2022 was a year where the crypto industry faced a number of challenges. The market went to shit, scammers got caught, and everyone lost money. While this difficult period was no doubt trying for many, it also provided an opportunity for reflection and a chance to reassess the problems that we are trying to solve.
There is a silver lining though.
Looking towards 2023, it is clear that this year will be marked by progress, as founders and innovators refocus their efforts on solving real-world problems and driving meaningful change. With the increasing adoption of blockchain, the future looks bright for those who are willing to embrace change and look towards a more hopeful future.
When I started Salad with my co-Founder Wesley 2 years ago, we were intrigued by the concept of “Play-To-Earn”. Is it really possible that “work” and “play” is now co-mingled?
How will work evolve in the future with the mass adoption of blockchain technologies?
The future of work is a nebulous concept, encompassing the various ways in which technology, societal trends, and other factors may shape the way we work in the coming years. As the world continues to evolve at an ever-accelerating pace, it's more important than ever that we consider the potential impacts on the way we earn a living and contribute to society.
The future of work is already upon us, and those who fail to consider its implications do so at their own peril. Microtask platforms, for example, represent a new way of organizing work and distributing tasks, with the potential to revolutionize the way we think about employment. It's crucial that we stay informed about these developments and their potential impacts on the job market, so that we can be proactive in preparing for the future.
The rise of automation and artificial intelligence is one of the most transformative developments in the history of work. As machines become increasingly capable of performing tasks that were once the exclusive domain of humans (hello ChatGPT), it's important that we consider the implications for the workforce.
The proliferation of remote work and virtual collaboration is another trend that is reshaping the way we work. With the right tools and infrastructure, it's possible for people to work from anywhere in the world, breaking down traditional barriers of geography. This has the potential to increase flexibility and accessibility, but it also introduces new challenges, such as the need for effective communication and collaboration across distances.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and globalized, it's likely that we will see increased competition on the job market. With the ability to outsource jobs to lower-cost countries and access a global pool of talent, businesses will have more options when it comes to finding the best workers for the job. This can be a double-edged sword, as it can lead to increased efficiency and cost savings, but it also has the potential to put pressure on workers in developed countries who may struggle to compete with their counterparts in other parts of the world.
On the flip side, globalization also has the potential to create new job opportunities in emerging markets, including in the Web3 space. As technology moves towards the blockchain, it's likely that the skills needed for the workforce will change as well.
In order to stay competitive and relevant in the workforce, it's important that we embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and continuous improvement. This may involve re-skilling and retraining to meet the changing demands of the job market, or simply staying up-to-date with the latest developments in our field.
That’s what we are doing at Apollo Academy.
In an era of rapid change, it's crucial that we cultivate adaptability and creativity in order to thrive in the workforce. These skills will not only help us navigate the challenges that come our way, but also allow us to identify and seize new opportunities as they arise. Whether through formal education or more informal learning opportunities, it's important that we prioritize the development of these skills.
It’s not all a bed of roses though.
As technology continues to advance, it's likely that some jobs will become automated or otherwise obsolete. While this can lead to increased efficiency and cost savings, it also has the potential to displace human workers. It's important that we consider the impacts of these developments on the job market and take steps to mitigate any negative effects.
On the flip side, technological advances also have the potential to create entirely new industries and job opportunities. It's important that we stay attuned to these developments and ensure that we are prepared to take advantage of the opportunities they present.
We are starting to see more and more earning opportunities in the Web3 space that we believe will be the next “play-to-earn”, but this time, sustained by real demand (read: not a ponzi).
A topic of interest at Salad is that of microtasks. Microtask platforms offer a new way of organizing work and distributing tasks, with the potential to increase efficiency and reduce costs for businesses. By breaking down larger projects into smaller, discrete tasks and allowing them to be completed by a distributed workforce, microtask platforms can increase the speed and efficiency of workflows.
A decentralised, web3-native workforce is already here. They just need to be organised, just like how scholars were organised by guilds in the past.
In addition to their potential benefits for businesses, microtask platforms also offer flexible and accessible employment opportunities for workers. By allowing people to work on their own schedule and from any location, microtask platforms can increase accessibility and provide new opportunities for those who may not have been able to participate in the traditional job market.
This is exactly the same as when play-to-earn provided a livelihood for millions of people around the world, especially in emerging Asia and Latin America.
While the future of work may be uncertain, there is also great potential for a positive outcome if we adapt and embrace change. By staying informed, developing the right skills, and investing in the right infrastructure projects, we can position ourselves to thrive in the face of the changes that are coming our way.
As we look to the future of work, it's important that we consider the potential impacts on all stakeholders, including workers, businesses, and investors. By taking a holistic and inclusive approach, we can ensure that the benefits of technological progress and the changing nature of work are balanced with the needs of all parties.
If this is a problem you’re also working on, let’s collaborate. If you’re an investor looking to invest in Web3 and the future of work, we have a strategic token round currently open to build this future.
Reach out by replying to this newsletter.