Entrepreneur, investor, founder of Chrono.tech - the first project that converts man-hours into currency value. Projects: LaborX.io Сhrono.tech TimeX.io You can find out more about me here: Instagram.com/sergeichrono
🇦🇪 Dubai's court recogned crypto as a valid salary. It is a big moment for those of us who’ve been advocating for crypto in everyday use.
For me, it signals a shift towards a more inclusive financial system where digital assets aren’t just speculative tools but real-world currency. This ruling also sets a precedent for other countries to follow.
For workers, especially in developing regions, this could open doors to new opportunities and fairer compensation. The UAE is showing that crypto isn't just a buzzword—it's becoming a legitimate part of our economic fabric.
🏆 If this trend continues, we might soon see crypto salaries becoming the norm rather than the exception.
🥷 It's alarming but not surprising that crypto criminals are back to targeting centralized exchanges, with over $1.5 billion stolen in just six months.
This shift from attacking DEXes highlights just how sophisticated these attackers have become. Some reports link this to North Korean hackers.
While CEXes are incredibly convenient for buying, selling, and trading, they aren't meant for long-term storage of your assets.
The best practice is to keep your crypto in a non-custodial or hardware wallet, where you have full control over your keys and your security. Everybody knows that, yet 8 out of 10 people still use hot wallets.
Exchanges should be seen as a tool, not a vault—let’s not give these criminals an easy target. Stay vigilant!
⚡ Back in the day, I used to power through 14+ hour workdays, thinking it was the key to success. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. All it did was lead to frequent burnouts and a serious need for more coffee.
These days, I’ve cracked the code. It’s all about mixing work with life throughout the day.
🧘♂️Take breaks, guys. Seriously. Go out and do the things you love, then go back to your laptop and continue. Don’t feel guilty. Your future self will thank you.
🌅 Today, I’ve been thinking a lot about developing countries. There are so many talented people out there who aren’t chasing some lofty dream—they’re focused on one thing: making ends meet.
When your daily grind determines whether your family has a decent dinner, the stakes are high. But for many, that’s just life.
I’ve lived in places where the minimum wage is less than $200 a month, and yet it's not even the lowest number globally. It’s truly humbling, and pushes me to work harder.
💪 That's why we aim to connect people with the global digital job market, giving them a chance to boost their quality of life.
📷 Kofi Bhavnani on Unsplash
🦂 Years ago, at a conference in Bangkok, I met someone from a project I’d been eyeing for ages. We were both newbies to the city and after the event decided to explore the local food scene. Of course, we ended up at a night market eating those surprisingly not-so-nasty fried scorpions.
Fast forward, and that evening led to a major deal that’s been a huge boost for both of our companies.
Now, every time I go to Bangkok, I think of that fun moment that opened many doors later.
So yeah, once again: networking isn’t just about handing out business cards—it’s about real connections and sharing experiences that stick.
🤌🏼 Go out there, have fun, and focus on creating bonds that last.
Photo by Streets of Food on Unsplash
🇺🇸 I’ve noticed more people getting O-1 visas lately, especially in the Web3 sector. This type of visa seems to be becoming very popular with those dreaming of making it to the States. A friend of mine just got one, which got me thinking about how many talented people are using this route.
For those who aren’t familiar, the O-1 visa is for people who are highly skilled in their field, like arts, tech, or business. It doesn't grant you a green card, but it allows you to work in the country temporarily if you’re at the top of your game.
🛣 Of course, you’ll need to prepare lots of proof you’re extraordinary, and the process might be lengthy but that’s almost always the case with relocating.
🤡 Alright, let's also debunk this one. While pretty funny, it's also wildly inaccurate—especially when it comes to overselling. In reality, a good BD pro knows that building sustainable partnerships is about trust, understanding, and value, not flashy one-liners and overhype.
And the idea that they get paid more than engineers? Well, let’s just say engineers can rest easy knowing their salaries aren’t getting snatched by a guy with a QR code lock screen.
☝️ A true BD’s job is to create meaningful connections and open doors, not just party and tweet.
💰 Speculation is a driving force in the early stages of any industry, whether we like it or not. The speculative nature attracts early investors, whom we really need for funding and advancing innovation at this nascent stage.
And all this buzz around crypto speculation is sparking growth and interest. While it gets criticized, this kind of excitement is needed to explore new ideas and technologies.
🌱 As the industry matures, so will the mindset of both investors and users, shifting towards sustainable growth and genuine value creation. For now, this mix of speculative and long-term investments is essential to propel the industry forward.
💭 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.
FUD ‼️ Monitoring Hamster situation… interesting.
Читать полностью…⛏️ Now, what about the 9 to 5 grind? Do you also feel like it’s an outdated concept that keeps us stuck in ineffective routines?
As for me, it's a recipe for endless formal emails, endless pointless meetings (not all of them, but many), and wasted time.
☝️ No wonder that, statistically, people only focus on work for 2–4 hours.
It’s time to rethink how we work. Flexibility and efficiency can lead to much better results than the rigid 9 to 5. Let’s ditch that outdated trap.
💸 It's wild how different minimum wages are around the world. In places like the US or UK, you often hear about annual salaries—a sense of stability you can count on. But in countries like, for example, Ghana, minimum wage is talked about in daily terms. And it’s shockingly low.
Imagine trying to plan your life, let alone save for the future, when your income fluctuates day by day. This lack of stability is a huge challenge, and it's something that needs to change.
⚖️ Everyone deserves a fair shot at a stable income, no matter where they live.
📸 Suraj Tomer on Unsplash
🇪🇺 Reflecting on the recent EU crypto scene, it’s clear: the region is all in on setting healthy boundaries and pushing their own stablecoins.
With tighter regulations that favor local players and impressive fintech products, Europe’s crypto game is getting stronger.
😏 And you might not need that US visa after all.
🤝 I used to believe networking was just about the number of contacts you made. Over time, I realized it’s more about the depth of those connections.
Some people won’t respond even if you offer them exactly what they need, while others will back your wildest ventures.
It’s all about the quality of the bond you’ve built—those shared experiences, whether it’s an afterparty at a crypto event or a team-building bungee jump.
💡 Networking can be time-consuming, but it’s also incredibly rewarding and effective when you focus on meaningful connections.
👾 Just noticed Rarible’s new orange logo—it’s giving off serious Rockstar Games vibes. Has anyone else noticed?
And speaking of Rockstar, when’s GTA6? The wait has been endless. t’s about time we get some news or at least a teaser to keep the excitement alive. Here’s hoping Rockstar drops something soon to end the suspense.
👔 While Twitter’s deciding who’s better, BD or DevRels, I’d say it’s a tie. Business developers drive growth, partnerships, and revenue, laying the foundation for expansion. But without a strong DevRel team to foster a thriving developer ecosystem, the potential of those business deals often falls short.
DevRel builds community trust and ensures product adoption, which is the backbone of long-term success.
🪙 They’re two sides of the same coin—both are essential to winning the game.
The victory comes when DevRel and BD know how to work together. Well, just like the rest of the team.
💣 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