HACKER Q&A
📣 Rocko72

What do you do when you’re a Software Developer who doesn’t code?


This is kind of a strange question but through a company restructure my job title has changed from Senior Analyst to Senior Software Developer, yet I am doing neither Analytics nor SWE at this point.

My day to day work involves configuration in a front end application that doesn’t require “raw” coding. The most code I ever end up touching is occasionally pulling data with a SQL query or editing an .xml file.

I am very lost on how to pivot in my career. I do have some coding experience but mainly in SQL and doing very brief classes on C++ and Swift. I do have a lot of experience finding the right hardware/software solution to different issues in previous jobs.

Additionally, I’m not even sure I want to keep pursuing code or do it as a career. It’s a great set of skills but it’s not my strongest skill. I love technology and creative projects but I’m having a LOT of trouble finding the right job.

Recruiters from companies reach out but only because my title leads them to believe I can fit into SWE positions.

How do I move forward from here? I feel like my title has trapped me in a corner with my options.


  👤 jb3946170 Accepted Answer ✓
SQL optimization could be fun to try and there are some open courses for it https://www.youtube.com/c/CMUDatabaseGroup/playlists since you're already using SQL, turn your job into school for rewriting queries.

👤 logicalmonster
Is there anything stopping you from writing in Senior Analyst in your resume? It might not be currently technically 100% right, but it's probably the most accurate description and a reasonable "white lie" that you can explain away if ever questioned about.

👤 baremetal
adjust your title to reflect your current responsibilities and target position.