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Ask HN: That's Not My Name
Four months ago I went part-time. I work two days a week for myself and three days as a sysadmin for an IT company. A non-IT friend asked me at Christmas what I called myself regarding my part-time work. I didn't know what to say.
I setup a website a number of years back which pays enough money for me to go part-time. During the last few months I created a web based timetable solution for a local university. I'm starting to work on an app now as another project.
Software Developer sounds a bit grand for me, I don't see myself as a programmer. I'm definitely not a designer. I'm a jack of all trades, master of none.
So any (kind) suggestions as to what I could call myself would be appreciated?
- jayess 11y agoFuturist.
- meric 11y agoSysadmin & business owner
- peterbotond 11y agoperson of independent means
- OJFord 11y agoThis doesn't apply. Independent of what? Not (we can only assume) from working.
- c22 11y agoWebmaster?
- OJFord 11y agoSystem Administrator for IT Company, and freelance developer.
- logn 11y agoProgrammer
- rankam 11y agoNot trying to be dismissive, but does it really matter? You can call yourself whatever you like - but at the end of the day a label doesn't change what you do (and from your post you seem to be quite good at what you do!). Why not just tell people you solve problems with technology - sometimes that means setting up a website, other times you work as a sys admin, and still other times that requires you to build an app. *EDIT My comment is in regards to casual conversation as that is how I read your question, originally - if you are asking what to call yourself in business situations, a more formal title may be appropriate thus my comment is irrelevant.
- threesixandnine 11y agoJust go with programmer and sysadmin. That is what you actually do...
- nautical 11y agoI think you make sure that product gets delivered and you have skill set to do that (be it programming or design). "Product builder" or something on those lines should be good .
- p0d 11y agoThanks for the feedback. Keep it simple and descriptive is what I am hearing. I also appreciate rankam's comment about labels and whether or not they matter. I've tried not to overthink my part-time work as the work has been steady so far. However it seems prudent to come up with a description or tag line going forward. Early work has come through friendship which may not always be the case. Thanks again.
- brudgers 11y agoConsultant.
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]
- rajacombinator 11y ago"IT guy" sounds about right.
- gonyea 11y agoSpyware Janitor
- Ayietim 11y agoYou are an IT Entrepreneur.