As a newbie that has a little knowledge on bitcoin /cryptocurrency I think what should be your fear is suppose to be 2 things.
1: target a time before you invest in bitcoin you've to be careful.
2: second thing is dat you've to be careful don't live your assets in online wallet.
You shouldn't be afraid of timing when buying Bitcoin as no matter when you buy, if you're patient enough you can profit. You target should always be long term as that's what pays. Those that bought in the peak of 2017 when Bitcoin was trading around $20k thought they lost it all when Bitcoin fall to $3k during the COVID-19 pandemic on 2020 but anyone was was patient enough and didn't sell could have profited on 2021 when Bitcoin went above $60k.
Although now Bitcoin has dropped again but that doesn't mean it's dead, after Bitcoin having in 2024 we'll begin to see Bitcoin rise in price and might even achieve the $100k price or above in 2024 or get close to that price range.