Managed Database Services
It has already been three years since I started at OptimaData as a DBA Consultant in the Managed Database Services branch. In this role, I am involved in the 24/7 management of databases for various clients. Our services include optimization, backups, security, and maintenance of databases. With my extensive experience in various types of organizations, I can easily switch between stakeholders, business, and technology, and I quickly adapt to new environments.
PostgreSQL-elephant
In my free time, I enjoy painting. I love creating something with my hands. Drawing is a process where you start without knowing where it will end. The final result is always surprising, much like in my work. In projects, you often have to make adjustments along the way to achieve the desired end result. Recently, I made a painting of an elephant specifically for OptimaData. The symbol of the PostgreSQL database is an elephant, and I incorporated the colors of our logo into it. Isn’t it nice to have such a piece of art hanging in the office and hear the reactions to it? The hardest part of a painting is the beginning. You stare at a blank canvas; where do you start? My approach is quite similar to my work. I divide the large white space staring back at me into pieces: I create frames, sections, and step by step, I move from the big picture to the details. By making this division first, I ensure that the proportions remain correct later in the process. I also work methodically in my job. And yes, in both cases, you sometimes reach a point where you think: this is not going to work, I’m stuck. Then you ask a colleague for help, and often one tip is enough to get you going again. For my paintings, I ask my drawing teacher or people in the group. Sometimes it’s just a nuance – the nose is too small, the ears too far back – and that can make a big difference. Then everything starts flowing again.
Practice Makes Perfect
Now that I think about it: my work revolves around digital processes, but my hobbies are very practical and analog, which seems like a completely different world. This applies to painting, but also to my boat, which I work on a lot. I love working with my hands. Yet, there is also a form of technique involved. Whether it’s painting, working on the boat, or my job as a database administrator; the more often you do it, the better you get at it.
Connection
I am very happy at OptimaData. It’s a small company, which has its advantages. The lines of communication are short, you know everyone well, and with a smaller company, you feel more connected. You are well aware of what is going on, which I find a real plus. Moreover, you work here for different clients in various environments and sectors, which offers a lot of variety and learning opportunities. It means you have to switch often, but that keeps me sharp. No, I never get bored.
Living in the present
What does the future of my work look like? Phew, I like to live in the now, looking far ahead is difficult for me. The future also strongly depends on technological developments. Cloud computing is still on the rise, and making backups is becoming more automated. I suspect that in our role, we will increasingly focus on performance, efficiency, and cost savings. Everything changes in technology, but if I look at SQL Server 2008 versus 2022, you see that certain fundamentals are firmly anchored. It is difficult to predict how everything will evolve. Perhaps artificial intelligence will force us to take a completely new course. But I doubt I will experience that before I retire.
Curious?
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