excited to find out!
On a bigger picture note, I want to find a way to onboard friends more easily. If you don't have a finance background it can be overwhelming. NFTs have been a great tool for opening the space to newcomers with new skills: creators, artist, musicians, and for people who want to buy & participate.
What interests you the most about crypto and Web3? Why?
I would say the potential behind NFTs and gaming. Referring back to that last question, I think that both of these things will help mass adoption of Web 3 and crypto.
How long have you been into crypto?
I’ve known about crypto for about 3 years, I had bought some Ethereum & Bitcoin on an exchange platform but didn’t do anything with it. I started getting more interested in September 2020, ordered a Ledger, opened a Metamask wallet and played a little with it. When I truly took the plunge was in October 2021, I went to Liscon and decided to quit my advertising job to learn more about Web 3 and try it out.
Do you want to tell us about the main lessons you have learned since then?
If I could give one piece of advice to newcomers and women joining the space: Ask Questions! It’s so simple, but it’s something I learned to do earlier on and it's helped me tons.
Everyone has imposter syndrome and the learning curve is huge, so don’t be afraid to stop a conversation and ask away. No one knows it all in crypto, and if they say they do, they are full of S***.
The second thing I learned is the flip side of Ask Questions: Give Back ! Onboard friends, reach out, try to help, share the knowledge and answer questions
What was your best crypto moment?
It’s going to sound cheesy, but it’s truly the community. I was going to Liscon as a mogul with little interest in the space but I came out with the will and passion to become a Wizzard!
I was so amazed by the inclusive crowd and I could feel the excitement in the air. An excitement I hadn’t felt in my traditional advertising job for many years (an industry that is far from its glory years).
Tell us more about your experiences at Liscon.
So I had two weeks vacation to take, and my SO wanted to go to Liscon.. I was a little bummed that our “romantic” vacation had to incorporate 2 days of crypto talk. After the first meet-up, I was just amazed at how open and passionate every single person I met was.
I could just see all the opportunities and possibilities surrounding this space- that being said I truly didn't understand all of it and I still don't- but all of that excited me!
Long story short, I ended up being the one dragging him to go to the cocktail hours to meet more people, to the parties and the conferences.
What else stood out to you during your time there and any other interesting lessons and insights you would like to share
It's hard for me to say, It was my first crypto conference and everything was new to me. It was like a Bootcamp 101 on Defi/ Crypto / NFts / Web 3.
I guess my advice to someone starting out is to try and go to one of these events in person, the internet is a magical place, but there's just a different and beautiful energy when meeting IRL!
And your biggest fail?
When I forgot my password on my Ledger and had to enter one by one the seed phrase. Never making that mistake again. Other than that, yes I’ve made mistakes, not invested where I should have or bought a crappy NFT, but I consider this all part of the learning experience.
How did you find out about PoolTogether?
I found out about PoolTogether in the most fun way, throughout a few parties in Lisbon. I truly got to meet the team over a Francesinha, Porto’s famous sandwich. Again my imposter syndrome kicked in: What will I talk about with this group of Crypto guys?
Looking back, I had nothing to be nervous about. The team was so patient in explaining the protocol and answering all my newbie questions. It was a great night and I’m looking forward to meeting again in person with them!
What made you stick around?
I just started - not even 3 weeks ago- but I intend to stick around! The idea behind PoolTogether is brilliant and the community is awesome. So you could say I am staying because I believe in the project and I get to make friends along the way.
How are you involved in the community? Tell us about it.
It started in early December when Leighton asked me to develop an NFT Strategy for the users. Since then, I’ve participated in a few meetings for the Marketing Working Group and helped where I could.
Would you recommend PoolTogether to others? How would you describe it to them?
Absolutely. It’s a no-brainer! It’s truly a win-win, you get to learn without the risk.
I would describe it as a way for people to dip their toes and be a part of a community with the flexibility to invest the amount they want and leave when they want.
I would describe it as a way for people to dip their toes and be a part of a community with the flexibility to invest the amount they want and leave when they want.
Are you involved in any other projects or communities?
As of today no. But looking forward to finding other great projects
We hope you enjoyed today’s inspiring and fun interview. Please join our PT Community Call today at 2.45pm EST on the Official PT Discord.
We will be back on Sunday with our detailed PT Community Newsletter.