3 Things DBAs Can Do At Christmas Time, When Things Slow Down

I love the month of December, especially if it’s not -30C outside. This statement might seem unreal for people living in warmer climates, but those of you living in Canada, can relate.

I love December because I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!
I can see that after all the craziness of the year, with the finish line in November, and beginning of December, there is hope for a normal, even slow paced day. The time when I have time to think, time to act and not re-act to things.

Most companies have a change freeze after December 15th, which means no changes are allowed in any environment. This automatically leads to slowing down.

I love to work in a fast paced environment. However, slowing down from time to time is good, and is needed!

Our brains need some time to relax, to work at a slower pace. Otherwise, we burn out.

What are the 3 things we can do when things slow down?

1. Start working on the things from your “I’ll do it when I get a chance” list.
What is on this list?

Improvements to scripts, automating tasks, documenting processes, cleaning up stuff on you E drive (could be C/D/H – you know what I mean), reading technical books (or chapters from it), starting the study for your certification.

2. Reflecting on things you did this year. Planning for the next one!
What went right, what went wrong. Also thinking about some of your plans for the next year. And as you think about it, make sure you write it down. I am talking about your career goals here, however you can extend this to any personal goals as well.

This is the time to decide and plan for the next course you are going to take, the next certification you are going to study for, in the new year!

3. Take some time off!
If you get a chance take some time off, to relax, to forget about work, and projects, and to do lists, and meetings.

Leave it all in the office on your last day, and don’t check on it until you are back in January!

I wish to all my readers, a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and most of all a Wonderful New Year!

See you in 2017!

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–Diana