Hey there, crypto enthusiasts! If you’ve been following the blockchain space lately, you might have stumbled across a raw and honest thread on X from mary (@howdymerry). Posted on July 3, 2025, this thread dives deep into the struggles of working in the blockchain industry during what she calls a "brutal cycle." As someone who’s been around the block (pun intended) as a former editor-in-chief at CoinDesk and now at Meme Insider, I couldn’t help but dig into this topic. Let’s break it down and see what it means for blockchain practitioners like you.

The Harsh Reality of Blockchain Employment

Mary’s thread kicks off with a gut punch: working at a blockchain project in 2025 has been tough. She mentions hearing about employees leaving before hitting their one-year equity cliff—a term that refers to the point when employees can fully claim their earned stock or tokens. In the crypto world, equity often comes in the form of tokens, which are digital assets tied to a project’s value. But when those tokens tank or the project falters, it can feel like a personal betrayal.

She paints a picture of folks who believed in a project’s vision, only to be let down by founders and investors. It’s a sentiment that resonates if you’ve ever poured your heart into a startup, only to see it crumble. Mary’s not alone in this—replies in the thread, like one from Altcoin Sherpa, nod to the "abysmal" equity situation, balancing it with the high salaries that sometimes come with these roles.

Tokens and the Tide Going Out

One of Mary’s big takeaways? She’s skeptical about most tokens surviving beyond their initial token generation event (TGE), which is when a project first releases its tokens to the public. TGEs are like the crypto version of an IPO, but the hype often fades fast. She’s still bullish on "evergreen assets"—think established projects with staying power—but the fleeting nature of many tokens has made her hesitant to jump into full-time roles.

This ties into a broader trend we’re seeing in 2025. According to binariks.com, the blockchain hype cycle is shifting away from wild token speculation toward real infrastructure solutions. Mary’s experience hints at this pivot, with her shoutout to non-token infrastructure like Privy, Bridge, and Alchemy as winners in this cycle. These are tools and platforms that support blockchain tech without relying on volatile tokens.

The Emotional Toll

What really hits home is Mary’s reflection on feeling like she’s "wasted the best years of [her] life" on an industry that "never really existed." That’s a heavy statement, and it’s clear this cycle has taken an emotional toll. The "tide goes out" line—a nod to Warren Buffett’s famous quote about recessions revealing who’s swimming naked—suggests a reckoning in the blockchain space. When the market dips, shaky projects and unfulfilled promises get exposed.

Replies like CupOJoseph’s quip about holding onto OpenSea equity (a nod to the NFT marketplace’s ups and downs) and travis bickle0x’s fantasy hero escape plan show a mix of humor and despair. It’s a reminder that behind the tech, there are real people grappling with these shifts.

What This Means for Blockchain Practitioners

So, what can you take away from this? If you’re a blockchain developer, marketer, or enthusiast, Mary’s thread is a wake-up call. Here are a few thoughts:

• Diversify Your Bets: Relying solely on token-based equity might be risky. Look into roles with revenue-generating projects or infrastructure providers, as glennonchain suggests.
• Stay Grounded: The industry’s evolving beyond hype. Check out investopedia.com for insights on tokenized equity and how it’s changing fundraising—knowledge is your best defense.
• Mental Health Matters: Burnout is real. If you’re feeling like Mary, take a step back. Maybe even explore a side gig with meme tokens—our specialty at Meme Insider!

Looking Ahead

As we sit here on July 5, 2025, at 12:53 PM +07, the blockchain world is at a crossroads. Mary’s thread isn’t just a rant—it’s a mirror reflecting the industry’s growing pains. With trends like sustainability per ScienceDirect and enterprise adoption via binariks.com shaping the future, there’s hope. But it’ll take resilience to navigate this brutal cycle.

What do you think? Have you felt the sting of this cycle? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you. And if you’re curious about meme tokens or other blockchain trends, stick with Meme Insider for the latest scoops!