As an ACE I already get a free conference pass for Open World. Oracle have also picked up the tab for flights and accommodation, so that’s the biggest financial commitment take care of. The rest is just time, and I already spend that doing geeky stuff.

Doug: Regarding “stay honest”

I think my one major failing in life is I never worry about biting the hand that feeds me. It quite often gets me into trouble. I don’t think a crown on a logo will alter that.

Cheers

Tim…

“All the time comes out of my holidays and all the expenses come out of my pocket. ”

You’re right to give this serious consideration. Once you put together lost wages or fees, accommodation and flights, it doesn’t take long before this becomes a serious financial commitment. I wonder sometimes whether people who attend presentations whilst being on company wages and expenses really appreciate that. That’s why I tend to do it in waves, generally. I get into it for a year or two (because I enjoy it) and then think ‘Gulp! How much is this costing me!’ But I always go back to it in the end.

So, congrats and all that, but you’re wise to consider the financial implications. On the other hand, as Peter K points out, if Oracle take care of the financial burden … “… folks will say that the ACEs have to say that because Oracle is paying them to say so.”

But you were expecting me to keep droning on about that, right?

In the end - do what’s right for you, stay honest (as if you could be anything but!) and I for one will support you all the way.

I’d say, go for it, and look for a job in a software or support house, maybe in the bioinformatics arena given your education. Have you put down deep roots where you live? That’s been my major consideration since I’ve had kids (well, really the wife’s consideration).

Getting paid for doing what you do on your own anyways hardly seems like working.

If your still looking for a job email me! we need a Oracle DBA and considering I refer to your site alot it would make so much easier!!!!

Moving to next level

Sidhu

The main benefits are listed as:

- Direct communication with Oracle product teams. You have to take part in regular web conferences with them. It would be nice to get involved in that and see what’s going on and what’s on the horizon.
- Annual technical briefing at Oracle HQ
- Free software and access to Beta Program. I don’t know what free software is available that you can’t already download, but access to the betas would be nice. I’ve never worked for a company that has been willing to take part in an Oracle beta program, so I always end up waiting for the production release. It would be nice not to be last to the party for a change.
- A little crown on your ACE logo.

I guess one of the biggest benefits for those working in consultancy firms is the effect on their profile and increased exposure etc. I’m not sure this really makes a great deal of difference to me. I’m not exactly a public figure on the Oracle circuit, but I’m not denying it would be good for the old ego.

Cheers

Tim…

What are the benefits? I would assume that you won’t have to pay for the conference fees (e.g OOW).

Hopefully I will be able to attend OOW this year given the change in my role.

Peter.