Some of smartest web3 engineers I know are ditching startup equity for consulting. Here's why this shift is happening and what it means for your career 🧵

Head of Talent @ @lazertech formerly @foundation / @rodeodotclub , Twitter, Kickstarter, Tumblr 🏳️‍🌈
(thebc12.base.eth)

Consulting = getting paid to learn across multiple protocols. While startup engineers become Solana experts, consultants become protocol-agnostic architects working on DeFi, NFTs, supply chain, and gaming—all in the same year.

It's not startup vs consulting—it's concentrated bet vs diversified portfolio. Both can be rewarding, but consulting gives you optionality. You're building expertise that works whether you start a company, join as CTO, or stay independent.

Bear market reality: 26K+ web3 jobs lost in 2022. Consulting firms maintained 90%+ retention because they serve multiple sectors. When DeFi startups lay off, enterprise clients increase blockchain budgets.

Your network compounds differently. Startup engineers know 50 people well. Consulting engineers know 500 people professionally. Every 3-month project = new relationships with CTOs and technical leaders across industries.