Soon I'll hit 5 years in Web3 security. This is for everyone just starting out in the space: - people are making $100k+ from reporting a single bug. the opportunities are insane, but it's NOT easy money - become a nerd. literally. read code, break things, put in the hours - learn to negotiate. being great at finding bugs doesn't automatically mean you'll be great at getting paid - be disciplined. it takes years to become genuinely good at this - stay curious. never stop asking WHY and HOW things work - start by finding smaller bugs. learn to walk before chasing Criticals - be patient. skills, reputation and money don't come overnight - adapt fast. this industry looks nothing like it did 4 years ago - embrace new technologies, especially AI. learn to use them instead of dismissing them - surround yourself with smart, like-minded people. you'll learn things no course can teach you - stay up to date with exploits, research and everything happening in the space - learn to sell yourself. your skills mean less if nobody knows about them - build your personal brand. a good reputation opens doors you didn't even know existed - understand what creates REAL value - celebrate your wins, but don't get too comfortable. take a day off, then get back to work - respect other whitehats and builders. there's always something you can learn from them - help people without expecting anything in return. you'll be surprised where it leads - long-term relationships > short-term benefit - be careful what you click. even security researchers get hacked - never think you've learned enough. the moment you stop improving, you're falling behind - enjoy the process. this space is so crazy that it's almost impossible to get bored