I consider myself lucky. I fell into a job that I truly enjoy, something that I do for fun even when I don’t have to. A job, a technology and a community that I’m truly passionate about. Unfortunately maintaining that passion can be a bit difficult at times. And I’ll let you in on a secret. While I’ve always enjoyed working with databases and I’ve always been glad I fell into this position I haven’t always been all that passionate about it.

A few years ago I was plodding along in my job. I was having fun and I studied a little bit but nothing special. But then things started to change. One of my long time goals was to get some MS Certifications. I finally decided I needed to get over the fears that had been holding me back and took my first cert test. I passed and it was very exciting. Shortly afterwards I got the opportunity to go to the 2011 Summit, then the 2012 Pass Rally in Dallas. And shortly there after I began blogging. And I realized something. I’d become passionate. I was excited about SQL Server. I was excited about learning and teaching. It was FUN.

Over time I realized something else. It fades. I get tired. I get burned out. I don’t want to blog. I don’t want to study new things. I don’t even really want to work. You know what the fix is? I go to a SQL Saturday, I write a fun blog, I talk to some of my SQL friends. I’ve realized something important about the SQL community. We share our passion. We get excited and we want you to be excited too. So if you haven’t been to a community event, go. Let yourself get excited and let others get excited by you. Life is so much better when you enjoy your profession (at least I think so).

Filed under: Microsoft SQL Server, Speaking, SQLServerPedia Syndication Tagged: microsoft sql server, speaking