April 28, 2011 at 12:47 pm
I've had to explain to my GF what it is that I do as a professional DBA. She uses computers but has never seen a line of code.
Explaining what lawyers, doctors, politicians, psychologists, teachers or accountants do can be vulgarized in a phrase or two that almost anyone will understand. We see them a lot on TV or in the news. We can see the results. It's quantifiable even sometimes.
As anyone came up with something that works for DBA's and will satisfy the curiosity of people outside the realm of computers?
Thanks.
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April 28, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Though vague - I just tell them I work with computers - if they have no clue.
That said, "database" should be pretty well understood these days.
Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
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April 28, 2011 at 1:02 pm
"You know Google? Okay, where you type in information, that's the front end. They make it pretty and give you a thousand options in a way you can work. I do the back end. I make sure the data your front end requests shows up quickly and accurately."
That seems to work the best for me.
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April 28, 2011 at 1:06 pm
Craig Farrell (4/28/2011)
"You know Google? Okay, where you type in information, that's the front end. They make it pretty and give you a thousand options in a way you can work. I do the back end. I make sure the data your front end requests shows up quickly and accurately."That seems to work the best for me.
I like that approach.
Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
_______________________________________________
I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
SQL RNNR
Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
Learn Extended Events
April 28, 2011 at 4:04 pm
I tell my family, and others, i make sure lists are available, I use a gym membership list as an example.
My first gig as a DBA I had many cliets in a contact center enviroment from the auto industry. I started using the list explanation after I was asked if I still sold cars for a living:-)
Andrew
April 29, 2011 at 5:25 am
I'm the data police. All those online orders you may have made? All that private information of yours? I'm supposed to protect it. If any of it's at the company I work for.
April 29, 2011 at 5:52 am
I just talk about the information on a form, like a drivers license. It all gets stored somewhere and I'm the guy that manages the stuff that does the storing.
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April 29, 2011 at 6:04 am
I am in charge of Security, Recoverability and Performance of the information that uses SQL Server databases
Done!
April 29, 2011 at 6:37 am
I tried saying I worked with computers, but had so many requests to fix printers or help set up wireless networks that I changed and now I say I am a taxi driver. Nobody ever asks me for a free lift to the airport! why is that?
April 29, 2011 at 6:41 am
Ian-440692 (4/29/2011)
I tried saying I worked with computers, but had so many requests to fix printers or help set up wireless networks that I changed and now I say I am a taxi driver. Nobody ever asks me for a free lift to the airport! why is that?
Drug dealer ends the conversation even faster... I never tried it but that guy from the 4 hour work week did and it seems to do the trick for him! Tim Ferris iirc.
April 29, 2011 at 10:01 am
440692 I am just a number (4/29/2011)
I tried saying I worked with computers, but had so many requests to fix printers or help set up wireless networks that I changed and now I say I am a taxi driver. Nobody ever asks me for a free lift to the airport! why is that?
Yeah - that happens - but if it isn't family there is a nominal charge 😀
Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
_______________________________________________
I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
SQL RNNR
Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
Learn Extended Events
April 29, 2011 at 10:33 am
SQLRNNR (4/29/2011)
440692 I am just a number (4/29/2011)
I tried saying I worked with computers, but had so many requests to fix printers or help set up wireless networks that I changed and now I say I am a taxi driver. Nobody ever asks me for a free lift to the airport! why is that?Yeah - that happens - but if it isn't family there is a nominal charge 😀
Nominal?
<snicker>
I've seen your rates. Donald Trump charges less. @=)
April 29, 2011 at 10:53 am
Just tell people you're a cowboy. No one ever asks for help branding their calves.
April 29, 2011 at 10:55 am
SQLRNNR (4/29/2011)
440692 I am just a number (4/29/2011)
I tried saying I worked with computers, but had so many requests to fix printers or help set up wireless networks that I changed and now I say I am a taxi driver. Nobody ever asks me for a free lift to the airport! why is that?Yeah - that happens - but if it isn't family there is a nominal charge 😀
A man needs to eat:cool:
Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
_______________________________________________
I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
SQL RNNR
Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
Learn Extended Events
April 29, 2011 at 10:57 am
Michael Valentine Jones (4/29/2011)
Just tell people you're a cowboy. No one ever asks for help branding their calves.
Where I live you'd get asked to do that. :hehe:
You may get asked to help do something like this.
Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
_______________________________________________
I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
SQL RNNR
Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
Learn Extended Events
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