from Hacker News

Ask HN: Where to look for part time jobs for something I like to fiddle with

by catanama on 8/13/24, 10:29 AM with 3 comments

I’ve worked on the industry for a long time as a system administrator/ SRE with addition, of my own volition, of some work with data analytics, like making some reports from databases using SQL and python scripts and making custom dashboards pulling data from multiple sources which provided good overview of status and health of the systems.

Recently, I’ve realized that working with data, SQL, Python, and Linux makes me happy. I’m looking to transition back into a part-time role focused on these areas, but I’m having trouble finding the right opportunities. I’ve explored job listings for data analytics on LinkedIn, but they don’t quite match what I’m looking for. I'm not sure I want to do full blown SRE stuff either. Specifically, I want to work on tasks involving writing SQL and Python scripts, as well as working with Elasticsearch and monitoring dashboard, getting data from unstructured logs using regex and so on, doing things in this area. If you know how to describe it better I’d be grateful. I I know it may be kinda strange but that's what I like to do.

Do you know where I can look for it or maybe how can I clarify it?

  • by gregjor on 8/13/24, 11:56 AM

    You listed some languages and tools, and described your experience, but you haven't framed what you'd like to do in terms of adding value for an employer. Companies don't hire because they need more SQL or Python code, they hire people who can solve business problems and add value, leveraging technical skills to accomplish that. So to start you might want to think about how to present your value proposition. Can you describe what you can offer a potential employer in business terms, without the tech jargon?

    Employers also don't care about what makes you happy or what you like to do, even if they claim they deeply care about your happiness and growth. Either you add value or you don't, and if you don't they will find someone who does.

    The tech job market right now looks bleak. You will want to talk to every professional connection, former colleague, friends, family, everyone you know to get job leads and an inside track. If you don't know a lot of people who might help you find a job, meet more people (meetups, user groups, conferences, striking up conversations with strangers, etc.). Most jobs don't get advertised. A person who can sell their value-add and can get in the back door with a referral will gain significant advantage, and may find freelance work or an unadvertised position. LinkedIn has so much garbage and bot traffic I wouldn't waste my time there -- everyone else looking for a job goes there and every job opening (including the fakes) gets piles of applicants. Competition gets fierce at the low end, so try a more targeted job search that bypasses the automated screening systems.