Insight for a Developer in a Rut

  • Evil Kraig F (9/29/2011)


    It's 2011, I've been at 5 positions since 2k8 came out, and I have *yet* to be at a company that has it in production.

    Yikes, since 2008 came out I have been with 4 companies, the first I put SQL 2008 into (2008) we were an early adopter, the second was just about to put their first installation into (2010), the third moved there for some stuff right before I left(2011), and the fourth has ALL SQL 2008 but one SQL 2000.. And the sizes of these companies runs from larger small companies to the federal government.. I've got to wonder whats going on if none are at 2008 yet that you are dealing with. Is it one particular industry or something? I have worked with several different industries.. Not sure man..

    CEWII

  • Elliott Whitlow (9/29/2011)


    Evil Kraig F (9/29/2011)


    It's 2011, I've been at 5 positions since 2k8 came out, and I have *yet* to be at a company that has it in production.

    Yikes, since 2008 came out I have been with 4 companies, the first I put SQL 2008 into (2008) we were an early adopter, the second was just about to put their first installation into (2010), the third moved there for some stuff right before I left(2011), and the fourth has ALL SQL 2008 but one SQL 2000.. And the sizes of these companies runs from larger small companies to the federal government.. I've got to wonder whats going on if none are at 2008 yet that you are dealing with. Is it one particular industry or something? I have worked with several different industries.. Not sure man..

    CEWII

    Two. Healthcare and Finance are my usual. Neither like change, and they sure as crap HATE upgrades. I was involved in a 6.5, 7.0, and 2k to 2k5 upgrade not 2 years ago.

    I run the antiques of the world. What's nice is y'all are 3 years ahead of me doing all the mistakes before I get there. 🙂

    P.S. Until a 5 months ago I *always* had one 2k server, minimum, under my direct administration or development... just to give you an idea.


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  • Evil Kraig F (9/30/2011)

    P.S. Until a 5 months ago I *always* had one 2k server, minimum, under my direct administration or development... just to give you an idea.

    Same here. Everywhere I have been in my career (11 years) has had at least one SQL Server 2000 still active.

    Even my current company, which is only 10 years old, has their original 2000 database. We are only just now talking about upgrading them to a 2008 server because of concerns about the old hardware. Even when moved, we will have to run those databases in 2000 compatibility mode because of an issue related to how 2000 handles negative numbers.

    It is the nature of databases that some just cannot be upgraded without a ton of work.

  • Well, I am finally done with my job search. 🙂

    It took me longer than I'm used to but I think I made the right decision. I had about 4 different choices and 2 of them I canceled before I got the offer because there was just something about it that turned me off and then I ended up with 2 actual offers to consider.

    I ended up with two totally different companies and industries. One was a private company that dealt with military satellite data and doing data collection, analysis and reporting on it. It would have been very close to my house and according to them, a phenominal benefits package. My problem with this company was that they were very rigid with their flexibility. No flex time, would not let me take vacation for 3 months, if I wanted to take off for christmas I would have to take leave without pay, they do an actual 9 hour day with 1 hour for lunch... I'm used to an 8 hour day with 1 hour for lunch. Also, they offered me 2k less than I make now. To me, it was almost insulting ... to cut me out of 2k to not at least offer me my current salary... kinda peeved me. So, I made them up the offer by 2k. LOL.

    The other company was government contracting, same as I do now but this one would be for the Army and much closer to my house. They are very flexible, can make up time, and have an "as long as the work gets done" philosophy. They also offered me 11k more than I make now. The draw backs to this one is I may have the same work quality problems but they do seem to be more open to technology here and they are on 2008. And I will be a sub contractor on the project. However, the company is small and has a very good employee driven focus. They also see me as having value across the company long term and not just as someone to fill a hole on their contract.

    So, I ended up chosing the government contracting job. It was more money and has the flexibility I want. I work to live not live to work, so I took the flexibility over being able to get out of government. This company will also utilize my top secret clearance and where I'm at now it isn't being used.

    My current company was really shocked and disappointed that I'm leaving. They are kind of frantic now and I have to do 1099 work for them in my spare time till they can recover from having to replace me. I've never done 1099 stuff, so I'm not really pleased about having to do my own taxes and what not. But, I also don't like to burn bridges.

    So, all in all... I'm happy. I may not get the exciting work that I really want but I think not having a 2 hour commute (one way) anymore will greatly improve my happiness. And the salary boost. 🙂

  • Well Amy, I congratulate you on your new position. I hope it is everything you wanted. And a pay raise never hurt.. I have to say that flexibility vs. rigidity is a big draw for me as well.. And living closer to home is a big score..

    CEWII

  • amy26 (10/20/2011)


    They also offered me 11k more than I make now.

    Congrats !!! Nice bump in salary.

    This issue came up with some co-workers today at lunch. One of them in considering leaving because he doesn't make enough.

    He is a QA engineer and just found out that his current salary is about $15,000 less than the salary surveys indicate he should be making.

    So that naturally started the discussion about what raise would it take to get you to move.

    I put it this way. An extra $16,500 per year is the same as maxing out your 401k every year.

    Do that for 25 years and you are in great shape.

    If you got an 11k raise, try living on the same amount you used to make at your prior job.

    Increase your 401k contributions by $11,000. You will thank me in 20 years.

    If you are already maxing out your 401k, start a Roth IRA also and put $5,000 in there every year.

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