1. Growth, and More Growth
1-1. Striving to Grow as an In-House Frontend Developer
Working in Web3 development, I aimed to improve user experience. At a resource-constrained startup, I simultaneously managed multiple projects as both a developer and product owner, learning perseverance while navigating legacy codebases. I self-studied React and clean architecture principles, taking on my role decisively even without formal mentorship.
I realized that truly meaningful work requires long-term, deep immersion. Rather than separating work and life, I sought to embrace my career as part of my life's purpose.
1-2. Maintaining Constructive Relationships
Throughout 2022, I observed changes in my relationship patterns. My calendar showed fewer social gatherings, and I began evaluating the opportunity cost of time. While worried about losing communication skills, I actively networked with professionals in the same field.
I contemplated transactional relationship dynamics. Recognizing my tendency to prioritize connections with people I could learn from, I recalled mentors who helped me early in my career. I resolved to become someone who could provide genuine growth opportunities to others, rather than simply extracting value.
1-3. Introducing Myself - Writing
I finally started blogging. I connected Notion to make writing more accessible. Over three months, I published 9 posts and set a goal to increase my writing output. I rewrote my resume and organized my personal introduction: "I aim to be an interface that beautifully connects humans and technology."
While my blog infrastructure needs optimization, I plan to continue content creation and improve gradually.
1-4. Bvent and Hackathons
During the summer 2022 blockchain conference season, I led frontend development for BVENT—a blockchain conference review platform. Working in a larger team that included designers and planners, I focused on technical product development instead of managing multiple roles.
The team designed a token reward system and community features but faced market challenges. We attracted initial interest through the Web3 Korea community but couldn't gain sufficient traction. After MVP concept validation, we decided to discontinue the project. I learned that successful Web3 projects must build a community foundation before product development.
2. New Experiences in Unfamiliar Places
In Denver, USA
In February 2022, I traveled to Denver for business. I attended events like ETHDenver and CES. Spending a month in the United States deepened my appreciation for Silicon Valley as a future career destination.
Military Training
I completed my military service training in April. The three-week experience provided unexpected benefits—I brought seven books and finished them within days. I discovered that when the environment supports deep work, time and focus are relative. This period enabled reflection on career direction and personal growth.
3. New Job
3-1. Why I Decided to Change Jobs
My first company excelled at exploring Web3 trends, but our differences in direction grew increasingly significant. I believed that successful businesses solve genuine user needs rather than merely demonstrating technical possibilities. This philosophical misalignment motivated my job change.
3-2. Choosing a Company
I targeted Toss, a fintech company that "obsesses over user experience." After reading the leadership book "Extraordinary Challenge," I resonated with their vision of personal ownership and rapid impact. Despite economic uncertainty, my colleagues provided unwavering support.
I was amazed by the smoothness of Toss's interview process. "I think your genuine passion for the company came through." I received an offer two hours after the final interview and joined in December 2022.
In Closing
2022 was a year of contemplation about competing values and personal direction. While I'm not certain I achieved all my initial goals, I recognize meaningful growth in technical depth, professional relationships, and self-understanding.
In 2023, I will pursue impactful work with greater focus. "Never gonna stop."