Welcome to the Treehouse Community
Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.
Looking to learn something new?
Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.
Start your free trial
Unsubscribed User
8,884 PointsBecoming A Database Administrator - How difficult is it?
Hello,
I've learning front-end web development for over a year now. To be honest, I've struggled with learning at a fast pace. It's to the point now where I have decided to go on a different path. It's difficult for me to become more advanced in my coding practices, and I can't continue to be mediocre at this. However, I do love computers. I still want to have a career somewhere in technology, making a great salary. I've come across databases which is intriguing to me. I feel like I could understand databases much better than I do front-end & back-end code. I have so far went through the few courses that Treehouse offers on SQL. My question is - how difficult would it be to become a database administrator? I'm interested in knowing what a typical day would be like. What skills would I need to be proficient in so I can land a job? Is it a stressful job? In general, how long would it take in order to get that job? Especially since I am familiar with code. Also, what are other sources where I could learn at a quick pace?
All advice and answers are much appreciated! I know there were quite a few questions.
Thank you!
2 Answers
Matthew Mariner
17,666 PointsEverything in the tech industry takes time. Making a great salary shouldn't be your goal, it is a bi-product of success and hard work in your particular industry. You can't expect to know everything about Front-End or Back-End in a year. There is a learning curve and more advanced topics take many years to master. This same learning curve of mastery occurs in other tech fields such as DB administration. It will take time, you will be frustrated, and there will be advanced topics that take along time to learn.
Everyone who starts out in the software/web industry feels like they have 'impostor syndrome'. But with time and genuine effort, you can overcome it and really fine the niche that you best fit into. Having said that, I would explore different fields and find what you are genuinely interested in. Things get hard no matter what field you are in, don't chase $$$, and find what you love doing and you'll never work a day in your life. If you don't like the idea of working hard, or having to wait atleast a few years to see the success you think you deserve, then maybe this field isn't right for you.
Dom Smith
3,091 PointsHi Brodan,
I would totally agree with Matthew's comment, whichever area you choose to pursue will take time to master. I'd personally suggest emailing a handful of DB Admins and get a feel for what skills are required. I'm sure they will be the best people to give you some direction and clearly answer some of your questions.