This is my 79th post in a blog that has lasted for 2 years. By far, this blog has served me very well in that time and continues to help guide my efforts in all areas of my life. However, for all this effort to learn the technical and creative skills that go into blogging, I’ve not found this blog to be beneficial the way I had intended 2 years ago.

No Phd Acceptance Letter

I’ve had mentors direct me towards using this blog to reflect on my work. I’ve had others direct me away from work towards passions and interests. A few readers have asked me to blog on topics well outside my knowledge or comfort zone. All in all, the original goal of this blog was to explore different areas within rhetoric that I might enjoy as future study, a topic for a dissertation. It was mainly meant to showcase my knowledge for Phd applications.

I gave up seeking a Phd for numerous overwhelming reasons last year. AND, that is okay.

As a result, my direction for this blog has been all over the place. What I have lost with a career trajectory, I’ve gained as an attitude towards my day-to-day life. While it’s nothing “grand” like the life of a professor, I’ve been lucky enough to explore a new career path as a Project Manager. I also get to dive into the world of Product Management very soon. I’m incredibly excited about that.

While I won’t be an academic, I get to be a fanboy for academia. While I don’t get to teach, I’ll continue to train others on the job. It makes me more excited to dive into a new world than to sit waiting at the dock.

No Big “Career Changing” Relationship

I have not connected with some big named super star of Rhetoric or minor celebrity in the field through my blog. Sure, I follow plenty of wonderful people on Twitter. I’ve had my guesses of who reads when I look into my analytics, but I don’t know for sure you’re not a robot.

My point with this section, I’ve seen blogs build careers. I’ve met bloggers that fuel their kids’ college funds from their readership. They connect with others in a way that gets them recognized as an expert. They show constantly that they are an expert.

However, I’ve connected with several of you through twitter. I’ve met many of you through zoom calls. I’ve received messages that have brought me to tears as a result of publishing a post.

I’m a fan of each and every one of you.

Those of you that have taken the time to read any number of my posts are A-Ok in my book. I know you could care less about my blog, but I also know you an incredible care about me. That has been a blessing in my life.

No Recognition

I’m not going to win any awards with this blog. I don’t get to add this blog to my CV or showcase my work at a conference. Considering blogrolls aren’t really a thing anymore, I probably won’t end up on one of those either. There are even a few people that I really wish would tell me, “good post”; however, I know that if it hasn’t happened by now, it won’t happen.

That’s not to say I don’t regularly receive kudos. I do, but I’m not going to be on the cover of “Bloggers Weekly” or win “Blogger of the Year”. Besides, I don’t think those even exist.

I will continue to thrive on attaboys and “nice post” I receive them from friends, family, co-workers, and followers. If anything, that means more to me than some pay-to-win sticker that I’d put on my blog. It’s better than something like SuperBloggers or Best Blogger 2021.


What I haven’t gained in my blogging, I’ve gained thinking about my blog and attempting to use my blog for my career.

If I’ve missed an opportunity, then that’s probably unfortunate. However, I do know that I have gained more than I had thought possible and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

I hope you find something to add to your everyday rhetoric repertoire when you read my blog. There’s always a hidden gem tucked away in everyday occurrences. This is why rhetoric is so important. We must find and utilize in a given situation the available means of persuasion (whether that means persuading ourselves or others). Thank you for reading.