I’ve been keeping a secret the past few months! It’s taken me a few days to even craft this post, but it’s time because “the train has left the station” (pun intended). Steve and I moved out of our apartment last week because we’re headed to the West Coast! We both got jobs in San Francisco and my last day of work in Chicago was early September. I’m so anxious but excited for the changes and we can’t wait to explore our new city together. But first, we gotta wait for all of the stuff we shipped out there! (Please let it arrive before the two week estimate 🤞🏻.) Here’s a bit about the big change:
Why We Moved
San Francisco was always Steve’s dream city. Honestly, it wasn’t mine. In fact, we couldn’t have been more opposite when we listed our dream living destinations. I’m a Midwest girl – give me an old steel town revitalizing itself and I’m happy. Think Detroit, Cleveland or Pittsburgh. Steve liked the idea of the West Coast. A few years ago when he was searching for new jobs, I told him to take the opportunity to go West then, but he didn’t. So when we felt ready for a change this year, we agreed we’d follow a job if it was a dream job. It just so happens that the role Steve applied for in Chicago closed, but the company had the need for the same position in its SF office. It was a job we really wanted for Steve, and after he moved out here and I visited the city more, it started to grow on me. Now, I’m really excited for my adventure in nice weather and an environmentally conscious city!
Where We’re Living
Steve has been in San Francisco since February. While he rented rooms in three different houses, I continued to live in our junior one bedroom in the West Loop of Chicago. As soon as I accepted my new job, Steve started looking for our new apartment. In Chicago, we lived in a new high rise and we wanted the opposite here. We wanted to live in something that had quintessential SF charm. The market is competitive, so as soon as Steve saw an apartment with a gorgeous bay window and located between our two jobs, we put in an application. We’re nearly new residents of the North Beach neighborhood – but first our bed, couch, etc. need to arrive. In the meantime, I’m staying in Steve’s room at his shared house. It’s nice we have an actual bed and don’t need to do the whole air mattress on the floor of an empty apartment, but I can’t wait to get into our own place with our things!
Where I’m Working
I kept Steve’s and my living apart a secret from most of my coworkers because I didn’t want them to think I had one foot out the door at work. But during this time, I had to put full effort in at my job in Chicago while spending hours each week searching and applying for jobs. There are plenty of interesting jobs to apply for at places including Banana Republic, Sephora, genetics companies and healthcare associations. I had several interviews that I was really wanted to work out, but in the end I accepted a job with a healthcare industry (similar to what I did in Chicago). During the interview process at this agency, I got a good feeling about my potential coworkers, was impressed by how they approach public relations and marketing, and knew taking on larger healthcare clients would help me grow in what I know about the industry.
So that brings us to now. I’m finished with my first day of work and relaxing on the couch trying to figure out West Coast TV times. The weather is beautiful, and I look forward to a winter warmer than Chicago’s. I also am excited for new scenery and backgrounds for my photos – so excited to have you follow along! Leave a comment below if you have any questions or San Francisco recommendations.
Photos by Hannah Drews Photography
What I’m Wearing: J.Crew Factory leopard skirt |Banana Republic jean jacket