From Nothing to Bitcoin: A Common Man’s Journey Through the Crypto Jungle

in 2017, I was just another struggling young man working long shifts in a grocery store in Karachi, Pakistan, barely making enough to support my family. I had no technical background, no financial degree, and honestly, no idea how to escape the cycle of earning and spending without saving. But one day, while scrolling through YouTube during my tea break, I came across a video titled “What is Bitcoin?”. That 10-minute video would unknowingly become the turning point of my life.

I didn’t understand much at first. Blockchain? Mining? Wallets? These were all foreign words to me. But something inside me sparked. That night, I stayed awake researching more about Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. I realized that this wasn’t just some digital fantasy—it was a real market, with real people making real money. But there were also many scams. The line between opportunity and trap was very thin. I knew if I wanted to take this seriously, I had to learn before I leap.

I started watching every educational video I could find—Binance tutorials, technical analysis for beginners, blockchain explained in Urdu—you name it, I watched it. After a month, I finally created a free crypto wallet and signed up on a small local exchange with just Rs. 5000 (roughly $30). I didn’t expect miracles, but I wanted to test the waters.

My first investment was in Litecoin (LTC) because it was cheap compared to Bitcoin and people were talking about it. I held it for two months, and to my surprise, it doubled in value. I sold it and reinvested in Cardano (ADA), and then tried my luck with Dogecoin when it was under 1 rupee. I didn't become rich overnight, but I started learning a valuable lesson: in crypto, patience and information are power.

Soon I was following crypto news daily, joining Telegram groups, listening to Twitter/X spaces, and even reading whitepapers of new projects. I learned that hype plays a massive role in short-term gains, while strong fundamentals drive long-term success. I diversified my portfolio across altcoins, stablecoins, and held some BTC and ETH for long-term safety.

In 2020, when the COVID lockdowns hit, I lost my part-time job, but thankfully by then, I had already made a few thousand dollars through crypto trading and staking. I converted some profit to PKR and helped my parents renovate the house. That’s when they finally understood that this ‘online thing’ I was doing wasn’t a scam.

But it wasn’t always smooth. In mid-2021, I invested in a meme coin called Squid Game Token without proper research, and it rug-pulled. I lost $500 in minutes. That experience taught me to never follow the crowd blindly. Every project must be researched: Who is behind it? Is the team doxxed? Is there utility or just hype?

Eventually, I found safer ways to grow. I started staking my Ethereum on trusted platforms and earning passive income. I also learned futures trading—but only after practicing on demo accounts for months. I knew one wrong trade could wipe my gains, so I took it seriously. Slow growth was better than fast loss.

By 2022, I started a small YouTube channel in Urdu to teach others what I had learned. My goal wasn’t to show off but to educate. I showed my wallet transparently, shared my mistakes, and explained how risk management is more important than profit. People began trusting me, and some even sent tips in crypto.

Today in 2025, I’m not a millionaire, but I earn a stable monthly income through crypto staking, affiliate commissions, and some smart trades. I no longer work a 9–5 job, and I’m able to spend more time with my family and help others learn. Crypto changed my life—not because of luck, but because of constant learning, discipline, and the courage to try.

If someone asks me how to make money in crypto, my advice is simple: Don't just invest money—invest time in understanding the system. Learn before you earn. Be patient. Don’t fall for hype. Protect your capital more than your dreams. Crypto is not a shortcut—it’s a new path, and if you walk it wisely, it can lead to financial freedom.