10 Uncomfortable Truths About Getting Hired & Working in Crypto in 2025

At Blockchain Headhunter, we’ve helped 80+ crypto companies hire over 300 professionals since 2017 — from early-stage protocol teams to billion-dollar exchanges.

And after thousands of interviews, portfolio reviews, and hiring cycles, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the brutally honest side of the crypto jobs market.

If you’re trying to break into the industry (or level up), here are 10 uncomfortable truths you need to know:

1. Your degen portfolio doesn’t count as experience.

Just because you aped into early tokens or flipped NFTs in the last cycle doesn’t mean you’re qualified for a job. Trading isn’t building. Real roles require real output — product, strategy, partnerships, design, dev… not screenshots of past gains.

2. “Web3 passionate” isn’t a job qualification.

Everyone in crypto is “passionate.” What sets you apart is what you’ve actually done. Open-source contributions, DAO proposals, analytics dashboards, growth experiments — that’s the proof-of-work hiring managers are looking for.

3. Most “community manager” roles are underpaid and overhyped.

These roles often involve non-stop Discord babysitting, Telegram moderation, and zero strategic ownership. Many are hired fast and dropped even faster. If you’re aiming for growth or marketing, aim higher than being a glorified spam filter.

4. Remote ≠ total flexibility.

Yes, crypto is remote-first. But that doesn’t mean “work when you feel like it.” Most serious teams expect full-time effort, regular standups, and timezone overlap. Deliverables still matter. So does being available.

5. Anons hit a ceiling.

Being pseudonymous can be an asset in certain circles — but it limits your options. Leadership roles, partnerships, BD, compliance, and finance usually require trust, transparency, and identity. If you want real ownership or visibility, you’ll need to show your face.

6. You’re not early anymore.

The “we’re early” mantra worked in 2018. By 2025, it’s just an excuse. You’re competing with candidates who’ve been in the trenches — building protocols, launching tokens, surviving bear markets. If you’re just getting started, you need to hustle and learn fast.

7. Token compensation is a gamble.

Sure, it can moon. But it can also vanish. Token-heavy comp packages come with massive upside—and zero guarantees. Understand the vesting, liquidity, volatility, and real market cap before signing.

8. Most startups won’t survive the next bear.

Many teams are running on fumes. They’ve raised at inflated valuations, have little traction, and are just trying to ride the next narrative. Before you jump in, ask: Who’s on the cap table? What’s the runway? What happens if ETH drops 40%?

9. Crypto will burn you out if you let it.

It’s not just the price swings — it’s the culture. 24/7 chats, non-stop Discord pings, dopamine hits, and constant FOMO. Without boundaries, this space will chew you up and spit you out. Protect your time and energy.

10. Being a generalist isn’t enough anymore.

Early crypto hired hustlers who could do a bit of everything. But the bar has risen. Protocols want deep specialists — in ZK, DeFi, tokenomics, security, growth loops. If you’re a generalist, pick a lane and go deep.

Final Thoughts

These might sound harsh — but they’re true. The crypto job market has matured. It’s more competitive, more professional, and less forgiving than it used to be.

But for those who are serious, the opportunities are still massive.

👉 Explore & Apply for our open roles here 🚀 Hiring crypto natives? We can help you recruit the best. Fill out our contact form or DM our Founder Michael Shlayen on Linkedin or 

🧭 Need guidance breaking into the space — or leveling up your career? Check out our sister company Crypto Career