I like this article. The struggle you are talking about is very real. I especially agree with the "patience" that is required to bring in process control and stability. Sometimes when I walk in the door, I feel like the only person who wants to see this SQL Server environment run smoothly is me. I look at 30 servers running single disks and ask for another disk for each of the PROD boxes so I can at least split out the logs. "Sorry, we can't split the RAID and these servers have no more slots.." Okay, can we purchase a small mid-grade storage array? Connect me to the SAN? "Please describe your business need again..." Everybody has SA? All the developers login to PROD with dbo? Not a single prod server has a legitimate backup plan least of all a working DR? Yep. That's what you walk into. Your own boss, the manager of "ORACLE" (UPPER CASE) apps has no respect for your pc-dbms (small case) and doesn't want to spend a dime or a moment of time considering your proposals.

However, I remember the fact that they plunked down $$$ for me to come in and clean it up, so they must want the pain that I bring deep down. 🙂

Also, there is a delicate area where a Hybrid DBA assists with T-SQL or SSIS code review. I usually try to guide them to their own answers...