DBAs in the house - do you think your field is secure?

[Deja Q]

I've read and heard lots of things about jobs going offshore, jobs coming back, everything automated so DBAs won't be needed...

What's the two scoops in this field?

[MorningGlow]

1. Mr. MG is a DBA

He says the field is secure for 10 years, until the technology evolves enough to eliminate the need for what DBAs do. But then, he says, what will be needed are database architects to design databases. He doesn't see DBA jobs going overseas--maybe some, but not a huge threat (he doesn't think). The field is too specialized for them to handle--they can do some of the grunt work, but couldn't handle the top-level needs. So sayeth the dude who always has his pulse on the trends in the industry.

Thinking of entering the field, Deja Q? :hi:

[Deja Q]

2. Well, I've got the knowledge, but no considerable experience...

Thanks for responding!

Companies only want "experience" right now and some people I know say that once the infrastructure is built there's nothing left to do and everything's built. I've built databases too, though nothing quite as complex as what the big companies want. (So how does one get the experience; I can volunteer and continue to do the same tinpot stuff I've done at home, but if that's irrelevant than I refuse to bother with it. Purpose is essential.)

I still have hopes, but being a jack of all trades, I might be inclined to go into photojournalism or, what the hell, even prostitution if demand goes up. *rimshot*

I'm still pre-middle age and am told by geezers at book stores, when even returning DBA-themed books, "thank you, young man" and I'm 36...

In short, I'm uncertain -- and as I'd read as far back as 2 years ago that the legal profession will be offshoring itself, is anything truly safe? Indeed, given the mess many Microsoft products have become, I can't believe, for one attosecond, only low-level stuff is going overseas.

I may as well live and die doing what God made me somewhat good for. Okay, I'm good with maths and the logic behind DBAs as well... It's just frustrating staying marginally up to date, proving I know the conceptuals, and can't get anywhere anyway. It's bollocks on a stick.

I should have a heap of leap of faith. Or at least 4 cups of coffee with 30 spoons of sugar in it...

[MorningGlow]

5. Coffee and sugar is good

I miss sugar. I'm using Stevia to cut down on Stuff That's Bad For Me. But I don't enjoy it. x(

ANYway, if it's any consolation, Mr. MG had NO prior experience when he got his first DBA job (he's been with an HMO for three years). None. Zip. Nada. He'd written software, built Web sites, babysat servers, etc., etc., etc., for years, but had never been employed as a DBA. He agreed to a lower pay rate to offset his lack of specific experience, and once he proved himself, his pay was brought up to speed (within two years). Basically he convinced the hiring guy that he would rise to the occasion, and he did. He was stressed about it--bought a lot of books on the subject, was constantly studying at night to learn as much as he could even after he got the job--but get this--after a couple of years he'd conquered the whole fargin' thing and is now officially BORED. So it can't be rocket science.

I'd say the only thing you have against you is the shaky economy right now. That ol' "last hired, first fired" bugaboo with all the downsizing and such. But if you're willing to take that chance, and you get a DBA job, you'll be racking up experience that you can use for the next job, if it comes to that.

The biggest question is, would you LIKE it? That's most important.

[Deja Q]

6. I envy your hubby; the place I tried out for demanded experience.

(I later found out what a bad mess they are in, and the number of projects, so it really was for the best.)

Would I like it? To an extent. My philosophy is: If it pays well enough, I'll do it and keep a work/life balance. I'd rather do other lines of work, but the downsides there are more aggravating.

Indeed, I'd probably be less shy if it wasn't for the various amounts of bullying, molestation, and sexual assaults I had endured as a child. :rofl:

[MorningGlow]

7. Hey, you can use your victimization to your advantage

:rofl:

Oh dear this is taking a turn for the worse. :blush:

Back to DBA! Sorry the DBA job didn't work out, but whenever I don't get a job, it usually turns out that it was for the best--as happened to you. I like to think the universe protects us that way.

I say keep looking. Mr. MG says it's a growing field and will only get larger, the more data we need to wrangle.

[Deja Q]

8. I was being facetious... Given my past, it's not the best of subjects to joke about...

but that hasn't stopped me in the past either... (On edit: Oh, what happened to me was very real. When I say "facetious" I meant using it as an excuse to avoid jobs involving dealing with people...)

(Compared to even 10 years ago I have overcome a lot. I refuse to remain victimized. There's also this book written by Bill Cosby that I found as a source of inspiration. And he's gone through a hell of a lot more. And Barack Obama too; I need to pick up one or two of his books...)

And you're right; even a coworker friend says "the universe protects us that way". More of a paraphrase on her part...

I will keep up on technologies; and continue to exercise to get and remain fit. There's always a way.

[MorningGlow]

9. Yes! There IS always a way!

:hug:

[nuxvomica]

3. I think the economic downturn may actually help

Automating these activities is expensive and budgets are tight. I have more work to do now than previously because my company needs to continue project development to gain much needed efficiencies but won't spend the capital on new systems and software. A lot of my efforts now center around keeping operations running despite inadequate resources.

P.S. I completely misread your subject line. Be careful how you phrase things to DBAs. ;-)

[Deja Q]

4. Hell, I have enough time phrasing things to everyone else!

:wow:

Didn't mean to upset you...

Thx for the info; I will keep my eyes open in the future.