From web developer to database developer in 10 years
19 days ago
- #database-development
- #career-transition
- #Postgres
- Completed first year at EnterpriseDB, working on pglogical and Postgres Distributed.
- Transitioned from web development (2014-2021) to database development, initially avoiding DSA until a performance issue sparked interest.
- Built an in-memory SQL database with indexes as a learning project.
- Co-founded TigerBeetle (2021-2023), contributing to marketing and community while deepening database knowledge.
- Started Software Internals Discord and /r/databasedevelopment, growing a community around database and distributed systems.
- Faced type-casting towards cloud teams but held out for a database developer role.
- Organized virtual hackweeks, book clubs, and systems coffee clubs while unemployed.
- Received three offers for Postgres-related development roles, choosing EnterpriseDB for its veteran team and stability.
- Reflects on the enjoyable transition from management/founding back to individual contribution.
- Highlights the diversity of backgrounds among colleagues, debunking the myth that only geniuses or PhDs work on databases.