Indiana Appelt and the Quest for the Golden Handcuffs

One of my former colleagues once referred to tenure as "the Golden Handcuffs." On the one hand, you have permanent job security (barring unforeseen circumstances). On the other hand, it may be difficult to move on to other things because most opportunities are for untenured assistant professor positions. So, one can be "trapped" by this thing of great value.

My quest for a tenured position began after graduating with my Ph.D. However, my quest has been most intense these last couple of years. It's been a long and perilous trip. I had many opportunities for missteps. As with most quests, a little bit of luck doesn't hurt either. Sometimes, even the most worthy of adventurers are unable to complete the quest.

Yesterday, I received a letter stating that I was being promoted to Associate Professor with continuous tenure. I admit, I'm still in a bit of a daze, but one thing is very clear to me. With a wife, house, and a baby on the way, I don't mind being tied down with this newest piece of jewelry.

Christopher