5 Reasons it Sucks to be a Web Developer

October 23, 2007 by Andy Brudtkuhl - Leave A Comment

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Flickr photo from supersy If you break down all the areas of technology that I love – from gadgets to networking to software architecture my real passion lies in web development. As much as I love my profession I hate it at the same time. Some of these can be generalized into just being “a tech guy” but the issues are the same nonetheless.

Here are five reasons why it sucks to be a web developer (or tech guy).

1. Pigeon-Holed

I graduated from the Iowa State University College of Business, yet when it comes to marketing or strategy decisions I am looked over as that web developer sitting in his cube. I want to be looked at as a businessman with IT and web development skills – not just another code monkey. I read business books and business blogs. I am constantly studying business, which is likely more than I can say for the suits who deem me unsuitable to make business decisions.

2. Commoditized

This may be (and hopefully is) just an Iowa thing but here in Des Moines we are treated as commodities, even though the market demands creative and unique thinkers with very wide ranges of abilities. If you have any schooling in econonmics you understand this does not follow the rules. Any differentiation outside the *status quo* is not considered in any facets of employment – hiring, raises, brainstorms, product ideas, you name it. So why try anymore?

3. Know-it-all

This is one of my favorite facets of web development – I have know know CSS, XHTML, Design, ASP.Net, SQL Server, C#, AJAX, Javascript, [insert technology here]. Even though the *know-it-all* aspect is cool it often outsteps its boundaries. For instance – I am NOT a DBA, I do NOT write T-SQL, I do not support Frontpage/Sharepoint/BizTalk, etc. The point is – although we are a jack of all trades, we are not a jack of ALL trades. Get it? Good.

4. Clients Suck

If you are a potential client, do not read this…

Okay, so now my point – Clients suck. If you are a web developer you are likely to have worked with clients – unless you are one of those really lucky web developers who either get to do product development or work on your own website that you have creative control over.

Here’s the situation: Clients hire web developers (or their firms) because we are the experts. When I call someone in to fix my air conditioner I don’t let them work for awhile and then tell them they are doing their job wrong and I know the problem is the compressor. They are the expert, not me. When a client tells me the layout is unusable, the typography is wrong, the form isn’t styled properly, or [insert common client complaint here] I simply want to say – “Why don’t you do it?”.

5. Internet Explorer 6

Sorry, had to throw that in (it is Get A New Browser) but it honestly is one of the most frustrating parts of web development – testing IE – and then the hours of hacking to fix it.

I may finish this out to a Top 10 real soon but look for the 5 Reasons it is Awesome being a Web Developer later this week. I am in the mood for some good ranting.

Flickr Photo from Supersy

Tags: Web Development

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Kate

Nice rant. Even as someone not in your industry I can definitely understand your frustrations...

Yet I can't shrug the feeling that your current clients probably wouldn't be too thrilled with reading #4. By all means continue the rant for 5 more (I'm enjoying!) but tread lightly when it comes to the people who pay you, I say.

Cj B

I totally agree on all these points, as a fellow ISU Business major I also get looked over a lot in my small company as "the guy in the cube". There's tons of things that I wish I could have been in on the early stages to help develop the business plans. (And honestly, I think they'd be stronger as all the people in charge here are entirely CS people, not business). I've even been passed up for a promotion (and told directly to my face) that my skills are to wide ranged.

As for the Clients rant, I agree. Thankfully I have the luxury of being able to drop pain-in-the-ass clients because it's not my primary business, and I never intend to make a living on consulting with web design/programming clients.. :)

TJ

someone had to say this, glad it was said here

Andy Brudtkuhl

TJ - Thank you, and I agree - I\'m glad it was said here.

Kate - I know I probably shouldn\'t have said that about clients but I\'m sure you are aware it is the truth. You don\'t tell your mechanic how to fix your car and you shouldn\'t tell your web developer how to build a website. Granted clients should have insights that help the design to fall along your brand and the development of content but when it comes to the aspects of web design/development I study on a daily basis the clear solution should be let me decide.

I would love if potential clients read this so they know how to be a good client. Relationships go both ways. Ironically I\'ll reference a business book - Let\'s Get Real or Let\'s Not Play<img src=""></img>

Andy Brudtkuhl

Cj B - Yes it sucks being a businessman trapped in a tech body. Ironically some of the best performing companies out there were started by tech geeks. You'd think other business would follow the trends.

Tambi

Hell yeah!

Also have similar feelings. especially #4. Well i guess we should all try to do so product development on the side. this is how i keep my sanity! do i something I want to do where im my own client, boss, and be creative.

Kate

Thanks for the response, Andy.

I wasn't saying you shouldn't say those things, nor that you aren't correct and qualified to do so, only that you should tread lightly.

For potential clients, laying down the law of good client behavior is fine. If I was a current client, however, I might feel a bit insulted (whether I was an offender or not).

Just food for thought - not trying to criticize. I know you what you do and deal with isn't easy.

Andy Brudtkuhl

Kate - thanks for input. I do agree that it is a subject that should be tread lightly. Thanks for your concern! :)

Wayne Smallman

OK, point #4 is the place where we differ in opinion — clients rarely 'suck'.

If they're ever difficult, their intransigence is usually attributable to their lack of knowledge and awareness.

Think about it: they know little to nothing about what you're doing for them. They feel vulnerable and need educating.

Here's a chance to win them over with diplomacy and transparency in how you do things.

As a business owner, I know that people have to buy me before they buy anything from me, and it's that mentality you need to keep in mind...

Deron Sizemore

Very interesting article. Know it all and clients suck were on point.

It's funny how web developers are suppose to know how to do everything. You see job openings and they are looking to high someone with experience with 50 different technologies, it's crazy.

Yes, clients suck. That's why I don't deal with them much anymore. I take on some work every now and then, but I enjoy developing my own ideas and trying to monetize them.

Nik

Hey, awesome article. I know a lot of people disagree on the clients thing, but I'm on your side. Every time I mention such a thing I'm met with the tried and true "but the client is always right".

The client is not always right. No one is always right. It's ignorant to say otherwise. I'm a designer, not a slave!

Keith

Thank you for your honest comments. Yes, technology is exciting, but it certainly has its challenging aspects.

Nishanthe

I think most of the points you listed here are particular to WEB DESIGNERs..not WEB DEVELOPERS..
-Nish

Andy Brudtkuhl

Nisanthe: Why do you say that?

I am a web developer and come across these issues all the time..

Mike

Comparing a web designer to an airconditioner technician?? If you go about designing web pages like a aircon tech works, just following blue prints, then your pages must be really interesting. Web pages aren't just code they consist of code and more importantly ideas and style. webdesign involves teamwork, a shared vision of the customer and the designer. uninstall.

John

I have just completed a job for a most horrifyingly abusive client. In the end it was delivered, they paid and they went away. I suppose the original objective was achieved, they wanted a web, I wanted the business. What happened in between was just bad luck. Web design & Web development is not for sissies. I suppose selling life assurance products may be worse.

Luminus

I would like to revise point number 6 to just read Internet Explorer, because personally I think even IE 7 is not a piece of software but a Microsoft Authorized Bug.

John

I agree with #4 entirely especially if you are a small independent developer. I have two people that assist me but that doesn't mean they are my full time minions. I love it when a customer who pays someone to do something for everything will tell you "why can't you just make it happen". This is entirely true if you work per project cost and not per hour cost. I have done nothing but web development for 12 years now but I have to say that I'm nearing my wits end with this profession.

I would like to add the client whom thinks you owe them life and liberty for that check they wrote you. I have come to learn the small easy projects are bigger money makers in time than the larger multi-thousand dollar projects. The more they pay the more they expect and no its not as easy as just saying charge and take to court if they don't pay. They will drag your name through the mud if you are a regional developer.

I enjoy what I do honestly but it just wears on you after awhile. If you decide to get into this profession take my advice. Stick to your goals, know your worth and get a signature of a very detailed piece of paper.