It’s hard to believe, but exactly ten years ago today, I hit ‘Publish’ on my very first blog post. What started as a personal journal of sorts for our families to read, has now turned into Life On Virginia Street as you know it today. Writing this blog has become one of my top passions and I genuinely enjoy sharing our lives with you.
With this, I wanted to share that after 19 years in the insurance industry, I have left my day job of fifteen years. If you’re shocked, you’re probably not as shocked as I am over the fact I actually did it. If you know me, I’m a happy and optimistic person at heart, and that person was starting to fade away. The reality is, things had changed at work and I hadn’t loved what I was doing for some time. I also realized I couldn’t see myself in the insurance industry for another 20+ years. Not only that, I had been exceeding my max capacity for too long and finally hit a breaking point. Between the job, the blog, our rental properties and the 30+ hours I work a month for another blogger, something had to give. I had to decide between the security of my day job or take a risk and put all my efforts into the blog. The thought that the second path was even an inkling of an option was a bit hard to digest but it became more and more intriguing with each passing day. When I took the time to fully examine all of my options, it was pretty clear where I needed to make a change. It was not a decision I took lightly, and honestly I spent about two years preparing for it “just in case”.
The change has required us to make some adjustments to our lifestyle and routines. But, it has also allowed us to take items off Kurtis’ already very full plate and add them to mine (especially as it relates to the rental properties). There were many days I questioned the sanity of my decision. I have always been a rule follower and at times it didn’t feel like I made the responsible and “safe” choice by leaving my career. Self-doubt crept in. Many tears were shed. But, I can honestly now say this is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my mental well-being and our home life. I’m much more “present” and don’t constantly feel anxious with the load on my plate. I can spend more time doing the things I’m passionate about, and less time on things I dread. And I know without all of you, this wouldn’t be possible. I’m not going to lie and say it has been an easy transition. But, I know in my heart it was the absolutely best choice.
Along with this change, I will be devoting more time to generating content for the blog. But, I want to bring you content you find most helpful. I have a long list of ideas and things I want to do moving forward, but I also want to get feedback from you as well. I’m also working to change the physical structure of the blog to make it much easier to find content and navigate the site. And as I mentioned earlier in the week, I’ll be launching a new newsletter format next week that I hope you’ll all love! I also hope to be much more active on Instagram stories, as I feel like that’s the easiest way to interact with all of you in “real life”. I’m still fine-tuning what else this change means for the blog, but I’ll be sure to keep you posted along the way.
I’ve compiled a short survey to get your feedback to hear what you’d love to see more of, less of, etc. In exchange for your time and as a huge thank you for your support over the days/months/years, I will be giving away THREE $100 gift cards to either Nordstrom, Pottery Barn, Target or J. Crew (winners’ choice). Once completed, leave a comment on this post (it can be something as simple as ‘done’). That’s it – you’re entered! The survey itself will have the option to leave your feedback anonymously and shouldn’t take more than 3-5 minutes (unless you really love those free text boxes and want to write more). I’m all ears! I’ll leave the giveaway open for a week (ending on Wednesday night at 11:59 pm Central), and pick the winners Thursday or Friday next week.
CLICK HERE to take the survey. The survey will open in a new window.
It’s pretty surreal that ten years ago I literally had no idea what starting this blog would mean for the future. I can’t thank you all enough for your support over the years. I want you all to know I truly appreciate you stopping in to my little corner of the world and taking the time to read my posts. It means the world to me even though it really is hard to express my gratitude. Thank you again for everything: your readership, your feedback, and most importantly, your friendship and support!
If you would like to follow along on more of my home decor, DIY, lifestyle, travel and other posts, I’d love to have you follow me on any of the following:
Congratulations on your decision! So excited for you!
Thank you so much Debbie! I really appreciate it! 🙂
Congratulations! Survey complete!
Congratulations on your big decision! I’m looking forward to your upcoming posts and new format. Its all so exciting!
Tammy
Done! Thanks for bogging!
Done!
Done!
Congratulations on your next chapter. Survey completed!
Congratulations on your new endeavor! Completed the survey. I look forward to seeing what you have planned for the future.
Completed survey:-)
Congrats on your new adventure!
Congratulations- what a big life change! Looking forward to your next chapter and seeing you flourish!
Completed the survey!
Completed the survey. Congratulations and best wishes!
Congratulations on the next step! I usually take the safe way with most decisions in life but the safe way isn’t always the most fulfilling! Wishing you the best of luck and I look forward to following along on your blog!
Cheers!
Shelley
Wow, congratulations! Good for you for letting go of the safe option and following your heart! I have always taken the safe way too until recently. I have decided I want to enjoy life more … so I’m following my yellow brick road! <3
So excited for you and the future of your blog! Congratulations!
Congratulations! Survey completed.
Done!
What exciting news, Sarah! So excited to see how this will evolve your blog! CONGRATS on following your heart and doing this for you! Completed the survey 🙂
It is always difficult to make a big change, but I am sure you won’t regret it! Congratulations!
Congrats on going after what makes you happy! SUrvey done.
Congrats on your new journey. It’s a scary decision to make. But life is too short to not love what you are doing. I forgot to add in my survey that I LOVE the Weds Watch Lists. They are my favorite.
Done! How exciting!
What an exciting new adventure for you – we’re cheering you on all the way! Survey complete…
Completed the survey!
Survey done!! Congratulations to you!
Done!
Done… and great news Sarah, congrats! So excited for future postings!!
Done! Congratulations!
Congratulations friend! I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll do now <3 <3
Congratulations! What an incredible change! Best of luck and I completed the survey!
Congrats! Survey done.
Completed the survey. Congratulations and best wishes!
Done!!! ✅😊
Done! Congratulations on your job change! I always wondered how you juggled all you do!
Congrats on your bravery and continuing to forge a path! Finished the survey, can’t wait to see more posts!
Congratulations on your new full time role! I participated in the survey 🙂
Excited for you, Sarah – congratulations! Survey completed.
Congrats Sarah, that is huge! I can only imagine what life has been like for you over the years because I constantly ask myself how does she do it? Blogging itself is so time consuming and being able to do what you’ve done is nothing short of remarkable. I cannot wait to see what this new you turns in to. 🙂
Congrats for taking a leap of faith!
Survey completed! It is a huge feeling of relief when making a positive change about an overwhelming work decision.
Done! Congratulations and best wishes in your new career.
Excited for you and sure you will do great!
Just completed the survey. 🙂
Congratulations! I love reading your posts! Completed the survey!
Survey complete! Love following you!
Completed the survey. Love your blog!
Congratulations on your life decision! Can’t wait to see where this new journey takes you!
Exciting stuff! Wishing you the best on this new season of life for you! Survey completed btw.
Done – congrats!!
Completed! Happy new year!
DONE!
Congratulations on your decision!
Survey done. Congrats on making the jump to pursue your passion!
Congratulations!
Congratulations on your decision! It’s tough to leave the security of a well-paying job but even tougher to be miserable at something that takes so much of your time!
Congratulations on taking such a big step! You can do it!
Survey Complete! Congrats on your next step in life!
Done! Looking forward to your 2018 blog
Completed the survey!
Congrats on your new journey! Wishing you tons of success.
Filled out the survey. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for Life on Virginia Street.
Lisa
Congrats! Excited for your new adventure 🙂
Karen
Congrats to you!!! Can’t wait to see your future posts! Survey complete. 🙂
Survey completed. Love your blog!
Done. Congratulations on your new adventures. I will be making a major change in the next few weeks and I am SO looking forward to it.
Done! Thank you so much. And Congratulations on 10 years – and your new decision. All the best and thank you for creating amazing and beautiful content.
Completed the survey. Congrats on chasing your dreams and passion. Love that. Wishing you lots of love and happiness with your blog in the coming years.
Survey complete! Congratulations on this next step in your life!! I’m happy you will be able to focus on your blog. I had no idea you had another full time job on top of your blog! Impressive!! Can’t wait to see what’s to come.
DONE!
And CONGRATULATIONS! You’ll never regret it!
Survey completed. Congratulations! I am in the process of following a major dream too so I KNOW how scary this is but it’s so much scarier to imagine life without trying. You can do this!
I completed the survey also. Wow! What a life changer, congrats! I’m looking forward to reading more posts!
Congratulations on your decision and for following your heart! Survey completed!
Survey completed. Congratulations on your new endeavors.
Done. Excited about the changes. Best of luck.
Congratulations! You can do this. You are a talented designer and communicator! So happy for you!
Aww! I loved hearing about this. I know this was a big and brave move for you, but bravo for choosing something that was about being intentional in your marriage and home life! I’m sure the cats appreciate it too. 😉
Congratulations! I can’t wait to see what comes next 🙂
Such an exciting change! Survey complete.
Oh, I forgot to say this in the survey…I love the outfits you share!! Keep ‘um coming!
Survey completed – Congratulations on making such a big decision! I went through a similar experience about 4 years ago and it was one of the best decisions I made for both me and my family. It’s a very scary decision, and I’m glad you’re already seeing the positives!
Love your blog! Congrats on this new chapter!
Congratulations! Survey done!
Good for you! All the best!!
Great Decision!
Survey Done. Congratulations to you! You are one of my favorites to follow!!
Done! Congratulations on ten years!
I completed the survey!
Done
Congrats!
Congrats on 10 years and a decision well made. Survey complete.
Congrats! What an exciting new door to open!!! I completed the survey! 🤞🏻
Doing what you love and being creative is a wonderful way to live. Congrats on your new adventure in life.
Congrats!! I enjoy reading local content because I’m from Omaha too!
Done! Congrats!!
You made a great decision! Congratulations!
(survey completed) ~:-D
Done!
Survey completed!
Survey complete. Great decision! You will do great.
How exciting! I completed the survey!
Done! Congrats to 10 years!
Look forward to your posts, beautiful style and pretty ideas! Keep up the good work.
Done! Congrats on the new adventure! I look forward to more posts in the future. 🙂
Done! How exciting!
Done! Thanks for the great blog!
Good luck on this big change! May you find much success.
Enjoy your blog! Survey completed.
Congratulations Sarah! Wishing you (and Kurtis) a wonderful, fulfilling, and exciting New Year!
Best of luck on your new chapter! You will be great! just breathe!
Survey done! 🙂 Congrats and best of luck!
Congratulations! Survey Completed.
Congrats on taking the leap! Very exciting:)
Done! Love your content, keep it coming!
Congrats! Love your blog! Just completed the survey!
Just finished the survey, congrats on your recent decision!!
Good for you and best wishes! Survey complete!
Looking forward to seeing your next adventure! Survey complete.
Congratulations on this big step! I filled out the survey!
Best of luck to you! Do what you love! You are the architect of your life.
Congratulations! How excited to be pursuing your passion full time! Can’t wait for all the fun, new content on your blog. Thanks for the giveaway, too!
So excited for you Sarah! You’re making a great decision. Survey completed!
you go girl!
How exciting!!
Survey completed! Congrats!
Congratulations on your decision. You sure had your plate too full over the last couple years. Keep up the good work. Love your blog. Survey has been completed.
Completed the survey. Congratulations on your decision! Looking forward to what is in store for you and the blog, will be following along!
Good for you for following your heart. I appreciate falling-out the survey. Cheers to your new adventure.
Survey done!
I’m so glad to hear your finding more balance! Survey is done.
Done and thanks!
Survey done. You’re following the plan that God’s placed on your heart. Good for you and prayers for success!
Kudos to you! Survey done!
Done! And congrats on that big step…so awesome for you!
Completed your survey. Congratulations on making a challenging decision work for you.
congrats!!! that is a big decision and I look forward to seeing what your future holds and where you take your blog. Survey complete!
good luck with this transition! i completed the survey.
Completed the survey!
Congrats on the big life change. Survey done.
Exciting and scary at the same time. Congrats on taking the leap.
Love your blog ! Great future ahead!!!
Congratulations! You got this! Completed survey.
Congratulations, Sarah! I am so excited for you! I absolutely love your blog and can’t wait for future posts! I completed the survey.
Congratulations on your decision! Best of luck 🙂
The end of insurance is actually the beginning of a journey. Congrats! I really enjoy your blog and look forward to the new things that you will have time for.
Doing what you love is so worth it! Congratulations on your new lifestyle.
I completed the survey!
Completed survey. God’s Blessings for the future.
Survey done! And congrats- always a difficult decision to leave your “steady” job, but happiness is most important!
Survey complete! Congrats and good luck!
Done! And good luck…everything will work out perfectly!
Survey done! Congrats on the career move. That’s exciting!
Done! And congratulations making a hard decision!
Survey complete!
Survey completed. Congrats on the big decision! So exciting for you and us readers! 😄
Survey done! SO exciting for you!
Done! Thanks for asking
Survey complete. I’m looking forward to seeing more content on your blog! Congratulations on your big decision to do what you love!
Done! Good luck, this is a big step. You should be proud of yourself for the courage it takes to go for it!
done!
Done! Congratulations! And way to go on taking the scary, less “sure thing” route. I just did that last year and it’s been a great decision. And an adventure! Can’t wait to see what all is to come for you!
Congrats on your decision. I love visiting your blog. Survey completed.
Survey done! You are so supported here
Good for you! What s brave choice. I completed your survey.
Congratulations. I admit when I first started reading your blog I assumed that you were one of those professional, full-time bloggers because you seemed to be doing so much. When I learned about the other things you had in your life I was blown away and couldn’t figure out how you were juggling it all.
I left my job 4 months ago after 15 years of secure and reliable employment. I can identify so much with your feelings of dissatisfaction and also wanting to try something just for yourself. I did not have anywhere close to the foundation you have (although I did build up my savings), and it has been one of the most fulfilling, motivating experiences of my life. I hope that you have the same experience. I feel like with your drive, work ethic and all of the effort you’ve already put in, you’re starting off really well. Congratulations and all the best to you.
Congratulations on your decision. I am looking forward to what this next chapter will look like for you and your blog. Survey completed.
Done!
Congrats on your new venture of blogging only!
Done.
Done!
Good luck! Congrats on the beautiful adventure! Keep being amazing you!
I completed the survey!
Done! Sounds like you made a great decision that will lead to more exciting things in your future 🙂
Done! So excited to see what will be on the blog next!
Congratulations! I actually found you on Pinterest. Love your blog.
Congrats. Big decision but one you will love I’m sure. Completed the survey and look forward to continuing to follow you.
I’ve followed you since you were in your last house, congratulations on the big life change! Also I completed your survey. 🙂
Congratulations!!!!!! Clearly you have a ton of readers by how long it took to scroll to the end of the comments!!!! I also forgot to mention that I love your Wednesday Watch List:)
Thanks,
Chrissy
Done! Congratulations on your new venture! I could never figure out how you had time to do it all!!
Chase your dream!!
Survey done! Congrats on your decision. I can barely keep just with just my full-time job so always wondered how you managed to stay sane with so much on your plate!
congrats on blogging full time!
b
Done. Congratulations!
Survey done!
Done!
Congrats! Completed the survey
Survey done! Keep up the great content! 🙂
Way to make your dreams come true!
Completed the survey 🙂
Completed! Congrats on the career change. Wish I could do the same!!
Sarah! Congratulations on your blogiversary and the big decision! I think your big decision is amazing and what a brighter step of happiness since you couldn’t imagine yourself in that particular industry forever. So forever glad that I discovered your blog years ago.. I look forward to many more! I completed your survey!
xo
I have completed the survey. Good luck to you on the new direction in your life!
That’s awesome Sarah, so happy for you! Can’t believe you’ve been blogging for ten years already. So incredible. Filled out your survey – thanks for the giveaway chance! <3
Congrats. Completed survey! : )
Completed the survey. Congratulations on your new journey!
Yay for you on your job decision! Survey completed! 😊
Congratulations. I have done the survey.
Marilyn
I completed the survey.
A HUGE ***congratulations**** are in order – 10 years is an amazing accomplishment for a blog with the high level of excellence in your posts!
Survey completed.
I did the survey. Congrats on 10 years!
Done!
Done! Best of luck and Cheers!
Amazing news! I love reading your blog and your posts across social media. I’ve gotten so much inspiration from them, even your crockpot mashed potatoes! Oh and I also completed your survey! Done!
Congratulations!!! Such wonderful news!!!
Survey complete
Congratulations on your decision! Survey completed,
Sarah, congrats to you in the 10 year milestone. I often wondered how you were able to work another full time job and blog as you do. Your blog is one of my favs that i always make the time to pop in and see what’s going on. Took the survey . Best of luck!
Congratulations on your new adventure! Survey complete.
Congrats! Done!
Hi, I finished your survey and I forgot to add that I enjoy seeing photos of your 4 cats in your posts. Wishing you much success.
Good luck in your new adventure! I did the survey
Congratulations! Done!
Done!
Congratulation on 10 years and following your dream!
What a wonderful, in-depth survey. It really made me sit down and think about my answers. Look forward to seeing your new platform.
Congratulations on your decision! I finished the survey!
I finished the survey. Congratulations on the decision to switch jobs!
Congrats on your next chapter! Completed the survey..
Congrats! And survey done.
Done! You will do great! Congratulations!
Congratulations, excited to see you blossom! Survey done!
Congratulations!! Survey done!
Congratulations! Just completed the survey.
Congrats! I love reading your blog and look forward to seeing where you decide to take it!
Done! So excited to see what life has in store for you!
This is exciting for all involved! Just finished survey!
Completed survey. Good luck.
Congratulations! Done
Congrats!
Done! Congratulations!!
Sarah, I’m so excited for you and admire that you are following your heart! My goal is to eventually start my own blog and you’ve inspired me to get serious about doing it! Congrats!
Congratulations on following your dream!
Done!
Wishing you all the best in your new venture! I completed the survey and hope it helps you. I enjoy your blog and look forward to all that you do with it in future.
Congratulations! Good for you to listen to that internal voice. Inspiring!
So exciting! Best of luck to you! I have to admit, it felt a little like I was reading my own story. I have been having similar feelings, and this year I decided I am going to work on changing my career direction so that I can be a happier person. Thanks for the inspiration/motivation!
Done! Wish you the best in your new endeavor!
Congrats! Way to follow your dreams!
Best wishes in your new journey! Survey done!
Congratulations on your new adventure! Love your blog!
Done! Thanks for doing what you do!
Wow! Really big news! Congratulations! I bet that was a very hard and super scary decision. Just remember your hard work made it happen! I filled out the survey – hope the feedback helps you!
Congratulations! Survey is completed.
Wow, congratulations on your exciting life changes! Sounds like a fantastic decision.
Just recently started following your blog and love it! Enjoy this new chapter of life. I too left a career to make time for family and have not regretted it. God Bless!
Congratulations
Done! Thanks for blogging and sharing your style!
Done! I am completely blown away with everything you had on your plate and still gave us amazing content. So with that said, I am SO excited to see what 2018 means for Life on Virginia Street!! Not an easy decision, but I’m sure an amazing feeling once you made it. Cheers to you, my friend.
Congrats on your new chapter!
Done
Congrats on your decision- you will be soon wondering why you didn’t make the change sooner!! Keep up the good work- love reading your blog! Survey done.
Congratulations on so bravely starting the next adventure. The survey was fun to complete!
Done! Congrats on 10 years for the blog and for quitting your day job! Not an easy decision, I”m sure, but one that will be so worth it!
I didn’t put this in the survey, but I’d love to hear about your rental properties, being a land lord, etc. It’s something I’ve always been slightly interested in, but hearing tips and experiences from someone with experience would be awesome!
Done! and congratulations all the way from Canada! (Ha!) I love reading all your blog posts and look forward the to new content 🙂
Done!
Done and congrats!
Survey completed!
So jealous! Sounds exciting and terrifying!!
Congrats! Survey complete.
Survey done!
Survey complete. Best of luck following your passions. So Excited to see what’s to come.
Done and congratulations on your career move!
Congratulations on such a big and exciting change!
Nice job – survey completed!
Here’s to a perfect 2018 plan!
Congratulations you’ve made a wise decision you won’t regret!!
Survey Completed, and Happy 2018 to you!
Completed the survey. Congrats on your career change! I’m exciting to see follow along on your journey:)
That is so exciting! Good for you. Did the survey.
Done😀
Congratulations! That is a huge decision, but one I totally understand! I currently work a day job I don’t love, and am inspired by your decision. 🙂 Great thorough survey!
Done! The only reason why I didn’t subscribe to your newsletter is because I get too many emails already. Plus I follow you on Instagram and Feedly! Love reading your articles!
Good luck with your future! Survey completed. 🙂
Survey done. Good luck!
Congratulations on your decision and I wish you nothing but success. I honestly look forward to reading your posts and seeing your IG stories while I’m at my day job. I’ve copied so many decor and lifestyle ideas and bought way to May things I didn’t know I needed, but now love. My husband may not have the same feelings about my shopping habits…;) looking forward to your upcoming posts!
Done, and thank you for sharing all you do!
Completed.
Happy you are taking g a leap of faith. Wish you all the best. Survey completed.
Done. Good luck on your new life adventure!
Congratulations!! Survey complete!
Congrats! Survey is complete.
Congratulations! How exciting! All the best to you! 😊
Oops. Forgot to include – survey done.
Congrats on your decision! Looking forward to all your blog posts!! Survey complete
Congratulations on blog and brave new decision to face a new chapter. The very best to you!
Looking forward to it! Survey done! 🙂
Congrats! Survey complete.
I filled out the survey! Congrats on your new adventures!
I am happy for you! Congrats!
Survey completed! Thanks!
Congratulations!! Survey complete.
Done! Congratulations on following your heart and doing what is right for you and your family!
Done! Imagine if Walt Disney never tried! You are only limited by your dreams!
Completed survey!
Done!
Survey done!
Survey finished. Congratulations on your brave move. Best wishes on a happier life.
Done!
Done! And congratulations on your decision. I totally understand the anxiety! Its amazing how scary “following your dreams” can be.
Done👌
Survey Done. Congrats! Am relatively new reader of your blog and am enjoying it. Looking forward to seeing how it evolves!
Done!
Done! Congratulations!
Done! And very brave of you! Good luck!
Done.
A couple of things – Congrats to you! About 10 years ago I was working as a Chief Of Staff for a nation-wide bank in with an large office in central Iowa. I had two young kiddos and I was feeling like I was doing everything halfway and it haunted me and caused me so much anxiety. We worked hard to pay down some bills/loans and I was able to stay home with my children for several years. Being able to be PRESENT was such a gift. I was able to accomplish so much during the day and take so many home related tasks off my husband’s plate that evenings and weekends were about our family – not running to the grocery store, laundry, mowing, meal planning, etc – they were about us and it was fantastic! After many years at home my ‘dream-job-situation’ fell into my lap. It allows me flexibility in my work hours, pays well and challenges, but not stress me out. The job itself is not a dream job or a job/career that I dreamed of, BUT it allows me to live my {current} dream life {dreams change often} – balancing work and family. I say congratulations in taking that step!
Also – 1 thing I did not comment on the survey regarding email newsletters. I don’t sign up for these because my life is consumed by emails – for work, school, kids extra-curricular activities, dr appointment reminders etc. Emails are not my “get away for a moment and relax”, but blogs are – make sense?
Done! Congrats on ten years!
Congratulations!
Survey finished!
Done
Congrats on your new adventure! Survey done
Done and congratulations!
Survey complete!
Survey complete!
Done 🙂