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

2 points by catanama 1 year ago | 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?

gregjor 1 year ago |

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.

catanama 1 year ago | |

How can I better describe myself is something I'm trying to clarify for myself. I'm sure there is a place in tech world for a guy who likes to fiddle with data and monitoring which benefit the company which will hire me a lot.

I did full time jobs before, but not part time ones, not including some side projects for my friends, but I didn't specifically search for what I'm asking here, definitely not tried to search part-time position specifically tailored to my tastes.

As to job market, the industry is so big and ups and downs happened before a lot, I'm thinking it's not about the market but about my ability to find what I want. You're on point about bypassing automated screening systems, the question is, do you have some ideas how to do it in my case?

gregjor 1 year ago | | |

I'm suggesting you present yourself in terms of business value rather than technical jargon. For example:

Skilled at collecting, analyzing, and monitoring website traffic using structured and unstructured logs. I have put together several dashboards to show activity at a glance, giving actionable insights that improve lead collection and customer retention, Extensive experience developing tools with Python and SQL.

Full-time, part-time, contracting... those are details you work out once you get a prospective employer to talk to you at all. Every f/t job can be part-time, every f/t job is also a freelance opportunity. You start with identifying companies that might want your skills, you sell them on your value-add, then you work out the arrangement. You don't want to limit your search or set up roadblocks before you persuade them they can use you.

Right now the problem isn't so much the crappy job market (though that's a problem), it's that with so many people laid off and coming out of school looking for jobs the competition has become fierce, and employers are drowning in applicants. If you can bypass that you save them time and effort.

As a freelancer I try to focus on business needs, ask the potential customer to list their top needs and pain points, offer to fix one of the top issues, and I don't charge if I can't deliver value. You have to carefully listen to the customer and understand the problem and potential solutions to make that work. Every business has problems and unfulfilled needs, and a job for the person who can solve those problems. Freelancing is a good way to get in the door if you want to move into a part-time or full-time role.

I don't have specific advice for the skills and interests you listed, but I think the general approach to finding work applies regardless of what you specialize in.