My big news. (and then some!)
Wowza, can I just say I lurve the what outta you guys? Your enthusiasm about my mystery news was so overwhelmingly heartwarming, it kind of puts my actual news to shame! But the encouraging guesses you listed in the comments made cartoon hearts bubble out of my head all day long! No one quite correctly guessed what’s up, but your answers were actually much more exciting.
The truth is…. I put in my notice at work! (insert slow fade to flashback)
Right around the time I went to Making Things Happen, I set a goal to be out of my day job by the end of May, no matter what. I said to myself, “self, I don’t know how it’s going to happen, but you and I know there’s no other choice!” As May approached, I found myself nearing critical mass as it grew harder and harder to maintain a balance between my day job and the blog. I couldn’t seem to finish anything I started, which was making me tense and angsty. I knew that if I could only dedicate the 55-60 hours/week I spend either working or traveling to/from work, toward the betterment of this site, or my book proposal (or everything) we could make up the financial difference through doing. Hunter and I kept talking about how there had to be a leap of faith, and soon, but we were both terrified of jumping without a net.
A week or so ago, a friend of a friend was looking for someone to handle social media strategy and management for a network of 3 websites… part-time, from home… and she recommended me. I interviewed, got a voice mail with an offer, put down the phone, walked into my boss’s office and put in my notice. Just like that. It was a no-brainer.
Two weeks ago, I had my heart set on a goal with no clue how I’d get there. Two weeks from today, I’ll be working part-time as a social media contractor, doing something I absolutely love, and I’ll finally have the flexibility and freedom be able to hone in on some key broke-ass improvements and ideas with Hunter and Michael that we’ve been dreaming up, making things happen in a way that feels more right than ever! So stay tuned, because we’ve got some hecka fun tricks up our sleeves! I’ve been feeling imprisoned in my little cubicle with no natural light for far too long, but call me Richard Pryor, ’cause I’m BUSTIN’ LOOSE!
Here’s me, at my new job:
Oh, hullo, I am a social media maven! rawr!
Bahahaha! Yeah…. right.
Really, I’ll probably look more like this:
Take me away again to margaritaville. / KIDDING!
But I gotta say that hopefully, sooner than later, your predictions for me will be true, too! From your guesses, you were almost completely split between thinking I was either going to have:
1. A book deal, or
2. My own TV show (this won out by 2 votes!)
The book deal I can understand, because its no secret that I’ve been dreaming of, and working toward getting one. In fact… Just last week I submitted for feedback the rough beginnings of my proposal to the agents I met with in NY. ‘Memba how I set a goal to get a book deal by my last birthday, and ended up meeting with book agents that very week? Well how ’bout that? Writing a book has been a goal for many years now, and senseless fear has held me back… but I’m going for it! Balls to the wall, baby 
But, the TV thing? That sounds dope as hell! (and yup, those wheels are turning too!) So, you hear this, WeTV, WeddingCentral, TLC and Bravo? You out there Oprah? Tell your OWN network! My friends here think I should be on tv, and I could definitely get behind that! (Meanwhile, we’re plotting some fun web video segments, so hang in there for those. They’re going to be hecka fun!)
And now that I’ve popped the cork on that good news, I have bonus goodness for you too!
I’m goosebumpitty with excitement to introduce our newest Broke-Ass Team Member…. Joy! (aka HowJoyful, aka Mrs. Poodle, aka the DIY bad-ass of the universe!)
image via Next Exit photography
I met Joy through Weddingbee, but she has grown into a treasured friend who puts Martha to shame with her creativity and moxie. We went to her extraordinarily stunning DIY wedding a few weeks ago, and we’re absolutely thrilled to have her join the team! Each week, Joy will share her broke-ass crafty goodness to inspire your own creations and charm you with her Chilean sass and frass. Her first post is coming right up later today, so be sure to stop back and offer Joy a warm broke-ass welcome!
But before that, I want to thank you for all of your encouragement and kind words. It still stuns me, to be blessed with such a network of love to lean on… and I love y’all so so much right back! Without you cheering me on, I’d never have pushed it this far. Now, because of you really, I get to be my own boss and follow my dreams with all my heart and soul. Schanks, we’re gonna have lots of fun
I'd love to know what lipstick you wore in your social media photo above. It's wonderful! I have the exact same coloring as you including hair and would love to get the lipstick.
Dana, I see nothing but bright lights and happiness in your future! You will rock at whatever avenues come your way! Keep up the great work!
Congrats Dana! It's just the beginning of some super good times!
Do you know the saying "leap and the net will appear"? Good luck with the new venture!
Congratulations, Dana! What exciting news and how PERFECT is your new job!
YES!!! Hearing about people quitting their day jobs is always the best news ever! You're out of your mini jail!!!!!
congrats to you for livin' the dream!!
Wonderful news Dana! Congratulations… Just a matter of minutes before you're on the big screen and in print! Very excited for you….
aaamazing! wooo! it feels so good don't it? yey look at us both becomig full time bloggers!
A TV show would be awesome. There's so many shows about ostentatious weddings that are fun to watch, but this would be something regular folks could actually take something from.
I read your teaser entry and after we had our motivational convo at The B-List, I said to myself "She quit her day job!" But I didn't comment (for a reason I don't know!) I'm super proud of you! It's the best feeling, Dana! CONGRATS!
Yayayayayayayyay!!! That is all. Ok, a little more… Yayayayayayyyayyay!!!! SO proud of you and excited for you Dana!
congrats dana!!! so excited for you!
c o n g r a t s to YOU! xx
I AM REEEEEEELING WITH SO MUCH EXCITEMENT FOR YOU THAT I HAD TO USE ALL CAPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!! I'm so so so proud of you. No one deserves this more than you do. you are going to kickass at your new gig and i cannot wait to see all the success that will come with it. You are an inspiration to me. And I am honored to blog for BAB, and so very blessed to have you as a friend. LOVE YOU, D!!!!! and holyballs CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations Dana! I am so excited for you
and Welcome Joy to the Broke Ass Crew!
Congratulations Dana! We're very happy for you!
FABULOUS news! Congrats!!!
So happy for you!! And the new job is lucky to have you. The most beautiful sentence in the world- I work from home.
Congratulations!! You won't regret it for a second! And you'll enjoy every minute – even the stressful ones – and yes there will be some!! But the rewards will be double….triple…!!
Congrats, Dana! I can't wait to hear your feeling on the first day you wake up after you leave the day job. It was one of the scariest, most exciting and exhilarating moments of my life. 3 years later I wake up every day with that same feeling. Yay for you! I hope to meet you soon– maybe when your book tour brings you to the Southeast- to Atlanta?
Lovely news for a lovely person. Congrats Dana!
congrats!!
Aw, thank you!
Let's hope so!
Thanks Love!
I LOVE THAT SAYING! that might just become my new mantra, thanks!
Geekaliscious, right?
Breaking Loose! Maybe I should wear my jail striped tights on my last day
Thanks, Erin!
Hahaha, that's a crazy thought. I love it!
Wow, Cheryl, thanks!
From your mouth to the universe's ears, let's hope!
I know! I saw your news a couple weeks ago and it pushed me even harder! We're doing it, boo!
Thanks Amanda!
Let's make it happen, then! I can see it already!
Aw, nope! I'm in Huntington Beach in that shot. Cali, baby!
Thank you! I feel like every person that I proclaimed this to, helped make it happen
Thanks Becca! You better watch out, I might bring you with me!
Girl! I should hire you to call all the networks and tell them that – wouldn't *that* be something?!? Thanks for your support!
Lara, its all you. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much you helped me to this point. I owe so much of it to you! *hugs*
Haha, I think I might be on cloud 900!
Thanks Jen!
YAY AMY!
I love you too, B! Its support like yours that makes me LOVE what I do!
The baddest of the ASS.
congrats Dana! that is big and exciting news
That sounds perfect! I can't wait, thanks!
Girl, I've been DYING to meet you for ages now! We'll have to make that happen, and SOON.
Thanks so much, you know I love y'all!
Best comment ever
Tapatio's for the win!
Let's hope I get the chance!
Thanks, and welcome! We hope to help a bunch!
Beyond excited for you!!!!!! Congrats!!!!!
YES!!! Hearing about people quitting their day jobs is always the best news ever! You're out of your mini jail!!!!!
congrats to you for livin' the dream!!
Congrats Dana!!!!! You rock!
So excited for you. …. so well deserved. I can't wait for all that the future holds for you and fresh hubby. It's exciting to know in the very near future i can say "I "knew" Dana when she was a blogger.. and now look at her!!"
So excited for you. …. so well deserved. I can't wait for all that the future holds for you and fresh hubby. It's exciting to know in the very near future i can say "I "knew" Dana when she was a blogger.. and now look at her!!"
Congrats! This just proves how awesome you are! This also reaffirms the belief that good things do happen to good people.
Wonderful news Dana! Congratulations… Just a matter of minutes before you're on the big screen and in print! Very excited for you….
aaamazing! wooo! it feels so good don't it? yey look at us both becomig full time bloggers!
Yay, Dana!!!!
I am SO happy for you and SO proud of you!
You have pushed yourself and with your brains and creativity, I see you not only gaining ground in everything you do, but soaring, babe!
You rock my socks.
Cheers.
Thumbs up!
You are going to LOVE being your own boss. I'm so happy for you. Knock 'em out the box, kid!
Congratulations to you, Dana! That's awesome news. Looking forward to seeing your name in lights. Or on books … or … you get the picture. Go you!
Hey your in Ft. Lauderdale, I recognize the background! Well, I could be wrong. Is that Las Olas?
I read your teaser entry and after we had our motivational convo at The B-List, I said to myself "She quit her day job!" But I didn't comment (for a reason I don't know!) I'm super proud of you! It's the best feeling, Dana! CONGRATS!
Oh congratulations! You've EARNED this opportunity, in spades. I'm so happy for you and I can't wait to see where you take all your dreams.
Oh congratulations! You've EARNED this opportunity, in spades. I'm so happy for you and I can't wait to see where you take all your dreams.
Sometimes you have to leap without looking. Good for you!
yeah, the Broke Ass Bride is definitely a television show. I'd love to find cheap ways to do things and DIY things that viewers then get to see at the actual ceremony and people's reactions to it. I mean, seriously, it'd be so easy to make with the lowest budget, and big advertizers wanting to spend their money during your commercial breaks. If Say Yes to the Dress has it's own show (which is basically a paid for commercial for that bridal salon!) networks would be idiotic to pass on your concept. Hooray!
that is the BEST news ever!!! i know from personal experience that you must be on cloud 9 right now! congrats – you've earned it!!!
I AM REEEEEEELING WITH SO MUCH EXCITEMENT FOR YOU THAT I HAD TO USE ALL CAPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!! I'm so so so proud of you. No one deserves this more than you do. you are going to kickass at your new gig and i cannot wait to see all the success that will come with it. You are an inspiration to me. And I am honored to blog for BAB, and so very blessed to have you as a friend. LOVE YOU, D!!!!! and holyballs CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!
Yay!!! I have set a "I finding a new job goal" too. Hope I am as lucky as you : )
Congrats girlie! No more cubicle time for you (they are little soul suckers aren't they?)
I could never say enough how proud I am to have you as family. You are truly a beautiful, facinating girl and I'm so proud to be your aunt. I love you and I love Hunter.
Aunt Jina
YAAAAAAAAAAAYDANA&HUNTER&BABBADASSNESSWOOTWOOTWOOTWOOT!
Love,
Kat
hee.
And I forgot to say this to Joy: WELCOME TO TEAM BROKE-ASS, JOY!!!!!!! Can't wait to see (and use) all your DIY ideas! We've got ourselves a fly lil broke-ass bunch here, don'tcha think?
And I forgot to say this to Joy: WELCOME TO TEAM BROKE-ASS, JOY!!!!!!! Can't wait to see (and use) all your DIY ideas! We've got ourselves a fly lil broke-ass bunch here, don'tcha think?
Dana Dana Dana! I'm soooo so so happy for you! You are going to rock right into the book and out to my TV! You are oh-so-phenomenal. May the Lord continue to bless you with all that you deserve and more.
Congratulations on achieving your dream! That's so fabulous!
Congrats, Dana! I can't wait to hear your feeling on the first day you wake up after you leave the day job. It was one of the scariest, most exciting and exhilarating moments of my life. 3 years later I wake up every day with that same feeling. Yay for you! I hope to meet you soon– maybe when your book tour brings you to the Southeast- to Atlanta?
Dana, I knew you were a super hero, I just knew!!! Feelin' great aren'tchu? Question? Which hot sauce is the best in that photo, the Tapatio's or the Microphone brand C? Otrie@SauceElatiOn
Wishing you all the best! this is such a big step! CONGRATS! I think you would totally rock on TV! =)
Congratulations! I'm a newbie to the world of wedding everything so as a new Broke-Ass reader, I totally look forward to the future of this awesome site and you're successes! Thanks so much for all your insight from those of us who are clueless! Congrats again!
I wish I could tell you, but a makeup artist did my face that day, and it was her product! Unfortunately it was over 2 years ago so I just have no clue
Sorry!
Thank you Gwynnie!
I know! I saw your news a couple weeks ago and it pushed me even harder! We're doing it, boo!
Cheers, baby. Thanks so much for the kind words!
TWO thumbs!
I'm aiming for the street behind the stadium, yo! Thanks for all your encouragement!
Girl! I should hire you to call all the networks and tell them that – wouldn't *that* be something?!? Thanks for your support!
Schanks, Ali!
You can do it! Set your mind to it and keep your mind open. You never know when an opp will pop up!
Like leeches
Thanks, Kel!
Ati, you are such a queen of love. Thank you!
Thanks H!
Oh, thanks for writing, Lisa! I can't wait to celebrate with you!
Uber fabu!
Thanks!
i wanted to be the 100th to congratulate you!!!!!! you already know how i feel. but lady, go get 'em! knew you could, would and shall. this is so exciting and i can't WAIT to see what crajiness will begin with all of this!! go, dana, go go!
Congratulations! Amazing news!
Congratulations Dana! That is great news! I know when I quit the airlines (I was a flight attendant in my former life) I had NOTHING else lined up, but the prospect of being my own boss. That was just 3 1/2 years ago- and it was the BEST decision I ever made! FOLLOWING YOUR HEART is what it is all about! Kudos to you for being brave and taking that leap.
[...] Statistics say that finances are the topic that married couples argue abou… 2 Tweets My big news. (and then some!) | The Broke-Ass Bride 2 Tweets Completely Unveiled by Weddings Unveiled Magazine: The Ritzy Bee Blog [...]
Dana, I am so pleased for you. I know how hard you and Hunter are working and I am glad that it is paying off and will only lead to bigger and better things. Can't wait to see you in June.
OUTSTANDING! So happy for you. I wish eternal success for you.
[...] to know more about Joy, our newest team member and DIY goddess, here and [...]
Damn, I teared up reading this 'cause I was so damn happy for ya!
OMG, you are an inspiration in SO MANY WAYS! I relate to how trapped you felt. I would so love to know how you focussed on this and brought it about if you reply would be a huge help!