1. Growth, and More Growth
1-1. Striving to Grow as an In-House FE Developer
While working on Web3 development, I focused on improving 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-taught React and clean architecture principles, taking on responsibilities 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 accept my career as part of 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 experts in the same field.
I reflected on transactional relationship dynamics. Recognizing my tendency to prioritize connections with people I could learn from, I remembered the mentors who helped me early in my career. I resolved to become someone who could offer genuine growth opportunities to others, not just extract value.
1-3. Introducing Myself - Writing
I finally started a blog. I connected it to Notion to make writing more accessible. Over 3 months, I published 9 posts and set a goal to increase my writing volume. I rewrote my resume and organized my personal introduction: "I aim to become an interface that beautifully connects humans and technology."
While the blog infrastructure needs optimization, I plan to continue content creation while gradually improving it.
1-4. Bvent and Hackathons
During the summer 2022 blockchain conference season, I led frontend development for BVENT—a blockchain conference review platform. In a larger team including designers and planners, I focused on technical product development instead of managing multiple roles.
The team designed token reward systems and community features but faced market challenges. While we attracted initial interest through the Web3 Korea community, we couldn't gain sufficient traction. After MVP concept validation, we decided to discontinue the project. I learned that successful Web3 projects need to build a community base 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 US deepened my appreciation for Silicon Valley as a future career destination.
Military Training
I completed military service training in April. The 3-week experience provided unexpected benefits—I brought 7 books and finished them all within days. I discovered that when the environment supports deep work, time and focus become 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 I increasingly disagreed with the direction. I believed successful businesses solve genuine user needs rather than just 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 their leadership book "Extraordinary Challenge," I resonated with their vision of personal ownership and rapid impact. Despite economic uncertainty, my colleagues were generous with their support.
Toss's interview process impressed me with its smoothness. "It seemed like my genuine passion for the company came through." I received an offer 2 hours after the final interview and joined in December 2022.
Closing Thoughts
2022 was a year of contemplating 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'll pursue impactful work with greater focus. "Never gonna stop."