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Why is Database Administration so hard?
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Problem
I know a lot of Database Administrators and they are all over 28-29 years old.
Is all database administration like that? I mean, is this about getting experience more than at least 7-8 years?
Or is being a database administrator so hard?
Is all database administration like that? I mean, is this about getting experience more than at least 7-8 years?
Or is being a database administrator so hard?
Solution
The position requires a broad spectrum of knowledge ranging from development to system administration and even management. Not only must a DBA know about backup, recovery, internal operations, memory and security, but also how to communicate with both developers and management. A DBA could be giving a high level presentation to management, helping a developer tune a query, provisioning disk space for a new system and restoring data from backup all within the same hour. These responsibilities require a wealth of knowledge with little overlap.
The consequences of failure are usually greater for a DBA than a developer. DBAs often support dozens, even hundreds of different applications and systems most of which are vital to the success of the company. A security breach, recovery failure, or performance problem could have far reaching and devastating ramifications. This requires a level of knowledge and experience that can’t be gained in a short amount of time.
The better a DBA does their job the less visibility they have. A DBA with a database that is secure, recoverable, available, and performing well will lack recognition. DBAs get noticed when there are problems. Not only do they get noticed when their problems are self-inflicted, they also get blamed when the database has problems due to poor coding, improper network setup, or incorrectly configured storage.
I switched from developer to DBA when I was 29. For me the things that make being a DBA difficult also make it rewarding. I enjoy absorbing and using a wide spectrum of knowledge, and the greater opportunity for failure makes the avoidance thereof all the more meaningful whether others see that or not.
The consequences of failure are usually greater for a DBA than a developer. DBAs often support dozens, even hundreds of different applications and systems most of which are vital to the success of the company. A security breach, recovery failure, or performance problem could have far reaching and devastating ramifications. This requires a level of knowledge and experience that can’t be gained in a short amount of time.
The better a DBA does their job the less visibility they have. A DBA with a database that is secure, recoverable, available, and performing well will lack recognition. DBAs get noticed when there are problems. Not only do they get noticed when their problems are self-inflicted, they also get blamed when the database has problems due to poor coding, improper network setup, or incorrectly configured storage.
I switched from developer to DBA when I was 29. For me the things that make being a DBA difficult also make it rewarding. I enjoy absorbing and using a wide spectrum of knowledge, and the greater opportunity for failure makes the avoidance thereof all the more meaningful whether others see that or not.
Context
StackExchange Database Administrators Q#2905, answer score: 141
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