Re: Finding content in your job title

[Steve Bertrand <steve () ibctech ca>]

On 2010.03.30 23:22, bmanning () vacation karoshi com wrote:
> On Tue, Mar 30, 2010 at 11:14:52PM -0400, Steve Bertrand wrote:
> > Hi all,
> >
> > This is perhaps a rather silly question, but one that I'd like to have
> > answered.
> >
> > I'm young in the game, and over the years I've imagined numerous job
> > titles that should go on my business card. They went from cool, to
> > high-priority, to plain unimaginable.
> >
> > Now, after 10 years, I reflect back on what I've done, and what I do
> > now. To me, if a business is loose-knit with no clear job descriptions
> > or titles (ie. too small to have CXO etc), I feel that a business card
> > should reflect what one feels is the primary job responsibility, or what
> > they do the most (or love the most).
> >
> > For instance, I like to present myself as a 'network engineer'. I have
> > never taken formal education, don't hold any certifications (well, since
> > 2001), and can't necessarily prove my worth.
> >
> > How does the ops community feel about using this designation? Is it
> > intrusive or offensive to those who hold real engineering degrees? I'm
> > content with 'network manager', given that I still do perform (in my
> > sleep) numerous system tasks and have to sometimes deal with front-line
> > helpdesk stuff.
> >
> > Instead of acting like I'm trying to sell myself out, I'll leave out
> > what I actually do and ask those who sig themselves with 'network
> > engineer' what they do day-to-day to acquire that title, and if they
> > feel comfortable with having it.
> >
> > Steve
>
>       well, there are communities which use the term "engineer"
>       as a term of art adn frown on this group co-opting the
>       term "network enginer" ... maybe you really don't want to
>       go there (even if it is what you do).
>
>       I've used memorable terms in the past, gadfly, plumber, chief 
>       bottle-washer, and have seen goddess, evangelist, and more.

heh.

Plumber is good. Electrician would be better considering I'm about 120
hours away from writing my resi ticket ;)

I did not mean to initiate a thread that turns into a joke. I'm quite
serious. I guess I'm curious to get an understanding from others who
work in a small environment that have no choice but to 'classify'
themselves.

Steve