Wang Yue's story is quite typical. In 2023, he first interned at a venture capital firm, coming into contact with a batch of Web3 projects. He then joined a Web3 company, officially stepping into this circle. Logically, this should be the "ideal start" for many of his peers: catching the wave, entering a new industry, and being exposed to cutting-edge developments.
However, at the end of July this year, he suddenly resigned and turned to start a foreign trade business. His friends were initially surprised, as the development space for Web3 was still there; why did he leave so suddenly?
His answer was particularly sincere:
This statement resonated with many people. Trading cryptocurrencies is, at its core, high-risk and unpredictable; you might think you're making money, but in the next moment, the market could turn against you, and you could lose everything. In contrast, while foreign trade is hard work, at least the logic is simple: if you invest time and energy, you can see orders and profits. It is more "controllable" and more solid.
Wang Yue did not completely sever ties with Web3; he just wasn't as obsessed. He positioned himself more realistically: Web3 is not the only choice in life.
Another story's protagonist is called Taozi. She studied at Zhejiang University and joined a blockchain student organization during her undergraduate years, also interning at some Web3 projects. Logically, she already had a pretty good starting point.
But upon graduation, she chose a different path: returning to her hometown to become a civil servant.
From the perspective of traditional "success" standards, this might seem "not ambitious enough." But she herself speaks of it very lightly:
She views this experience as a life experience rather than a path she must continue on. She still makes some small investments in Web3 but does not consider it her "main business." In her view, a stable life and controllable pace are the most important.
The term "experiential faction" is very interesting. It reflects a mindset that is no longer bound by industry jargon: life does not have to revolve around a specific track, and one does not have to prove their worth through Web3.
In addition to completely leaving or fading out, some people choose to "have both."
For example, Dahe. He studied in Beijing for his undergraduate degree and went to the United States for his master's. After graduation, he returned to China and joined a Web3 company with a salary exceeding ten thousand, considered a "dream job" for many young people. He himself admits: "I want to make some money while I'm young, and when the bear market comes, I'll take the civil service exam."
This is a typical "sitting on the fence" attitude: using Web3 for short-term gains but already preparing a backup plan for himself.
This mindset is actually quite common. On one hand, everyone knows that the risks of Web3 are too high; today you might be thriving, but tomorrow you could go to zero. On the other hand, stable and secure careers (like civil service or state-owned enterprises) provide a strong sense of security. Thus, many young people choose to "make a quick buck and then find a stable position to settle down."
Having shared several stories, the underlying logic actually has commonalities.
First, the gap between ideals and reality. Many people enter the circle with slogans like "change the world" and "build a new order." But they quickly find that most people in the industry are more concerned about money. Idealism cannot withstand market fluctuations, and reality quickly slaps you in the face.
Second, the uncertainty of the industry. The pace of Web3 is too fast; projects can rise or fall overnight. Today you might raise millions, and tomorrow you could be gone. For young people who have just graduated, this uncertainty means long-term anxiety. In contrast, stable career paths (civil service, state-owned enterprises, traditional industries) are clearly more reassuring.
Third, the misalignment of value perception. Wang Yue says "more suited to doing practical things," while Taozi says "life is greater than work." They are both emphasizing one point: they feel a lack of value in Web3. You might be busy every day, but much of your effort ultimately just leads to repeated "zeroing out," which gradually erodes confidence.
Interestingly, if these stories were placed a few years ago, they would likely be labeled as "conservative" or "not ambitious enough." But today, they seem quite mature.
Because from another perspective, these post-00s are actually making active choices:
Some want a more controllable career, so they go into foreign trade;
Some want a stable life, so they become civil servants;
Some want to take a chance while young but also leave a backup plan.
This is not blind escape but a rational weighing of options.
After all, life is not equal to work, and work is not equal to industry. No matter how lively Web3 is, it is just one option in life, not everything.
There is a sentence in the article that left a deep impression on me:
This sounds a bit self-deprecating, but behind it is actually a sense of clarity. A clear recognition that one has no advantage in this industry, and a clear judgment of where they can better realize their value.
Another golden quote is from Taozi:
This is like a gentle reminder: no matter how big the opportunity or how many temptations there are, don't forget that life is the foundation.
So perhaps we should let go of the "black and white" thinking—leaving the crypto circle is not a failure, and staying does not necessarily mean success. The choice itself is the most authentic answer for this generation of young people.
Related: Hello, I am a crypto manager
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