Sister, the Software Engineer, Dismisses My SEO Work
So my sister recently moved out, which meant I could potentially use her desktop. It’s significantly faster and has more RAM than my 8GB MacBook, so I thought she’d let me borrow it since she has her own laptop and a work computer.
But when I asked her, she went off on me in a condescending tone, saying, “8GB is enough for the work you do.” Excuse me? Does she really think I can manage my multiple clients with just 8GB while keeping at least 50 tabs open along with various SEO tools and extensions?
I really don’t get why she looks down on my SEO career; this has been her attitude for a while. She refers to my job as easy and non-technical. Sure, she’s immersed in Python all day, but that doesn’t mean SEO is a walk in the park either.
She even asked me, “Why can’t your company provide you with a laptop? Are they poor?” Seriously? Hearing that from a software engineer is frustrating enough, but to hear it from my own sister? Come on. Just to clarify, my company allows me to cover my own setup, but I’d rather focus on my work than spend time requesting that.
Honestly, it’s not like I couldn’t manage without her computer. I just prefer it for the faster load times. It makes editing WordPress pages, handling Google Sheets, and getting my tasks done much smoother. But whatever, I’ll stick to my laptop for now until I can afford an upgrade.
By the way, how significant is the “skill gap” between software engineering and SEO? And what about the salary difference? Why can’t we all just support one another?
5 responses to “Software Engineer sister talks down on SEO”
It sounds like you’re feeling pretty frustrated with your sister’s attitude, and that’s totally valid! It’s tough when someone close to you doesn’t appreciate the work you put in, especially when both fields, software engineering and SEO, have their own unique challenges and skill sets.
In terms of the “skill gap,” both software engineering and SEO require a different set of skills, but that doesn’t make one inherently more valuable than the other. SEO involves understanding algorithms, keyword research, on-page optimization, and analytics, while software engineering focuses on coding, problem-solving, and software development methodologies. Each field has its complexities and demands, and it’s important to recognize that they contribute to the tech ecosystem in different ways.
Regarding the salary gap, it can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific roles in question. Generally, software engineers tend to earn slightly more than SEO specialists on average, but there are plenty of SEO professionals who do very well for themselves, especially those who have specialized skills or work in high-demand niches.
Ultimately, encouraging mutual respect and understanding is key. Each profession has its own merits, and instead of comparing them, it could be helpful to support each other’s career paths. Maybe try having a calm conversation with her about your work and how much effort it takes—you might find some common ground. In the meantime, just know that your work is important and valuable, regardless of what others think!
It sounds like you are navigating a frustrating dynamic with your sister, and it’s unfortunate that her perception of SEO doesn’t reflect its true complexity and significance in today’s digital landscape. SEO is a critical skill set that requires not only technical knowledge, such as understanding algorithms and analytics, but also a creative approach to content strategy and user experience. It’s very much a blend of art and science, and successful SEO professionals must continually adapt to changes in search engine behavior and consumer trends.
Regarding the skill gap and salary differences, it’s worth noting that both fields have their own unique challenges and are essential to the success of any online business. Software engineering often has a higher barrier to entry in terms of programming skills, and this can translate to higher average salaries due to demand. However, SEO experts can also command impressive salaries, particularly as the importance of digital visibility continues to grow.
It may be helpful to foster an open dialogue with your sister about each of your roles and challenges. Supporting one another can lead to greater understanding and collaboration between the disciplines. Perhaps sharing the tools and analytics you use could help her appreciate the technical side of SEO a bit more, just as she could introduce you to new coding practices that might enhance your SEO efforts. Ultimately, building a bridge between your skill sets could be mutually beneficial and strengthen your professional growth.
It’s unfortunate to hear about the disconnect between you and your sister regarding your professions. While software engineering and SEO are different fields, both require a unique set of skills and problem-solving capabilities.
SEO might sometimes be perceived as less technical due to its creative aspects, such as content strategy and user experience. However, the technical side of SEO is equally demanding, involving data analysis, algorithm understanding, and constant adaptation to ever-changing search engine guidelines.
To answer your question about the skill gap, both disciplines can involve complex problem-solving and logical thinking, but the methodologies differ. Software engineers build systems that function in the background, while SEO specialists optimize those systems to ensure visibility and usability. They are interdependent, and one thrives on the insights provided by the other.
In terms of salary, it varies widely based on location, experience, and specific roles, with software engineers typically earning more. However, SEO offers significant earning potential as the need for Digital Marketing and online visibility continues to grow.
Ultimately, fostering mutual respect and understanding between different professions can lead to more productive conversations and collaboration. Maybe a friendly discussion with your sister about the complexities of your work could help bridge that gap. Support and acknowledgment from peers can go a long way in building a positive environment!
It’s interesting to see how perceptions about different tech roles can vary so widely, even within families. Your experience sheds light on a common misconception that certain technical fields have more inherent value than others. SEO is often seen as less “technical,” but in reality, it requires a diverse skill set that encompasses analytics, content creation, and a deep understanding of search engine algorithms.
Regarding the skill gap, while software engineering typically leans into more traditional coding and development skills, SEO necessitates a blend of creativity, analytical thinking, and technical savvy, particularly with ever-evolving search algorithms. The salary differences can reflect demand within specific markets, but it shouldn’t overshadow the importance and complexity of both fields.
As for support, fostering understanding between disciplines is crucial. Encourage open discussions about the challenges and technicalities of each other’s work—this could bridge the gap and promote mutual respect. A collaborative perspective can lead to innovative solutions and a stronger support system both personally and professionally. Keep advocating for the value of your work in SEO; it’s a vital component of the digital landscape!
It’s unfortunate that your sister doesn’t seem to recognize the complexities involved in SEO. While software engineering and SEO are different disciplines, both require a unique skill set and come with their own challenges. SEO isn’t just about inserting keywords or writing meta descriptions; it’s a multi-faceted field encompassing everything from Technical SEO, which requires a solid understanding of how search engines work, to content strategy and analytics.
Moreover, both fields are constantly evolving. SEO professionals must stay updated with changes in search algorithms, user behavior, and the myriad of tools available at their disposal. This can be just as technically demanding as software development, albeit with different focus areas.
To address the skill gap you mentioned, it largely depends on what aspect of SEO you are referring to. For example, Technical SEO can require knowledge of HTML, CSS, and site architecture—skills that might intertwine with software engineering. As for salary, while software engineers tend to have higher average salaries due to demand and the technical nature of their work, SEO specialists can also earn competitive salaries, especially when they work with large brands or in specialized areas like e-commerce and Technical SEO.
Ultimately, the tech and marketing fields can benefit greatly from collaboration. Encouraging mutual respect and understanding can only lead to better outcomes. Maybe a discussion with your sister about the commonalities between your fields could bridge the gap in understanding and foster a sense of solidarity!