Azure SQL database. Nice and simple and fast … or is it?
1. Database It starts with the choice. Are you going for an Azure SQL database, a Managed Instance or SQL…
How It All Started
As a Database Consultant, I mainly focus on SQL Server databases. That passion actually came about by chance. I originally started as a Cobol programmer – something you hardly see anymore these days. Before long, I transitioned from software development into the world of databases. Databases and I turned out to be a great match, and I started enjoying the work more and more. That still holds true today.
After spending 26 years at a large financial institution, it was time for a change. The connection wasn’t there anymore, and with a reorganization on the horizon, I decided to leave. It turns out it’s quite difficult to reach retirement at a financial institution. After that, I worked for four and a half years as a freelancer. Financially it was fine, but it didn’t feel quite right. I’m more of a person who likes to belong somewhere.
A new home base
Three years ago, I made a conscious choice for OptimaData. What attracted me most was the small scale – everyone knows each other here. That certainly wasn’t the case at my previous employer. Another big plus: it’s a team of like-minded professionals. You can really talk about your craft and have engaging discussions. It’s a friendly company where there’s room for a personal chat without someone immediately telling you to get back to work.
On behalf of OptimaData, I support the Police Academy, which takes up about 36 hours of my week on average. Since I work 40 hours a week, that leaves me with four hours for other consultancy projects – just the right amount of variety.
Always Keep Learning
I’d love to broaden my field of expertise. I’m open to working with other databases, although I do see a practical challenge there. With a 36-hour workweek, it’s difficult to take on an additional project in the few remaining hours – especially one where you’d need to learn an entirely new database system. That would require a bit more dedicated time.
However, I’ve thrown myself into another area of growth: in addition to being a database administrator, I want to develop myself into a data engineer. If you combine both skill sets, you evolve into a data platform expert. And things are moving in the right direction – in February, I earned my certification as a Microsoft Certified Azure Data Engineer Associate.
Finding Balance
To unwind from work, I love watching series—especially fantasy. I always look forward to new seasons of The Wheel of Time and The Rings of Power. I also enjoy thrilling shows like The Recruit—very James Bond-like. I don’t mind staying up a bit later for a good episode.
My wife and I enjoy ballroom dancing. We used to dance regularly in the past, but during her pregnancy and with young kids, it became hard to keep up. A few years ago, we picked it back up again. It’s a fun way to socialize and stay active at the same time.
I also love to travel, ideally with a mix of culture and nature. Traveling with the caravan makes that an easy combination. We enjoy city trips too—most recently to Vienna. In June, we’re heading to Croatia and Slovenia: Zagreb, the Plitvice Lakes, and then back via Bled. And in September, we’re taking a train trip through Andalusia.
In the garage there’s a classic car in the garage—a Triumph TR6. I’d love to take it out for more drives, but with everything else going on, it’s sometimes hard to find the time.
Want to Know More?
Curious about the opportunities and challenges at OptimaData? Or interested in how we can optimize your database environment? Feel free to get in touch—we’d be happy to help!
