Would I like being a DBA?

Fou-Lu · 07-29-2009, 02:04 AM

Any DBAs here?
I'm considering applying at work for a DBA position, but don't know if I'll like it. I tend to lean more towards programming and networking (FYI, my current job doesn't cover either of these, generally fairly laid back, but I enjoy it nonetheless), but I'm a little concerned that a programming job will taint my love.
For example, I started programming since I wanted to make video games (surprise surprise there eh?); however, now that I've actually obtained a level of professionalism where I could begin to learn how to program games, I'd decided I didn't want to do games anymore (at least professionally) - figured that if I programmed games 8 hours a day, that I wouldn't really want to play them anymore y'know what I mean? I'm concerned this may happen with programming in general preventing me from enjoying my current pass-time.
Now, this job would put me into an almost locked state. Once you have been trained in a particular branch, they are reluctant to move you to a different position. And for good reason, extra training isn't cheap. My current education also covered databases, but its been over a year since I've used anything like Oracle or SQL Server.
I'd be looking at about a 15k increase to start. Thats pretty tough to pass up the chance. Plus I'd have stable hours unlike my current job, meaning I can take on more students and projects to do outside of work. I wouldn't mind holding out for a programming job if I had an idea of when something may come available, but I don't really want to sit endlessly as the PEON forever, watching people below me move above me while I wait for a position that may never come.

Any thoughts?

Edit:
Oh yes, and do you think it would be tacky for me to use the same resume and cover letter I used for the last job posting? My cover letter was exceptionally well done (especially for me, English is not my specialty), and it is for the same posting (they are very very generic).

Fumigator · 08-05-2009, 09:24 PM

A week later may be too late to give advice but I do know one thing about DBA jobs, if you are a good DBA, you won't have any trouble finding a job. Good DBAs are highly coveted. But DBA work isn't exactly... glamorous.

oracleguy · 08-05-2009, 11:57 PM

As for the cover letter, it is usually better the tailor them to the job you applying to, they are more effective that way. You can even do the same to your resume in some situations.