You might have noticed a few changes around here. It only took ten months, but I can officially check another item off of the name change list: this website (and Instagram and Twitter).

People can complain about the lines at the DMV and the Social Security office all day long, but I’m here to tell you, after getting married, changing your name in the digital world is infinitely more agonizing. Especially when you go from a Dennihy (hello no competition) to a White. While I’m loving my new last name and all the perks that come with it, defining a new digital identity has been no easy task.

Becoming a White was pretty great. Here’s to digitzing it.

Today, I’m moving over to KaitlynWhite.com and blogging under a new header as well: A Great White Adventure. When I started this blog, it was a requirement of my job. If you scroll way, way back, you might find a few posts describing my thoughts on the social media universe as a result. Like this one.

Why I made the switch

Over time, my thoughts changed from the occasional post about life in the real world, to sharing the everyday surprises and adventures that I love most. So much so that #AGreatWhiteAdventure was even the hashtag at our wedding (another detail I put far more consideration towards than the average human should). Although I’m still working on finding my blogging voice, I’m certain that turning everyday into a curious, unexplored, figuring it out one step at a time adventure is exactly where I want to be.

How to change your name. AKA, I should change my name there too?

Guys, when I say this was more painful than the DMV, I am not kidding. Especially when there was no line at the DMV (that really happened). I’m a big believer in creating and maintaining your personal brand, even more so when your job nearly depends on it. I went back and forth for a long time, do I keep the consistency and name recognition of my online identity? Or do I risk losing some of that clout and go for consistency in the real world?

This has to be a personal decision on what’s best for you, there is no manual (surprise). I am all for people who keep their professional and personal names separated, but for me, the positives didn’t outweigh the negatives.

After ten months of thinking on it, real world won.

My job requires me to meet new people on a regular basis as well as speak in front of the unknown audience from time to time. It’s a lot of fun and so is introducing myself. When someone goes to find me online, that doesn’t always match up. Considering I’m in this White thing for the long haul, it started to make more and more sense.

OK, so how do I make this happen?

Funny you ask. Here’s a handy little chart. Enjoy!