Ask HN: That's Not My Name | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: That's Not My Name

7 pointsp0d14 comments

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?

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Not 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.

Thanks 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.

I 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 .

Just go with programmer and sysadmin. That is what you actually do...

System Administrator for IT Company, and freelance developer.

Spyware Janitor

"IT guy" sounds about right.

Sysadmin & business owner

Programmer

Futurist.

Consultant.

person of independent means

This doesn't apply. Independent of what? Not (we can only assume) from working.

Webmaster?

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