June 19, 2014 at 12:55 pm
Need some advice.
The job description was for a senior level dba which I am. But when I showed up all they want me doing is moving databases from one server to another and migrating logins.
I am going to have a talk with my manager tomorrow saying this is not an effective use of my time or their resources.
They have people with less than 1 year experience trying to architect solutions that are second nature to me (or any other senior DbA/Developer).
Anyone ever had an experience where the job was not at all what was described? How did that turn out?
June 19, 2014 at 1:28 pm
I've been given more responsibility than what was in the job description, but never less. I'm only speculating here, but perhaps this is a test - maybe they want to give you some simple stuff to see if you can handle it and get work done at the same time. Then comes something with a bit more substance to it, then more, etc. Maybe they want you to prove yourself along the way before they give you sysadmin and the responsibilities that go along with it.
Then again, I could be completely off base here and they intend to stick you with the grunt work forever. I would definitely talk to your manager about it, but as you go into that conversation, be open to the possibility that they could be proceeding from a cautionary stance.
My 2 cents.
June 19, 2014 at 1:36 pm
Possibly, but the more I talk to the people on the team I think it was a misunderstanding/miscommunication.
During the morning meeting with a few of the other DBA's I pretty much architected out the entire solution on the whiteboard for them since they were stuck at the beginning of it.
:blush:
Not really looking forward to the discussion, but I've scheduled it for tomorrow morning. Thing is this was a decent pay raise, so I could just sit and collect the money but I really prefer to be challenged not bored at work.
June 19, 2014 at 2:19 pm
Chord77 (6/19/2014)
Possibly, but the more I talk to the people on the team I think it was a misunderstanding/miscommunication.During the morning meeting with a few of the other DBA's I pretty much architected out the entire solution on the whiteboard for them since they were stuck at the beginning of it.
:blush:
Not really looking forward to the discussion, but I've scheduled it for tomorrow morning. Thing is this was a decent pay raise, so I could just sit and collect the money but I really prefer to be challenged not bored at work.
I would suggest being careful how you word things in this discussion. You don't want to come off as arrogant and that you feel your talents are being wasted on such trivial things. This is a slippery slope to walk on. I understand wanting to be challenged but if you come out and say you are better than your position it may sour the milk.
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June 20, 2014 at 3:06 am
How long have you been in the role? Maybe they're trying to get you used to their environment for a few months?
June 20, 2014 at 6:22 am
Agreed that is the challenge.
My mgr called out today so now it's just giving me more time to think on how to approach the topic.
June 20, 2014 at 6:24 am
Beatrix Kiddo (6/20/2014)
How long have you been in the role? Maybe they're trying to get you used to their environment for a few months?
That was my initial thought.
But then just this morning I was asked by a team lead, "have you ever installed SQL server?"
(umm...more times than I can count throughout my career....<Internal Thought>)
I think there has been a miscommunication between the hiring manager and the manager I report to.
June 20, 2014 at 6:33 am
And your job title is Senior DBA? That must be very dispiriting.
No need to go into detail, but would you say the salary is about what you'd expect a Senior DBA to be earning?
June 20, 2014 at 9:38 am
Beatrix Kiddo (6/20/2014)
And your job title is Senior DBA? That must be very dispiriting.No need to go into detail, but would you say the salary is about what you'd expect a Senior DBA to be earning?
I believe it is from my research.
June 20, 2014 at 9:45 am
Wow, that's very weird. Are you still in touch with the recruiter?
June 20, 2014 at 9:48 am
Chord77 (6/20/2014)
Beatrix Kiddo (6/20/2014)
How long have you been in the role? Maybe they're trying to get you used to their environment for a few months?That was my initial thought.
But then just this morning I was asked by a team lead, "have you ever installed SQL server?"
(umm...more times than I can count throughout my career....<Internal Thought>)
I think there has been a miscommunication between the hiring manager and the manager I report to.
I had that experience years ago. I was actually hired to replace the person who asked me a similar question regarding DG systems. I had 5 years experience at the time this person asked the question.
June 20, 2014 at 10:53 am
Chord77 (6/19/2014)
Need some advice.The job description was for a senior level dba which I am. But when I showed up all they want me doing is moving databases from one server to another and migrating logins.
I am going to have a talk with my manager tomorrow saying this is not an effective use of my time or their resources.
They have people with less than 1 year experience trying to architect solutions that are second nature to me (or any other senior DbA/Developer).
Anyone ever had an experience where the job was not at all what was described? How did that turn out?
I had a job like that, struggled on with it for a year, bored out of my mind! Did me no good at all.
Having said that, I'd give it a bit of time, perhaps to the end of a probation period if you have one?
June 20, 2014 at 11:37 am
Don't underestimate any job. What if I were your manager and I told you to develop code to restore databases from one server to another automatically, so any time we need to do that we just re-use your development which should be on a single click?
It all depends on how you look at things.
Igor Micev,My blog: www.igormicev.com
June 20, 2014 at 12:53 pm
Igor Micev (6/20/2014)
Don't underestimate any job. What if I were your manager and I told you to develop code to restore databases from one server to another automatically, so any time we need to do that we just re-use your development which should be on a single click?It all depends on how you look at things.
That is a very good point and a valid example in this case.
In this particular situation they have hired an outside vendor to provide a toolset to do so.
I'll talk to my manager and team leads next week and get some idea of their long term vision for my role.
Thanks
June 20, 2014 at 5:50 pm
Does this location have strict separation of DBA vs. Dev duties? If so, it's possible they want a senior on site for the one-off "HOLY CRAP ITS ON FIRE!" events, and generally they've found they need a lot of experience for those moments. In between, they're there to support the devs with the mundane crap and make sure the architecture stays sound.
I agree it's definately worth a discussion with the managers as to their expectation to the role, but go in with an open mind. Leave your expectations at the door, and be willing to discuss ways you can help in between the duties they want you to attend to. I agree with Sean in this, be careful of your wording, you're the new guy.
Hypocritical Refuge: That's advice from the most tactless person on the planet, I know, which should probably tell me something about myself. However, I'm used to being the one called in to come fix everything that's falling down around people's ears, so my typical approach is not one I'd take towards a longer term position.
Never stop learning, even if it hurts. Ego bruises are practically mandatory as you learn unless you've never risked enough to make a mistake.
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