Something been bothering me

[suityou01]

For ages. Dunno why I didn't post is before, as it's a lot more relevant to this forum than ped eggs.

Current gig is a step up for me (Business Analyst) from code monkey. I am enjoying it, and doing well. But there are less BAs than code monkeys, or should I say less BA gigs than code monkey gigs. Should I be worried about gig continuity? Did anyone make a step up while contracting? Did it increase bench time?

Or am I worrying about flip all as usual?

Current gig runs out in April so I've a while yet.

[Numpty]

Hey!

I think BA is a step sideways to programmer. It uses different skills and mindset.

(And why should I be called a 'code monkey' by newbie analysts, when I have been honing my craft for over eight years after learning how to do it at college? )

If that is really how you feel about programming, then you are better off out of it.

[SorenLorensen]

Agree with Numpty, Business Analyst is certainly a sideways step, not in any way a step up from programmer.

[PAH]

Why not keep your options open, the old two CVs tailored for each role gag.

You may be able to position yourself somewhere in the middle, sort of Technical Architect territory.

I'd go for whichever is offering the better rate at the time, or indeed any rate.

[GreenerGrass]

A Technical Architect isn't really "in the middle" though is it?
That would be an Analyst Programmer, which is what most senior developers are anyway.

The sole purpose of a Business Analyst is to keep traders and developers apart.

[suityou01]

Hey!

I think BA is a step sideways to programmer. It uses different skills and mindset.

(And why should I be called a 'code monkey' by newbie analysts, when I have been honing my craft for over eight years after learning how to do it at college? )

If that is really how you feel about programming, then you are better off out of it.

8 years, woooooooooow. Get back in your box rookie. I was coding when you were a glint in your Daddy's eye.

Developers report to the BA for requirements, clarification of requirements and deliver the finished goods to the BA. Sideways step maybe. Still thinking about that one.

I was an extremely 'honed' developer and always called myself a mere code monkey. It's a sort of self deprecating jolly approach that made rookies such as yourself feel less intimidated.

HTH

[suityou01]

Why not keep your options open, the old two CVs tailored for each role gag.

You may be able to position yourself somewhere in the middle, sort of Technical Architect territory.

I'd go for whichever is offering the better rate at the time, or indeed any rate.

Jayneeus. Will do.

[suityou01]

A Technical Architect isn't really "in the middle" though is it?
That would be an Analyst Programmer, which is what most senior developers are anyway.

The sole purpose of a Business Analyst is to keep traders and developers apart.

Agreed.

IT people (proper techies) and Business people should not be allowed to mix. The inbetweeners, BAs, Project Managers, Senior developers etc play a vital role in projects that have a reasonable level of credibility with the business. By managing expectations, setting reasonable targets and massaging egos there is a status quo that can be achieved. Projects with deeper pockets can afford all these people and are generally nicer places to work.

More frugal projects make the players 'wear many hats' - hate that expression. So you are tearing around like a blue arsed fly being developer, BA, tester. Some people are good at it, but I think it makes for stressful work, poor quality deliverables and is largely a false economy.

[SuperZ]

Hey!

I think BA is a step sideways to programmer. It uses different skills and mindset.

(And why should I be called a 'code monkey' by newbie analysts, when I have been learning how to program properly for over eight years after learning the basics at college? )

If that is really how you feel about programming, then you are better off out of it.

Slight correction

Must admit, I don't like ex-dev techies working as BA's. A tester would be more suited, especially a good UAT tester. Technical Lead or Architech position better for ex-devs

[suityou01]

Slight correction

Must admit, I don't like ex-dev techies working as BA's. A failed developer woud be more suited, especially a good UAT tester. Technical Lead or Architech position better for ex-devs

Slight correction

That's your opinion. Now would you care as to elaborate as to 'why'? you feel this way?