About two years back we got a new manager at work. I was working in the same office as him a couple of weeks back and we got talking about spreadsheets and databases. He mentioned some half baked plans for things he would like to change in the future. I said I have that feature, and that, and that too. So now he is really, really, keen to sit down and take a look at what I have and discuss what he is thinking. My supervisor mentioned some of this again today. Richard... I'm going to borrow your "Big Button Forms" if that's okay? I've just had another idea with that project make a good starting point? I think? Excitement and nerves are two emotions I'm really going through right now.
Joe Holland
@Reply 25 days ago
This is how great things start. Congratulations and cheers to your efforts.
Debbie HeaneyOP
@Reply 10 days ago
I got the sit down with the manager, spent a little over an hour going through various things.
Once i was done my Manager pulled out a "big" sheet of paper and we went over some the the ideas he was having.
On the big sheet of paper was a well fleshed out, hand drawn, map of a very big database, relationships and everything.
I've never even thought about something that big and complex let alone built something that big and complex. It's a bit overwhelming.
Turns out he has some Access skills of his own. We will be building it in collaboration with each other.
Joe Holland
@Reply 10 days ago
WOW! You have to be feeling great about this. Now do your best to make it happen and come here for help whenever you need it.
You may not have built something that big and complex YET, you have all the skills and tools at your disposal and it's just a combination of smaller dbs in one, so if you do it in bitesize chunks and build it up slowly you'll be there in no time :)
Debbie HeaneyOP
@Reply 9 days ago
My mental health has taken a real hammering the past 2-3 years. The end of last year (2025) brought a heavy blow.
Up until I got talking with the manage I hadn't touched a single Excel formula or single line of VBA code in 4 months.
I lost interest in everything.
I'm more overwhelmed, and freaking out right now, at the scale of the planned project.
There is a bit of a gap between just a hobby tinkerer and actual developer. I have doubts over just how much skill I have.
On the plus side.
My manager is a great guy, has his own Access Skills, there is no time limit on when things need to be ready.
Joe Holland
@Reply 9 days ago
I am sorry to hear about your troubles. Alex is right though. Think of it as small tasks to get to the end goal. We are are own worst enemies at times. Don't worry about what you don't think you know and start. This project is a positive in your life. Use it to help yourself move forward. We are all here and willing to help when you need it. This is the best online community!
Hopefully working through it with no pressure you'll find your joy in building dbs again and you are more experienced than you think! Plus with someone else to bounce ideas off and work together with it sounds like it'll be a great project.
I look forward to seeing progress updates and as the others have said we're here to help whenever :-)
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