Transitioning from freelancing in the ever-evolving world of web3 to a full-time role at Microsoft has been a significant shift in my career. Moving from the flexibility of freelancing to working within a large organisation like Microsoft has brought new experiences and insights.

Two months into this role, I've already accumulated solid enough experience and lessons to share.

Charting the unknowns

Prior to Microsoft, my journey was deeply rooted in web3—a realm defined by decentralisation and cryptocurrency. To put it simply, it was freelancing, though that term doesn’t quite capture the full essence of what I did. I refer to it as freelancing because it’s a term that resonates with those in traditional careers, but the reality was far more complex and uncharted. There’s no set path, no map to guide you through.

The freelancing landscape is familiar to most, but the domain I chose (web3), and the unique steps required to succeed in it, set my experience apart. The past three to four years have been incredibly rewarding, filled with growth, income, diverse projects, and invaluable connections. There’s enough to say that it could fill an entire article of its own, but for now, I’ll keep this focused.

I’ve written extensively about my previous work and lifestyle in the below articles if you’re curious to dive deeper into that world.

Why the Career Shift?

While freelancing had its benefits, particularly in terms of flexibility and freedom, it became clear to me that it wasn’t widely recognised in India, especially within my local network of people, relatives, and communities. Despite the innovative work I was doing in the web3 space, it was often difficult to convey its significance to those unfamiliar with this emerging technology. Web3, while exciting and cutting-edge, is still relatively new and foreign to many, especially in traditional circles.

Additionally, earning in cryptocurrency presented its own set of challenges. Managing taxes, handling currency conversions, and ensuring financial stability in a system that is still developing were constant hurdles. As much as I believed in the potential of decentralised technology, I began to think that it was time for me to broaden my scope.

Freelancing, though rewarding, often revolves around client-based goals, small teams, and quick project turnarounds. As I looked ahead, I wanted to understand how large organisations approach software development—from coding to deployment and ongoing support. This desire, combined with my curiosity to explore advancements in AI, led me to seek a more structured, professional environment where I could refine my skills and learn from seasoned experts.

Freelancing can be incredibly rewarding during peak times, but it’s also unpredictable. The fluctuating nature of projects and payments made me realise the value of a consistent, stable income—something that a full-time role in a large organisation could offer.

How I Got Into Microsoft

Microsoft was never in my plan to apply straight away but it still remained as one of those dream companies for anyone, and I never expected to land there right away.

With that said, I started my job search just like anyone else would, beginning with the essentials: building a resume, sharpening my coding skills, and diving into code challenges, out of which a few I have mentioned below.

Resumes

Since I had jumped straight into freelancing right after college, I never really had the need for a resume. Writing one became my first major hurdle. My experiences were unique, coming from the world of web3, freelancing through various DAOs and volunteering, so structuring my resume was no ordinary task. Articulating the scope of my freelance work was tricky, as it wasn’t like describing a traditional full-time job, I had to package those experiences in a way that would be understood by a broader corporate audience.

Projects

Then came the challenge of explaining my projects. A common misconception is that web3 revolves solely around cryptocurrencies, with little overlap with the technologies that companies and developers regularly use in web2. In reality, web3 is an evolution of web2, and to be proficient in web3, you need a strong foundation in web2 technologies. The projects I worked on were built on web3 concepts, but they heavily relied on any web technologies one would commonly use. The challenge was crafting my resume to reflect that I had the necessary web2 technical skills while still explaining the project as it was intended to.

Linkedin

I realised it was a must-have for any serious job seeker, but my LinkedIn had been neglected for quite some time. Twitter has been my go-to for networking and building connections within the web3 space. In fact, Twitter is the lifeblood of the web3 community, serving as a hub for conversations, opportunities, and growth. But I knew that to transition into a full-time role, I needed to take LinkedIn seriously. So, I started building it up step by step, crafting it to reflect my work in a way that would catch recruiters’ attention.

Rejections

When it came to applying for jobs, I focused on frontend roles, occasionally expanding my search to full-stack positions. I started applying to startups, reaching out to recruiters, and even pursuing opportunities at top-level organisations. But after months of posting applications, I faced a barrage of rejections. Many were automatic rejections—likely due to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)—and countless others received no response at all. It was discouraging. So, I began refining my resume again and again, striving for perfection.

Coding Rounds

Finally, a few interview calls started trickling in, but I hit another roadblock—the coding interview. As much as I disliked them, I knew they were a fundamental step in the process. In the freelance world, your reputation, portfolio, and network often speak louder than a coding test. But now, I have to embrace this challenge. I started preparing rigorously—turning to LeetCode, brushing up on data structures, and watching tutorials.

When aiming for top companies like Microsoft, Google, and others, the coding interviews were daunting. I wasn’t sure if a few months of preparation would be enough, but I was determined to give it my all.

Expect the unexpected

Then, Microsoft came into play. After trying multiple times, I finally received an invitation for an interview. It was one of those surreal moments—I never truly thought it would happen, and suddenly, my expectations for myself went through the roof. The excitement was overwhelming, but with it came anxiety.

Despite landing the interview, I still lacked confidence that I would make it all the way through the process and secure an offer. I decided to be authentic throughout the process—expressing what I knew, openly admitting what I didn’t, and sharing what I wanted to learn. Instead of over-preparing and stressing myself out, I approached each round with a mindset of curiosity and growth, expecting nothing in return. Except for the first round, where my anxiety got the better of me, I managed to settle down for the rest of the interviews.

Then, the unexpected happened: I got an offer. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that this could become a reality for me. But there it was—a new chapter in my life had begun.

Working Culture and Environment

Though I’ve only been with Microsoft for a couple of months, the experience has been enlightening.

Freedom

One of the first things that struck me is the emphasis on equality, regardless of your level or role, everyone is heard and treated with respect. This inclusive culture is something I deeply appreciate as someone coming from a freelancing background where interactions were often more informal and casual. But you’ll never truly experience that freedom unless you speak up, a reminder I still give myself whenever I hesitate to voice my thoughts.

Speaking of freedom, it’s not just about having flexible hours—no one’s constantly watching over you, tracking your every move, or pressuring you to stick to a rigid schedule. It’s up to you to make the most of that freedom and be accountable for your work. This flexibility offers a great personal work-life balance, allowing time for personal growth and learning, but it also requires careful planning to ensure everything gets done. When used wisely, this freedom teaches valuable lessons in self-control, accountability, and time management—skills that can’t be taught but must be experienced.

Flexibility

Transitioning from a full-time work-from-home setup to having the option to work from an actual office has been refreshing. While my current role still offers the flexibility to work from home, having the freedom to visit the office at my convenience has provided a valuable social work-life balance.

Being at Microsoft also means experiencing the incredible office amenities and perks. The office ambience is pleasant, with facilities that enhance productivity and comfort. It’s a pleasant change from the solitary nature of my way of freelancing as most of my clients, friends & people are overseas and I couldn’t meet them in real other than looking at screens.

Workspace

One of my most exciting aspects has been receiving work resources such as a laptop, ID card, headphones, and various accessories. These are standard provisions for many, but for me, it was a maiden experience, given my freelance history. Setting up my work laptop was a journey in itself. Being part of a large organisation involves learning new protocols related to cybersecurity, privacy, and confidentiality. Understanding the intricacies of managing a secure workspace, and how to access company resources was insightful and a bit overwhelming if I can say, haha. But I enjoyed doing so. It highlighted the importance of maintaining data security and safeguarding sensitive information which is something I hadn’t dealt with extensively before.

Microsoft places a strong emphasis on security and privacy, a focus evident in the comprehensive training I’ve undergone and the rigorous approach to safeguarding information. This focus on protecting sensitive data underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining a secure working environment.

People

Navigating the organizational hierarchy has also been a significant shift. Unlike the solo projects of freelancing, I now collaborate with thousands of people both directly and indirectly. Meeting my manager for the first time was a mix of excitement and nervousness, as I had some ideas shaped by social media about offices, managers, and corporate work in general.

However, my interactions with my manager have been exceptionally positive, and I consider myself fortunate. The work environment, no matter how great, can be deeply affected by the manager's influence. In my case, my manager has been a source of happiness.

“She listens, is kind, down-to-earth, talented, and has a presence that lights up the place wherever she goes.”

All that above said blend of productivity and enjoyment is crucial for maintaining morale and ensuring that work gets done while still leaving room for relaxation. It's this balance that makes the work environment not just bearable but genuinely enjoyable.

There’s much more to explore about the working culture and environment here, especially on the technical side, but I’ll save those insights for another time.

What I Work On, Challenges, Lessons, and Skills Learned

What I Work On

As a part of the Customer Care Applications (CCA) team at Microsoft, my primary focus is on Dynamics 365, particularly enhancing and implementing new features for the customer admin center. Although I've only recently joined, I’ve already begun contributing to significant milestones, including integrating AI features into the system. While I can’t delve too deeply into the specifics, working on these cutting-edge features has been exciting and a learning experience.

During my onboarding, I took the time to familiarize myself with Power Apps. Learning the basics, what constitutes a PowerApp, how to build one, and the technology behind it was my first step. I also began understanding the ways of how Microsoft writes code & this foundational knowledge has set the stage for deeper work in the months ahead.

Challenges

Every transition comes with its own set of challenges, and mine was no different. One of the most significant initial hurdles was adapting to new git workflows. As a freelancer, my use of git was fairly simple; I wasn’t familiar with some of the more advanced terminologies and techniques. Now, working with multiple branches, features, and a larger team, I found myself pushed out of my comfort zone. Resolving conflicts, cherry-picking commits, using Azure DevOps and staying aligned with the team's speed were all new challenges. However, through practice and patience, I’ve gained a level of comfort and proficiency in these areas that I hadn’t previously experienced.

Another major adjustment was moving from the decentralized world of web3 to customer care applications. I had little exposure to this area before, and understanding how these applications function, along with their impact on both Microsoft and its customers, was an insightful learning curve.

The differences in how things are done at the enterprise level versus freelancing were also eye-opening. The way projects are assigned, designed, implemented, and analyzed at a larger scale is vastly different. It was a learning process to understand the bigger picture and to realize that my work is part of a much larger ecosystem.

Lessons Learned

• One of the key lessons I've learned is the importance of time management. Whether tasks are simple or complex, planning and organization are critical. You can make your life unnecessarily hectic by procrastinating, or you can smooth the process by staying ahead of deadlines. Always expect things to go wrong and build in extra time to handle unexpected issues.

• Another vital lesson is to ask questions, even if they seem small or insignificant. Preventing problems early on is always better than fixing them later, and in a large organization, the ripple effect of mistakes can be widespread.

• It’s also essential to stay grounded and human in a corporate environment. While the pace and expectations may push you towards becoming more artificial & self centered, it’s important to maintain empathy and kindness. Small actions can create positivity around you.

• Finally, never stop learning. There’s always something new to explore, and waiting for someone to tell you what to do is never a good idea. Take initiative and seek out learning opportunities.

Skills Acquired

Over the past couple of months, I’ve gained a range of new skills, particularly in git, which now feels like second nature. Pull requests, resolving conflicts, and managing complex branches have become part of my everyday workflow.

I’ve also learned about enterprise-level application development. It’s far more intricate than simply running npm start. Each component may come from a different place, and testing requires coordination across multiple systems.

Additionally, I’ve sharpened my React skills and adopted best coding practices that are essential for maintaining code standards in a large organization. I’ve also picked up new knowledge about customer relationship management (CRM) systems and AI, as well as other crucial libraries and concepts that were previously unfamiliar to me.

One of the most significant shifts has been embracing TypeScript. As someone who wasn’t initially a fan, I’ve come to appreciate its value in catching issues early in the development process. TypeScript has saved me countless hours by preventing bugs, avoiding build failures, and making debugging more manageable.

Perks of Working at Microsoft

The perks of working at Microsoft extend far beyond the physical workspace—they influence both professional and social aspects of life.

First, there's the undeniable social recognition. In any gathering, the question of "Where do you work?" carries weight, and I've noticed a stark difference in how I’m perceived now versus when I was freelancing. While freelancing in web3 was a unique and valuable experience, the actual honest reality is that the name of the organization you’re associated with often speaks louder than the actual work you do—at least in societal terms. Now, when I say I work at Microsoft, it immediately creates an impression of prestige and belonging to something bigger than myself. It’s a reminder of how much value people place on brand recognition, and it feels satisfying to be part of a globally respected company.

That said, what you do still matters immensely, and perhaps more to yourself than to others. The work you do, day in and day out, is what shapes your professional growth and satisfaction. But there's no denying that being able to say “I work at Microsoft” gives me a sense of pride and reassurance that freelancing, despite its independence, couldn’t match.

On the actual work front, the perks at Microsoft are plentiful. The office environment itself is designed to alleviate stress and promote productivity like I mentioned before. While many companies have office spaces, there’s something about the Microsoft environment that feels different. It’s built not just for work, but for a holistic experience that encourages relaxation, creativity, and collaboration. You can feel the attention to detail and thoughtfulness in everything from the office layout to the amenities provided.

Another unique perk is the insider knowledge, which I won’t say I gained much provided the time its been since I joined. But the fact that the whole world uses Microsoft products puts you in a position to know things before they reach the public. It’s an exciting space to be in, knowing that you’re contributing to something that has a global impact.

Then, there are the employee benefits. From comprehensive insurance coverage to well-being programs, Microsoft makes sure that not just you, but also your dependents are taken care of. The level of support provided for employees’ mental, physical, and financial well-being is reassuring and adds a layer of security that I hadn’t experienced before.

While I could dive into an exhaustive list of perks—from freebies to exclusive resources—it’s safe to say that the tangible and intangible benefits of being part of Microsoft are substantial. And though many perks remain untold, the overall experience speaks volumes.

Summary

Looking back at my journey from freelancing in web3 to securing a full-time role at Microsoft, I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. The transition wasn’t without its challenges—from reshaping my career goals, navigating the complexities of job hunting, to adjusting to life at a global enterprise—but each step has been a lesson in growth.

Freelancing taught me independence, resilience, and the power of innovation in emerging technologies. But stepping into an enterprise like Microsoft has expanded my horizons in ways I never imagined—exposing me to the intricacies of corporate life, technological ecosystems, and a community where collaboration is key.

The perks and opportunities that come with being part of such a large organization are numerous, but what stands out the most is the feeling of being part of something bigger than myself. There’s a sense of purpose here, knowing that the work I do contributes to products and solutions that impact millions around the globe.

As I continue on this journey, I’m excited to see where it leads me—both personally and professionally. Each day offers new opportunities to learn and grow, and I’m committed to making the most of them. Despite any obstacles, I remain deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given.

“a goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at” - Bruce Lee