Almost Four Years Later

I never intended for four years to go by before I wrote on my blog again.  However, here I am......2017......

What a whirlwind of things have happened since I last posted.  First, I created a new blog.  You can access it here.  You will notice as soon as you click that I have moved.  However, I didn't just make a straight move.  It happened in increments.  Let me explain.

First, in February of 2014 I graduated with my doctorate degree.  I was so nervous to defend it.  Finishing was not without difficulty.  The person who was chairing my dissertation committee quit responding to me.  It took quite a while for someone from the university to tell me that she was no longer working for the University.  That left me with no committee and a dissertation that had only one chapter left to write.  I contacted several people who said they had no room for another dissertation on their schedule. 

After about 25 contacts, I found someone who agreed to chair my committee.  That was terrific!  There was only one little problem.  The new chair wanted changes made in the first four chapters which would change some of what I was making conclusions and recommendations about.  Luckily, we worked well together and made some compromises on both sides.  I finished writing and scheduled my defense for the end of February. 

Finally, after 7 years, a lot of sweat and tears, tons of researching, writing, and editing, I became Dr. Balluff!  Signe Balluff, EdD. 

The problem now was finding a job that would help pay off those student loans!  After all, they always say, once you have your doctorate, doors open up for you.  I was excited to see what doors would open. 

Problem was.........nothing opened for me.  I have applied for administrative positions for 11 years now.  I think it is getting even harder now that I have my doctorate.  Not only that, I'm not a schmoozer so I don't act like a ladder climber.  If I get a position, I want to get it because of who I am.  Not because I pretended to be someone I'm not. 

Between February and July, Austin graduated from high school and left to serve a two year mission for our church.  I had foot surgery on both of my feet, had my dog put down due to age, and moved from Utah to Arizona.  What was I thinking? 

I moved to Arizona and lived with my parents.  Well, I  hated my job, and because of foot issues was having a hard time physically, and having a little bit of depression.  So, in 2015 I moved back to Utah.  What was I thinking?