What is it like to be a database administrator?

In fact, get used to blame. I've heard that DBA stands for Default Blame Acceptor. I also believe it stands for Do 'Bout Anything. As a DBA you really need to know a little bit about how a lot of things work together.

The number one thing you must do as a DBA is to be able to recover data. This requires you to build a proper recovery plan, often multiple versions of plans based upon the different systems in your care. And when a business user decides to start running SQL Express on their desktop and they haven't done any backups and their data is lost guess who will often get the blame?

In fact, get used to blame. I've heard that DBA stands for Default Blame Acceptor. I also believe it stands for Do 'Bout Anything. As a DBA you really need to know a little bit about how a lot of things work together. And if you are working with Microsoft SQL Server then any product with the letters "SQL" in the name instantly become your domain. SQL Server Analysis Services? You're the DBA, you figure it out. In fact, just the word "database" means you get more stuff piled on your plate. Oracle, Sybase, Db2...all just databases and hey, aren't you the DBA? These are all yours to manage now.

A database is a black box, not easily understood by 99% of the people using them. That's why they need you, all the time, 24x7, to help make sense of things. You are the Rosetta Stone for your IT department. You help the hardware folks understand what the developers are doing, and why, and why it's important for the business.