Introduction
It began in 2020, in the middle of a global lockdown. Like many people stuck at home, I spent a lot of time on the internet—yet unlike most, I found myself buried not just in streaming shows or social media but in a fascinating (and at times overwhelming) world called crypto. The technology behind these digital assets captured my imagination, and the thrill of trading gripped me in a way I had never experienced before.
By day, I was supposed to be finishing my final year at university. By night (and sometimes well into the morning), I was checking charts, learning about blockchain, hopping into Telegram groups, and staying glued to market movements. Looking back, I realise crypto had become more than a hobby—it was an obsession. And as I eventually learned, every obsession comes with a price.
The Early Obsession
My first taste of crypto was electric. I loved everything about it:
- Community Frenzy: Telegram chats that moved a mile a minute, filled with memes, rumours, and breathless excitement.
- Mind-Bending Tech: Medium articles and AMAs about decentralisation, smart contracts, and layer-2 solutions—half of which I barely understood, but all of which felt revolutionary.
- Trading Thrills: The euphoric highs of making quick profits, balanced painfully by the lows of sudden losses.
While my dissertation fell by the wayside, I was diving headfirst into a new passion. Even when I started a postgraduate job, I’d check charts during my lunch break—my mind was never far from the next coin that might skyrocket or the tweet that might send prices tumbling.
Going Full-Time in Crypto
A year later, I decided to make the leap: a full-time career in crypto. The timing felt perfect. In 2021, markets were largely bullish, new projects were popping up daily, and opportunities were abundant. Being paid to do what I loved felt like a dream come true.
But with that success came a new kind of stress:
- Constant Chart-Watching: I went from checking prices a few times a day to studying 1-minute charts, fixating on every micro-move.
- Emotional Turmoil: Each time a token dipped, it felt like a punch to the gut, like my entire day had been ruined in seconds.
- Late-Night Anxiety: I’d wake up at random hours—2 a.m. or 5 a.m.—just to see if there had been a sudden price drop or rally.
What started as thrilling became nerve-wracking. And soon enough, the relentless 24/7 nature of crypto took its toll.
The Burnout
By 2022, I was physically and mentally exhausted. When the crypto market began crashing, my enthusiasm turned to apathy. I stopped reading charts and articles, and I tuned out the AMAs I once loved. The forums and Telegram groups that had energised me became sources of resentment.
Why? A big part was the loss of profitability—suddenly, the quick wins and bull market mania were gone. But it was also the realisation that I had poured so much energy and emotion into this world that I had little left for anything else. Lack of sleep, constant worry, and the emotional yo-yo of big gains and bigger losses had sapped my joy.
Finding Balance
It was around this low point that I understood something crucial: you can be passionate about crypto—or any job or hobby—and still balance the other parts of your life. Passion and balance aren’t mutually exclusive; in fact, combining them is essential for long-term sustainability. Here’s what I learned:
- Prioritise Rest and Personal Life
- Set firm boundaries around when to stop checking charts.
- Reconnect with friends and family; share non-crypto experiences that help restore your mental energy.
- Embrace the Learning Curve
- The blockchain ecosystem is constantly evolving, and no one can keep up with every update and project. That’s part of the thrill, but it’s also a reality check: progress isn’t linear, and neither are market cycles.
- Accept Red Days and Green Days
- Volatility is the nature of crypto. There will be market swings, and it’s important not to let those chart fluctuations dictate your emotional well-being.
- Practice a mindset of “win some, lose some” and focus on the long-term vision of the technology rather than daily price moves.
- Remember Your ‘Why’
- When you’re consumed by price action, it’s easy to forget what drew you in initially—maybe it was the idea of decentralised finance, a fairer financial system, or the community spirit.
- Revisit those core motivations. They can act like a compass when the market storms roll in.
- Keep It Fun
- Crypto started for you as something fascinating and inspiring. If it stops being that, it’s time to reassess.
- Incorporate hobbies that have nothing to do with trading. It gives your brain time to rest and reignites your appreciation for crypto when you come back to it.
The Takeaway
Today, I still work in crypto—and I still believe in its potential to reshape industries. But I’ve learned a key lesson: sometimes, the smartest move in a 24/7 market is to log off.
If you find yourself checking your portfolio at 3 a.m. or feeling your stomach drop at every dip, you might be heading for burnout. Take a step back. Give yourself permission to read about something non-crypto, enjoy time with friends, or simply sit in silence with no phone in sight. In the end, crypto isn’t going anywhere, and the projects you believe in will still be there tomorrow.
Balance is the real key to longevity—both in your career and in your mental health. When you strike that balance, you get the best of both worlds: you remain excited about the future of blockchain and digital assets, but you also keep a healthy relationship with the rest of your life. Because remember, you’re watching a new industry grow before your eyes, and that’s a privilege. Just make sure it’s not the only thing you see.
Final Word
Crypto can be all-consuming, but it doesn’t have to devour you. By consciously managing screen time, setting realistic expectations, and nurturing a life beyond the charts, you’ll find yourself thriving in the midst of the volatility. And with another bull run on the horizon, you’ll be ready to enjoy the ride—without losing yourself in the process.
