Working in web3 is like diving with great white sharks - thrilling, dangerous and unpredictable!

This last weekend I was lucky enough to dive with great white sharks through Shark Experience based out of Bluff.

We took a boat from Bluff through the rough Foveaux Strait and anchored up at the beautiful Northern TiTi Islands where we had our training. I was more scared of the training than seeing a shark! I think sharks are incredible, beautiful creatures that we should treasure, not vilify or be afraid of. Breathing underwater, now that felt very un-natural to me!

Here's a little video of me one of the sharks I saw. Mostly this shark just cruised around the boat and cage, attracted by the chum and of course us! According to shark diving expert Brian Skerry, it would be impossible to see great white sharks without some kind of bait.? There are different views on this topic that I won't get into today.

After one of the best experiences of my life I got thinking about work, of course.

In particular, the virtual world building we've been doing in web3 over the past few years when covid through us a curveball and our location-based VR work was put to the side for a bit.

It got me thinking about the very vocal opinions people have on web3, what I've learnt, and how hard and scary it's been for me personally doing work in this space. It's really been a bit like diving with great white sharks.

Here's a little break down on my thoughts.

1. The unknown made me feel nervous.?

At first, getting into a tank with sharks was overwhelming. I had to come back up to calm myself before I could get back in the tank. Like web3 there is a lot going on. So many terms to learn, scams and unknowns. New things can be scary and it's normal to feel fear.

Don’t rush. Take your time.

2. How did I learn to swim with sharks?

Find a regulator and learn to breathe like I did. You can always come back up for air.? This relates to Twitter, discord, and all the hectic hype that goes along with the web3 world.?

There are instructors who will help you. It took me 2 years to realize Discords can be VERY different places. I stayed in a cage for this dive. They are great whites after all....

Join safe communities in web3 that will support you. There are plenty of wonderful people in this space!

3. Yes you might get bitten by a shark

I had an expensive NFT stolen after I got my wallet hacked.

I felt distrust and shame. Everyone can track your wallets in blockchain so I had people questioning why I would sell when in fact I had fallen victim to a scam. It was an unpleasant time for me and a costly one. Do your due diligence and be careful.

Find those you can trust and follow their lead.?Here in NZ, there is a group of women working in web3 and we have our own discord group to share and learn with each other.

Be careful and take time to learn from others you trust.

4. You might discover creative beauty?you never knew existed

I’ve met many interesting talented creative people in web3. Those that love technology, entertainment, and exploring new territories. During SXSW and NFT NYC I was also lucky to meet lots of our community IRL. It's one of the best things about creating content. Meeting those that enjoy your work.

There are lots of people working in web3 interested in how we can use technology for good, how we can innovate, and make the world a better place.

There are incredible artists and fun projects. Get involved!

5. Taking the plunge into the unknown can be extremely rewarding

When I got the hang of breathing underwater through a regulator I was able to enjoy the most immersive experience I’ve ever had. The beauty of sharks is breathtaking. When we are brave and try new things, we learn and we can have incredible experiences.

If we stay in our safe zone we might just miss out on something exciting and beautiful.

6. Be brave. It’s worth trying things that scare you!

I’ve considered moving out of web3 and back to just making VR games where it's way less scary and I know the playbook.

But I haven’t yet. I want to keep challenging myself. I'm excited about where blockchain technology is going and I can see more great people working in this space. More good than bad! The gamified worlds our team are Beyond make me so proud. Plus, I still get to make and play VR games.

Be it web3 or trying something new. I encourage you to take up the challenge. Be bold. Either way, it will be an adventure, and isn't that what life is about?

I can't wait to go shark diving again, maybe next time no cages and different sharks....

Jessica

P.S Thanks to Anton for the trip and filming/editing the footage for me. Mike and the crew who were fantastic at what they do. They shared so much knowledge and insights into the history of the area and wildlife. I hope they receive future funding for shark research and education. If you'd like to know some of the discord channels and groups I am part of please send me a message on LinkedIn. I'm happy to share!