When we get stuck, we all would like to turn to an expert in some area and ask for help. However it's not always easy to find an expert when you need one. There is often a recommendation to hire an expert when you get into some complicated area, but how do you find one? It can be hard to fine one, or get approval to spend the money.
I ran across a great blog post recently that talked about finding SQL Server support by becoming your own expert. The post gives some advice about where to start to learn and become better at some technology, using sources such as BOL, forums, and even Twitter. For those of you that weren't aware, there's a #sqlhelp hash tag that might get you bootstrapped.
It's worth it for a company to build in-house experts. It lowers support costs, and should improve the quality of performance from your systems. It seems that those people in the SQL community that are very active in forums, Twitter, etc., tend to have more stable, and higher performing systems. They seem to be the people that stick with jobs for long periods of time, and are rarely out of work.
It's no accident.
Sure we have companies and management that treat us like disposable, easily replaceable parts, but I don' t think that's the majority of companies. I think as you become more of an expert, become more familiar with your systems and work to constantly improve them, you become more valuable to the company and they recognize that.
So think about that the next time you have some problem or issue at work. Dig in and become your own expert. Don't just solve the problem, learn why it happened and improve your skills. There are plenty of people in the community that are willing to help you become your own expert.
Steve Jones
The Voice of the DBA Podcasts
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