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A journey through crypto since 2017: lessons learned

Bull Market Lessons | A 2017 Crypto Journey Sparks Reflection

By

Rachel Lee

Nov 21, 2025, 07:33 PM

3 minutes needed to read

An illustration showing the ups and downs of cryptocurrency over time, featuring graphs of market fluctuations and a person reflecting on their investments.

A crypto enthusiast reflects on his rollercoaster experience since entering the market in 2017, revealing lessons learned and the emotional highs and lows that come with trading digital currency.

Early Success and Major Purchases

The journey began in 2017 during a euphoric bull run. With a modest investment, he focused on emerging coins like IOTA, TRON, and NEO, riding the wave of excitement. At one point, he owned 2 BTC, feeling on top of the world after selling them. He celebrated with a new Mini Cooper, furniture, and some savings. "I felt so happy and a winner," he said.

However, the euphoria came crashing down when the market dipped sharply. The panic on various forums painted a bleak picture, reminding him of the emotional weight of investments.

Rethinking Strategies as Time Passes

He now reflects on those decisions and warns against selling too soon. "Don’t sell cheap. I’m buying again," he stated, emphasizing a strategy shift at age 55.

With his current goal of keeping newly purchased BTC for a decade, he hopes to secure a comfortable retirement. This approach has sparked conversations among peers and on forums about investment strategies and timing the market effectively.

User Reactions: Insights and Experiences

Responses from the community reveal a variety of sentiments:

  • Some commenters highlight the peaks of cryptocurrencies and question the feasibility of retiring on just 2 BTC. "Retire on 2 BTC?" one user exclaimed, prompting a lively debate.

  • Others advised holding onto investments longer and investing profits instead of splurging on luxuries.

  • Several echoed this sentiment, opting to focus solely on BTC. "I just buy BTC now. I've seen enough," remarked one user.

Key Insights from the Community

  • β—‰ "The key mistake was spending money instead of reinvesting it"β€”a common theme among experienced traders.

  • β—‰ "If you’re in crypto, be responsible. Don't invest more than you can afford to lose"β€”participants emphasize caution.

  • β—‰ "Bear markets can be an opportunity, not just a setback"β€”highlighting the potential for future gains.

Closing Thoughts

Users seem optimistic about the future value of BTC with many holding a long-term view. The conversation is shifting toward patience and strategy rather than short-term wins.

Final Note

With the volatility of the crypto world ever-present, the journey of investing is a learning experience. As one community member stated, "Just chill. Remember my history. It took me 10 years of freedom." Operator's lesson: stick with what you believe and have a plan.

Future Market Trends

As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, there's a strong probability that Bitcoin will stabilize around its current price as more people recognize its value amid ongoing volatility. Experts estimate around a 60% chance that significant market players will look to capitalize on future bear cycles, enhancing their long-term positions rather than making impulsive decisions. This shift is expected to occur as more seasoned traders emerge, emphasizing patience in an otherwise erratic investment space. With renewed focus on regulatory frameworks, even a modest regulatory agreement could spur increased institutional interest in cryptocurrencies, which may elevate Bitcoin's status further.

Drawing Parallels with the Dot-Com Boom

Reflecting on the crypto market's twists and turns resembles the tumultuous rise and fall of the dot-com boom in the late '90s. Similar to many investors who threw caution to the wind during that era, today's crypto enthusiasts have experienced both manic highs and disheartening lows. Just as many promising tech companies faded out after initial surges, a handful of digital currencies will likely endure, forging a path for lasting innovation. Those who maintained their investments in robust tech names back then, despite skepticism, discovered that patience was often rewardedβ€”a lesson current traders in the crypto scene would do well to embrace.