I began to think this would be a waste of time with everything I learned because almost all the projects I had followed ended in scammers. Is this a waste of time for me? 
I guess you are talking about bounties. If you are ending up with scam projects you should search yourself and ask on what you really want to do. It isnt the end for newbies, there are a lot of opportunities that awaits you. Just use your time appropriately and lessen it with scam projects. Thats the problem for most bounties now, looking for a legit one now is difficult.
Thats right, if every bounty you follow ends in a scam, of course you already have experience now. you already know the difference and characteristics of a project that will be ended in a scam right? take advantage of that knowledge and experience to choose potential and legit projects. now it is indeed difficult to finding one is potential, but that doesnt mean that all projects become scams. some projects are still legit and successful listed to the exchange