Improving your skills as a DBA is only half of the equation. You should also look for a business or activity that you actually like or would like to know more about. This makes it easier to translate business requirements into database objects.

While you are learning new skills you will also have to be producing something of value for your employer or client. Being proud of what the activity is producing also boosts your own confidence.

I once went in for an interview for a contract at a company that promoted that it did sales. Well, that sounded interesting. When I walked in the walls were covered with porn videos - that's what they distributed. I walked out and never did the interview because that's an activity that I personally didn't want to have anything to do with.

I kept with businesses and activities that I liked and I've managed to learn a lot of programming/SQL skills and business skills along the way. It also meant that I was working the people that I liked (for the most part).

Todd Fifield