i tried to calculate how much would i make from bitcoin mining using an antminer s9, and i don't think it's worth it for me as the cost of electricity is high where i live, which is in the UK (it's 20 cents approx), i make like $300 profit a year. and obviously i can't use faucets as that will take years to get one bitcoin. so is the only way to even get any value from bitcoin is to buy it and hold it on for another few years? but it is a risky investment due to the price. or should i invest in new currencies that are cheap right now and have potential to grow to $4k a coin? 
Investing in known currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum should be classified as a calculated risk, because of their potentials and recognition. You can actually invest whenever there is a dip in the market. Investing in new currencies is not really a bad idea, but just choose the once with prospects.