S_Kumar_S (1/28/2015)
After having spent some 13 years with SQL Server and being a Sr. DBA for years, today I just thought of having opinion of other Sr. DBA on "Where do you finally land".I am curious to know what are the career paths after having spent so much time in one technology. I have loved it till now but as you grow senior, you get limited in your choices. The idea of sitting in one company for longer than 4-5 years doesn't appeal me. And there are not many companies who can afford you. So how do you go about it?
Would love to hear from those who started something of their own and good they found it compared to a regular job?
Any other comments around this topic are appreciated.
thx
I've been a SQL server DBA for 15 years now. I started in Hewlett Packard, and moved after 5 years (sad, but the bureaucracy is driving that company downhill) But even today, I am still learning new stuff, specially in the Developer/TSQL area, which is not my forte.
But I don't usually think about landing anywhere. I just use these basics statements as my mottos (in that order):
1) Do I have a good work and life balance with my current job
2) Am I learning new professional skills on my job every year?
3) Is my salary competitive and going up?
If two or more are not being met, especially #1 , it's time for me to move on and look for another job.
But if I am learning new skills every day, my salary is competitive and I have enough available time to spend with my wife, there is no reason for me to move on.
And to clarify, I know that #3 is important. Jobs are not hobbies, but now that I'm older and after working for HP, I realized that no money in the world will compensate or give you back the time that you missed without your family. It may not be important if you are now young or have no kids or wife, but once you get older, you will see that family becomes priority and it could be an important factor in changing careers or jobs.