Wednesday, April 30

Big News!

I know I've been threatening this for some time now, but kids, it's officially official...I have quit my job. Oh my! Actually, I have given a month's notice, so come May 23, I am all yours! Now comes the scary part, which involves taking this blog to the next level...kicking it up a notch, so to speak. So, I'm going to need all the support y'all can muster! I hope you will hang in there with me while I make new and improved advances for sfgirlbybay. And if anyone has any thoughts about what I can add, subtract, or do to make sfgirlbybay a better experience for you, please comment here, or drop me a line. Oh, and maybe say a few toasts that I have not lost my bloody mind, as well. Real jobs, they're really overrated, right?

112 comments:

Irene I.P. said...

How wonderfully jealous I am! You host one of my favorite blogs and am excited to see what you have up your sleeve.

Congrats on your new found freedom!

Anonymous said...

How exciting! I am all for pursuing your passions and I think you really have something here... I think your photos are really wonderful too and you may look into getting with a stock agency...

good luck and trust your talent you have loads!

Fiona Cartolina said...

Woo hoo - go for it Victoria!
You have already proven that you have what it takes to be an independent business woman - the spirit, the imagination and the drive to produce sfgirlbybay every day - to inspire and energize the rest of us every morning.
The future is looking very bright!

Victoria E said...

Welcome to the world of freelancers, my fellow Victoria. The blog is great and I am sure it will only continue to get better :D

Anonymous said...

yah! I know you've been wanting to do this for a while, and I'm so happy to get to see it happen, and have you chronicle it here on the interwebs for us all to be a fun part of.

Best of luck--you're going to do awesome!

Halvorsen said...

Congratulations Victoria! I can't wait to see how sfgirlbybay grows.

ajh said...

That picture is hilarious and perfect! Congratulations and good luck. Your blog often makes my "real job" bearable.

Homegrown {& the Bug} said...

Awesome for you! I haven't worked a 'real' job for nearly a year now and even though we're not living in a mansion we're making it and I'm so much happier. You'll do just fine Victoria and I can't wait to see what you do with the blog when you can devote HOURS to it on a daily basis. Congrats and good luck!

Unknown said...

Good luck girl!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Congradulations, Victoria!

Cindy said...

Wow, Good Luck! I'm sure whatever you to to your blog will be great.

Mary Elizabeth Liberty said...

what great news! Congrats!

Just one suggestion: add categories so that we can see all the unexpected guests, room redux or sunday in the city posts at once...

JanelleGrace said...

So amazing! Congratulations! Oh the life of not working for someone else...

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Visiting your blog is definitely a morning must for me, and you reliably have something new posted that is always interesting and inspiring to start the day. I especially enjoy your Sundays in the City. That photo above is perfect!

Anonymous said...

so exciting! congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, that's a great and exciting step, but probably also a daring one! You already did so much for this blog, I always asked myself how you could do all that next to a normal day-job. I'm not the praying person, but I wish you all the luck and you know sfgirlbybay has a special place in my blogging-heart, so if I can help you in any way I surely will. Right now I can't immediately come up with new ideas for sfgirlbybay, but if I think of anything I'll let you know!

Mittendorfer said...

Well done Victoria and congratulations on leaving the world of 9-5 for more exciting times.

Can't wait to see what you do with sf girl by bay next.

If you ever come to Brighton (UK) look us up!

Anonymous said...

Hooray for you, Victoria!

and as someone who works in a similar job as your soon-to-be-ex job, I will be living through you big time!!

Congratulations!
K.

Sals said...

How exciting! Congratulations and much luck to you :)

Josephine said...

congrats, victoria! you'll do brilliantly!

Asli said...

I have been quite for a while, but have been an avid reader all along Victoria.
I'm so happy for you that you decided to do take the less travelled, but surely more fun road.
Some doors don't fully open unless you close others. I'm sure many more to your liking will open up pretty soon!

I will be looking forward to changes, I have liked your blog and your style from the very beginning. It's very encouraging to see where you've taken this.

Best of luck and congrats!

Aslie

Anonymous said...

Congrats. So jealous...real jobs are *so* overrated.

In terms of the blog, I'd like to see some categories/tags to help with searches. Also, I loved the "room redux" posts...more of those please...acually I'd love to see any inspiring image artwork/outfit/photo turned into a room. Kind of like what Domino used to do...

Congrats again and best of luck.

Chris Brown said...

V-
I knew you were a true rebel at heart. Now the fun really starts. Best of luck!

Peace & Love,
Chris

Anonymous said...

That's fantastic news! Congratulations and welcome to the land of freelance! Looking forward to seeing what's next on the horizon for sfgirlbybay ...

Lori

Shelli said...

Aw! Congratulations!! Its a big jump...but totally worth it. I cannot wait to see what new & fabulous things you do! xo ~shells

Anonymous said...

I read your blog every day. CONGRATULATIONS! I worked for one of the top talent agency in LA and 5 years ago left to start my own management co. It was the best decision I ever made. Good Luck.

Unknown said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is great news. I can't wait to see what happens with the blog now that it will have your full-time attention. I'm sure it's going to be incredible!!

Janis said...

A bold move to be admired! I am positive you will do great things...

Kathryn said...

Congratulations! If you're crazy, then I'm crazy too, because my blog has also turned into my full-time job, and it's delightful and frightening at the same time. Best of luck to you! Your blog is an inspiration, and I know you'll do well!

The Closet Therapist said...

Congratulations on your leap of faith! I think your blog is wonderful. How does one make it a full time job? Now, I'm going to have to do some research.

Anonymous said...

I am so over having a real job right now. (I've done both!) Congratulation! This is wonderful!!! Best of luck! I'd love to see even more of your home projects. But, overall I love everything the way it is, particularly your down-to-earth personable approach.

Anonymous said...

congratulations! everything will be fine you'll see and yes real jobs are totally overrated without a doubt. I love your blog... I'm so happy for you. :O)

/// said...

Congrats, Victoria! Let's start a club! :)

dz_g said...

Hooray! Your blog is my favorite to read :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!! You totally deserve to take your creative endeavors to the full level, and I know that we will all creatively benefit from your saying goodbye to the 9 to 5 :)

I really enjoy your photography capturing the nuances of the city and your witty juxtaposition... and I hope you will now have even more time for that goodness!

Cheers, Grace (long term reader, first time poster).

Anonymous said...

Well done! I did a similar thing this year deciding that to be happy was worth more than the end of the month pay cheque...and although the end of the month is now a nightmare, it was worth it. I hope everything works out well for you and for sure, you have Wren's support. :)

studio wellspring said...

hell yes ~ you're absolutely doing the right thing! congrats & i can't wait to experience all your continued amazingness as sfgirlbybay develops.

Anonymous said...

You are doing the right thing. You're a star.

Always Organizing said...

Congratulations Victoria! I have been reading your blog for some time and really love it. I look forward to it everyday.

lauren said...

I feel so inspired lately by people leaving their jobs and following their hearts and hands. I work for a college and am about to get laid off for the summer and am going to do my darndest to work work work this summer on my own stuff so I don't have to go back next fall. We'll see...
Many congratulations on your leap. Really though, who else could you have faith in if not yourself first?

Anonymous said...

congrats!!
love your blog and especially the scenic shots.
to add and subtract? More sunday in the city posts...anything that makes me dream and get lost in the moment and forget about my own "real time" job darn it! hmmm..can't think of anything to subtract...maybe fashion? it's hard b/c everything on here is perfect.

Anonymous said...

Woo! I can't wait to watch as you take it to the max! Hey whatever happened to that room redux thing? I sent in pictures and was really excited about that!

bettyninja said...

Oh wow- congrats to you! You will do wonderful with this I just know!

Anonymous said...

Very cool! Your blog is already delightful and I'm excited to see the next steps! I would say keep on making things for your etsy shop. Clearly folks enjoy your crafty creations and everything you've put up so far has been snatched right up! Also, with all this free time (ha ha) write a book. I'd buy it.

zara said...

hey, but this is a real job, by any means!! keeping my fingers crossed for your and humbly admiring your courage, let me say that this was a good move. keep up the good work :)

Anonymous said...

YAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!

amy said...

awesome - congratulations! I also quit my job last week - very exciting. is this a movement? i have been finding it surprising that so many people have congratulated me on quitting - i must have been outwardly unhappy and my loved ones are actually excited that i quit. funny. best of luck!

sfgirlbybay said...

wow you guys!! thanks - you overwhelm me with all the great support! and thank you for all your good suggestions - i am working on some new plans and will be announcing them soon.

in the meantime, my heartflet thanks for this amazing show of kindness!
victoria

Nicole said...

Oh Victoria! Congrats!! I've enjoyed working with you, and look forward to reading about your new adventures and design ideas via your blog.

Wishing you all the best!! :-)

Natalia said...

Congratulations, Victoria! Most of all, for having the guts to pursue your dreams.I discovered your blog not long ago through AT, and I have been addicted to it since then, so it makes me happy that you are becoming a full time blogger.As for suggestions, the only one would be keep it personal, your unique view on things is what makes this place special. Good luck from Argentina!

Anonymous said...

Good for you! I already love your blog (and your house! my favorite!) so I can't WAIT to see what's next...and yes, real jobs are overrated. I think my goal is to find a job that I can have my dog with me!

Blogging Masterclass said...

AWESOME! Go get 'em girl!

Dottie said...

congratulations. i just adore your blog. ahhhh. sfgirlbybay all day hurray!

Carrie Nicole said...

YAY!!! Super-Mega-Fantastically-Huge Congrats to you Victoria!

You are doing what some of us yearn for but haven't taken the leap for reasons too many to name. How hugely inspiring to hear that you've overcome whatever obstacles may have been in your way and that you are now pursuing your passion, your dream.

Your blog was the first blog I came across that I bookmarked and kept coming back to, you've helped me with blog and picture tips and tricks, led me to a world of design that I didn't know I loved, led me to Amy Butler fabrics, Etsy, etc, etc, etc...and also to the world of blogging and being part of such a fantastic community of like-minded, intelligent, creative, wonderful folk. Wow, until I started writing this, I didn't even really realize the big ol world that your blog has put at my front door.

Reading your blog each morning (and throughout the day) is my version of that super comfy read the Sunday paper with my cup of tea feeling.

I am so very happy for you and supportive of your big move to freelancer extraordinare!!!! I very much hope to someday soon join those ranks and get to shuffle off to work in my home office with my two doggies in tow.

Keep up the amazing work! I'm really excited and looking forward to all that is to come here on your blog! Hugs!

Liz Harrell said...

Oh wow. Congratulations! We're all rooting for you!

Barb McMahon and Alan Mailloux said...

Yay Victoria! Congratulations!

You'll do great!

El Jinx said...

Congratulations - and courage!

Anonymous said...

Love your blog.It's one of my favourites.

Can you get blog sponsorship?

I would love to start a blog. Ineed to just get up and do it but you have been doing it everyday for ages! You deserve it. Who cares about money. There must be a way to make some cash from something thousands of people look at daily?!

Tracey (England)
x

matthew said...

Congratulations, Victoria! It's been amazing following your blog and watching it transform from something not-quite-casual into a full-time occupation. It's obviously something you're very passionate about.

In terms of the blog, I come to your site because you update regularily, you always post great photos, and I find everything inspirational. So keep & improve on that, if possible. I think your biggest selling points are your taste and your personality. And diligence --not much downtime for sfgirlbybay!

gillian + whitney said...

You have been such an inspiration! I can't wait to see what you'll come up with next!

Anonymous said...

That's such great news Victoria! I just resigned last week to pursue my photography career. My last day is May 30th. Looks like we're fellow day-job refugees. Yay!

Anonymous said...

Congrats!

read me... said...

WOWZERS how utterly exciting for you!!! Good luck, am sure it's going to be fabulous...

sfgirlbybay said...

ah, you guys rock! i've been kinda nervous about my decision, but y'all are making me feel all warm and fuzzy! what would i do without you?

thank you, thank you so much! xx

Uncle Beefy said...

Hey, V.! Damn...CONGRATULATIONS!!! That's a serious jump and a courageous one. We're all here for ya' 'cause you inspire us all the time! You'll do great!

Besides, making a big leap is usually held back because we're afraid of the landing...but maybe it's what we need to realize that we can actually fly.

Kudos!

Anna said...

Awesome! well done- it is a big step to make but I'm sure that it will go well (yay for reader support!)

Luna Levy said...

That's great Victoria! Good for you! Just keep up the great work and it will all be fine - keep calm and carry on!

Stacy said...

Congrats. That is awesome. And totally jealous by the way.

Suzanne : : S.HOPtalk said...

Congratulations...my day wouldn't be complete without my daily dose of SFGirl. Best wishes with your new-found freedom!

Anonymous said...

be prepared to go through periods where rice and beans are the only thing on the menu but also be prepared to have more satisfaction from your work/life than you've ever experienced before.:)

many congratulations on taking the big step!!

Allison said...

Felicitations on this exciting new step!

As a reader, one thing I'd like to see is that post volume does not increase. I've noticed it with some other gone-pro blogs and I just don't have time to read a zillion posts, so it's actually a downside for me when more time for the blogger means more posts.

I love your Sunday in the City picture posts with the two juxtaposed images/words.

sfgirlbybay said...

U.B. - you gonna be there to catch me? :)

you guys really have made this such a nice day for me and I feel much less stressed by the whole aspect of things.

And best of all - Allison wants not too many posts. Bless you girl! I'll try to keep it simple and succinct! :)

Nina said...

Awesome! You go girl! :-)

Anonymous said...

I am so excited to see what is possible now that your time is freed up for BLOGGING ~ plenty out there, but yours is really quite spesh indeed. All the best of luck from NZ xx

Leslie Ikemoto said...

Wow, congratulations Victoria! Ever since I saw your blog on desiretoinspire (maybe 6 months or so ago), I have been reading it everyday. Great work! I LOVE it! Congratulations on taking the next step!

Anonymous said...

You go girl! You're the first blog I read in the morning and the last at night! Thanks for the inspiration, warmth and style. Congratulations and Best of Luck!

Nanette said...

More power to you Victoria! Onwards and upwards from here, I'll be there every step of the way.
x Nan

Eden From Sweden said...

I was always impressed, knowing that you had such a prolific blog AND a day job. I'm relieved and excited to see you'll be focusing on the blog! Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Victoria! I too am a Big Fan of your blog and read it each day. You've come to the crossroads and have safely stepped over to a new path. We'll be cheering you on!!!!

sfgirlbybay said...

still completely blown away by all of your supportive comments. i feel like i've done the right thing as the day goes long and your comments continue to inspire me. thank you endlessly! you have no idea how this holds me up!

thanks for all of your support! v. :)

marthalena said...

I respectfully disagree with allison: I'd love to have even more sfbaygirl in my life! I'll take all the eye candy you can produce daily!

And congratulations!

Rossana said...

Congratulations !! How about a sfgirlbyday magazine?
Goood luck with your future !
Rossana

Claire said...

I'm a bit late to the party but *CONGRATULATIONS* and welcome to not having a "real" job - you'll never look back! x Claire

Nathalie said...

Victoria, thats a super cool news ! Well done, i have no doubt you will do great at taking sfgirlbybay to the next level, so exciting !
congratulations its amazing

annechovie said...

Yay! that's exciting, Victoria! 5 am wishing you all the best and I love the adorable picture (I assume it's you a few years ago, right?) Viva SF Girl by Bay!!!

Anonymous said...

I am amazed at what you have achieved part time ...only the most fantastic style blog around....Well done
congrats on the change!
Fiona

Goody said...

YES!

real jobs are so overrated!

i have not had one for over 4 years!

wishing you every adventure that you seek and more on this new journey.

Anonymous said...

Hooray! Looking forward to seeing what you do next.

*dashes off to overrated job*

yasmine said...

oh super congratulations!!! you are amazing and have a wonderful eye for things. now you have more time to spend on it! yay!

Camilla said...

congratulations! can't wait to watch your blog evolve! i especially love your postings about sf events and goings-on (as well as the sunday in the city photo montages - b/c i live here!) so hopefully you'll continue those and maybe expand them.... maybe you include other cities too?

Anonymous said...

Oh congratulations! My husband and I often (semi-jokingly) say that "work is for suckers." I'm certain you'll find success in this next phase of your career!

Deepa said...

All the very best to you sfgirl.

I didn't read all the comments above so please forgive me if this has been mentioned before. A suggestion: I would love to see more details of your flea market excursions. I love to go but "freeze" when I get there. How do you approach the shopping, bargaining, etc.? Also love your posts when you have done something new around your apartment. It's very inspiring.

I applaud the bold move you have made. You certainly have my support (for what its worth!).

design*sponge said...

i'm totally 92 comments late to the party but i just wanted to send a big hug and congrats. so glad to have you among my full-time blogging colleagues ;)

love from brooklyn
g

Anonymous said...

congrats victoria! such great news..i know it must have been such a hard decision but such a great one ;) self-employment is the best.
-joy

Anonymous said...

Awe-some. It's going to be great.

The Infinite Snacker said...

congrats! good for you for doing what you love WHILE bringing us lots more good reading. yipee!!

sfgirlbybay said...

i just have to say once again how much you and your comments mean to me. thanks everyone so, so much! i am a girl completely wowed! i can't wait to get started - thanks so much for this inspiration!

Anonymous said...

I love your blog. One improvement I'd love to see is having your links open in a new window. It becomes a bit unwieldy to take a peak at another blog and get back to your site.

Orange Pattern said...

Holy moly. Congrats a hundred times over. That's wonderful! Balls to the walls, girlfriend...

sarah ahearn bellemare said...

congratulations! love your photo! looking forward to whatever the "next level" entails! & yes, real jobs are very much overrated! good for you!
*sarah ahearn bellemare

Anonymous said...

I've been a lurker for quite a while - a congratulatory comment is the perfect coming out.
The blog is already great, so you'll be fine!

Anonymous said...

good for you! congratulations and have fun!

sulu-design said...

Congratulations and best of luck to you. I took a similar little jump less than a year ago and haven't regretted it since. I'm a huge fan of your space and can't wait to see where you'll take things.
By the way, I should delurk for them, but since it was this post that made me comment, I'll tell you here that I adore your photo pairings with the fabulous titles.

Kristi said...

Fantastic and inspirational news!

dee said...

That is fantastic! From someone who's just done that herself (my last day is May 16th), I can totally relate. It's such a weight lifted off of your shoulders, right?! And the best part is it will give you more time to write on this fantastic blog. I know I'm excited about that. See you online:)

-The Lil Bee

Michele said...

Hi Victoria,
its me the crafty one. Just wanted to say i think you are super rad and cool. Love your originality. Being your own boss is fun. You get to be CEO (lol) and nobody can fire you :) It is the secret to anti-aging. What else? Oh please don't be mad at my WTF is That link on my site. Its new and needs work but will shape up i promise.

I can't wait to see your new plans online and wish you all the best.

The crafty cameleon in california :)

Yay for california girls

Anonymous said...

Congratulations... difficult to say something more, being the comment N° 107 (ouah !)
But it's good news!

Anonymous said...

Victoria,
You should sell prints of your diptichs...that would be so cool...or are you doing that already???

laure said...

Yay!

Anonymous said...

Aww. I'm a tad late behind in reading this, but I don't think you're out of your mind. I think you are exactly where you are supposed to be! :O)

"No matter how upside-down it all may temporarily appear, we will have no fear because we know this secret: Life is crazily in love with us—wildly and innocently in love with us. The universe always gives us exactly what we need, exactly when we need it." - Rob Brezsny

jennifer said...

i love the comments with "jobs are overrated"... congraulations with making the move. much luck to you!!

Anonymous said...

I just did the same thing, to pursue my career selling handmade items, so I know exactly where you're at! Expect a few sleepless nights and some minor panic attacks, but often after those sleepless nights you will wake up in the morning and feel rejuvinated by the fact that you are free to work on what YOU want to work on all day... it's a nice feeling. It almost feels like ANYTHING is possible, congrats!