This post was 3,000 words long. They all felt overly complicated and heavy and weird. I clicked delete. Then I just typed what we’re really feeling, complete with things we’ve never said out loud and even a few things we’ve never fully admitted to ourselves before.
The truth is that we love you guys. Like for real. Even for the tough love. We know you say it because you care (or hopefully you did at some point), and we want you to know we care right back. We want to do a good job. We want to do this with joy and excitement. We want to inspire you. We know this is an incredible way to have made a living and we are full of gratitude for the experience to have shared the last seven years of our lives with you guys online.
We would NEVER be here without you, and not a day goes by that we don’t know that. It’s why we asked for your feedback last week and read every last comment. We appreciate the honesty and the passion you guys have on the topic of making this blog great. And we agree with a lot of what was being said. We have been feeling off for a while – like we have lost our rhythm and we’re somehow missing the mark for ourselves and for you guys. We too miss the good old days when we did this for the love and were full of such obvious joy and spontaneity. This felt like a place we all hung out and it just doesn’t have that vibe anymore.
Over the years many amazing opportunities popped up for us. Things we never dreamed of doing in a million years, and things we’re incredibly grateful to have had the chance to experience. A book deal, curating paint picks with Benjamin Moore, a line sold at Target, a showhouse, etc. But in hindsight those things also made this feel a lot more like a business than a personal blog to many of you, and to us as well. We have actually ramped those down behind the scenes in an attempt to get back to our roots (we no longer do the BM color collection, the second book is mostly written, our products at Target have completed their run, and we finished the showhouse) but we never really made a big announcement about that – so it’s completely understandable that some of you might think we’ve moved on to those greener pastures and left the blog in the dust, so to speak. The reality is that our site propels the success of any outside project like a product or book, so we could never turn our backs on the blog and expect those items to continue to sell as well.
Not only have we felt this shift from “John and Sherry” to “Young House Love: The Brand”, but the blogosphere as a whole has become increasingly sponsored/corporate lately. We can see from the outside prospective as a reader, or even a fellow blogger, that it’s hard to read a blog post without suspecting some ulterior motive or money-making system behind it. Last week a few of you mentioned that we might need to keep giveaways around because they pay us well, which surprised us since they’re never something we accept payment for (we like to pass free things along to you as a thank you for reading).
Along with the whole business/brand thing that’s going on, and the side gigs that felt like they muddied the water for some of you, there are certainly other things we wish we had handled differently in hindsight. Just to name a few, there’s: being too defensive, over-explaining, letting things get in our heads and change our lighthearted approach, and the internal struggle between being transparent and oversharing personal details like a vacant new house without an alarm system (looking back we wish we’d handled our third house announcement differently). We know many of you felt insulted that we didn’t share more freely about that house, and we truly apologize.
Anyway, back to that whole “we’re sexy stumbling and you know it” thing. It’s endlessly frustrating to do a job that you love poorly, especially when it’s a blog baby that you’ve birthed yourself and nurtured for seven years. And especially when it’s such an amazing job that we once felt so inspired and joyful to wake up and do each day. What’s wrong with us? We know this is a dream job. We acknowledge it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. We know most people who have built something like this would be more inspired than ever. It’s not that we lost the gratitude, I think it’s that we feel like we’ve fallen out of our groove. We feel like we’re letting you guys down repeatedly. It got to the point that every time we pressed “publish” we braced ourselves.
So in an attempt to stop stumbling around and feeling like we just can’t get it back, we’re taking a break. We don’t know exactly how long we’ll be stepping away, but our guess would be at least a month. We will certainly be exploring other options for supporting our family (something we mentioned we were considering back in April). We had that fiery blog-spark back when we had day jobs and did this as a hobby, so we think it could be a good change. We’ll also be taking a break on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, but the blog will stay public so you guys can access the archives whenever you’d like.
Our internal struggle and the state of this blog is entirely of our making, and we completely own that. Please don’t get mad at anyone for being honest with their feedback last week or accuse them of sending us packing. We have been struggling with that “something is off” feeling for a while now, and after way too much denial and “we’ll turn it around” pep talks, we finally asked for your feedback because we truly wanted to hear what you were thinking. It was cathartic and helpful for us. It has allowed us to very clearly see that if we have any respect for this blog and our love of it, and for you guys and what you’d like to see, we need to take a break if we ever want any hope of getting back to that fun/real/spontaneous place it used to be when this was something we did for the love instead of the high stakes game of supporting a family.
In summary: we love you, we thank you, and we hope you understand.
Jen says
Oh no, this gave me chills. I will miss you terribly. Anxiously awaiting your return…
Jennifer C. says
Oh darn… knew this was coming. :( Completely understand though. Lots of hugs John and Sherry! I know this was a hard decision for you both.
Shanna says
Bravo. I hope a time off will help you getting a clearer view. It’s ‘just’ a blog, no matter what decision you make you arent’t harming anyone with it. Nobody’s sick, nobody dies, it’s just the blog on pause! Enjoy your family and life, that’s the main thing.
Nancy B says
Of course, I understand because I am over 60 and I know how overwhelming life can be especially with 2 very young children. I pray blessings for you and your family and I do hope that sometime soon one of you will feel like sharing on the blog again because I enjoy it so much and visit every day but in the long run do what is best for you and your family first and foremost!
Heather says
I am sooo sad to hear this! I understand being burnt out. I own a creative business since 2000 and also sometimes find it hard to keep that same spark. It is like the difference between falling in love and marriage: everything feels exciting, and new, and shiny in the beginning… and at some point it becomes work. I hope you will be back! My mornings won’t be the same without you guys and your gorgeous family!
Nina says
This makes me so sad–I almost cried! I hate what all the negativity on the internet in general has done to blogging. :( I love YHL in any form, and I hope you come back!
Roger says
Noooo!!!!! I look forward to your posts. Take a vacation, promise to come back.
I don’t post much (ever), but look forward to your updates every day. I have saved a lot of your projects.
Maybe its time to expand the universe, share the site with a couple other families dong the same as you.
Just adding my 2 cents!
SM says
This is your site and your life and many people enjoy sharing it- so please do what makes you both happy.
Melissa F says
I have been in that place before too…where something you do because it’s fun becomes something you do to pay the bills and suddenly its work instead of fun. We love you too and hope that you find your joy even if it isn’t blogging your projects here with us. I will miss your creativity, your charmingly corny puns, and the opportunity to share your home and lives. I hope you are able to find the joy in working on your house and sharing the projects again, but if not, it has been a young house love-ly journey.
Deanna says
<3
Because I know you will appreciate this, please don't let this be like one of those season finales that turns into a series finale. Way too many shows I wish they would come back and finish :)
I think the world of you two, and your blog, but whatever you decide is totally your call. You don't need permission from any of us to decide what is right for you and your family. It's just that, even if it was off lately (and I am not sure I agree), it is still the BEST blog I have ever read and the one I cant wait to read every day, even if it's a giveaway. Because you guys are genuine and authentic and smart. And you're like a friend who checks in often and engages all of us in a fun conversation about what's happening in your life. And a part of a lot of us wishes we could do it as well as you do.
These posts lately have been just as good – building content. Establishing the ground work for future projects. Like a chapter book you can't put down. And I really want to know how it ends – but I don't really want it to end either. I'll miss you while you're gone, but I sure hope to see you soon <3
I wish it was April Fool's Day :)
Denise Zeybak says
Hey you,
I am a reader from Berlin/Germany and I read your blog every day since many years. But this is the first time that I ever leave a comment because I felt the need to say THANK YOU! Thank you for sharing and inspiring! But even if I love your blog and I will certainly miss it VERY VERY MUCH, I think you are doing the right thing! Take a break and get back to the roots! But honestly Sherry, posting such a lovely post about the laundry room and then stopping is kind of cruel. I love that room! Have a beautiful day, week, month….and then come back ;.) Denise
Crystal says
This isn’t what I expecting to read this morning. You both will be thoroughly missed!!! Young House Love is the best when John & Sherry is at their best. So I completely understand and support your decision. I’ll be here when you get back!!!
Nat says
To say that I won’t miss you guys would be a blatant lie. You two and your lovely growing family has been part of my daily unwinding routine since I started reading all those years ago when you were still only a few months along with Clara. But you know what? Bravo. Take the time you need to get a breather in and figure stuff out. I’m sure many of us will be here when you get back. I mean, you haven’t taken a proper break in years and I’m sure your family could use the downtime. While you take this break just remember, this blog is yours. Don’t worry too much about what other people say because there will always be someone unhappy about something. We’re just the readers who come by, swoop in, read for ten minutes or so a day and swoop back out. You two are the ones investing time, energy, and money into this thing so the ones who need to be happy with the end results are the Petersiks, not the readers. Good luck with blog-soul searching and spending time with the kiddos. See you on the flip side!
David W. says
WOW! I think I trust and enjoy the content of your blog more than anything else on the net. Everything you guys do seems straight from the heart and presented with the aim of helping others. If John says a tool helped him accomplish a job then I know the tool can be of help to me if I am trying to do the same thing. Hope you guys are back and if not, thank you for all the help and practical, real advice over the years. Thank you for leaving the archives here, I know I will consult them often. Best wishes John & Sherry!
cappy says
I will miss you and completely understand/support your decision! When your 2nd book comes out, come back to CT for a signing! I missed you the last time due to my “Storm Sandy” baby. :0)
Kaitlyn says
Honestly, it has always amazed me that you guys didn’t take “summer breaks” or anything like that. Even on vacations you would still post little updates! So many blogs take breaks, and when this is your full-time job, it’s so absolutely necessary so you don’t get burned out! Take all the time you need.
I will definitely miss the regular updates from you guys to start my morning, but I completely understand that this was not an easy decision and respect that. Lots of love being sent to you guys, and I just look forward to the day that you decide to come back (hopefully, if that is what you choose). xoxo
Whitney says
We’ve all had moments in life feeling stuck in the mud, not moving forward or backward. I can only imagine what it must be like to live those moments in public. This is some of the most honest, open and straightforward writing you’ve ever shared on the site, and I really appreciate your candor.
As a long time reader, I hope by taking some time, you can find the “spark” that made us flock to you in the beginning. Best of luck as you embark on this new stage of self discovery.
Beth says
This is a very brave decision, even braver knowing the internet is watching. Props to you for having the courage to follow your hearts.
BRAVO Petersiks!!!
Mandy Bowkett says
Do what you need to do for your family! I’ve enjoyed your site — I’m not as DIY savvy but I would like to think I’ve learned something — ideas for decorating etc — and I love the glimpse of your family. Enjoy this time to regroup – your fans will still be here!
redkimba says
Really sorry to hear this but I completely understand it. It’s clear that you and John work very hard. Blogging is hard work. People who have never done it don’t understand. Coupled with that is you create your own content, you’re not just linking to other people’s projects. That’s got to wear you out eventually unless you have help. Having two kids just complicates the matter. Now you have to choose how much time you’re going to devote to each thing. Add to that all the extra projects and I wonder how you two get any sleep at all.
No wonder it’s not fun anymore.
OTOH, if you two are thinking of starting your own design studio, I’m totally onboard with that. I’ll miss your blog. Heck, the whole country will miss it. I’ve even met real estate agents who cite YoungHouseLove as a resource for older houses. But if you continue to pursue what you love with a passion, you’re going to succeed spectacularly. You have many gifts, including mad organizational skills that are the envy of school teachers and corporate offices. Your style is fresh, cheerful, warm, homey and thrifty. You will have many clients.
Go for it.
Good luck.
mary says
I’m guessing this is the end, since it’s going to be hard to re-build such a big readership. I hope you’re onto something new and fun like your own HGTV show. LOL
Take care, and thanks for the hours of reading and photo gazing!
Cosima says
you guys will be missed by so many. BUT family is important and sometimes you need to take a step back to see where you’ve come from and where you want to go. I wish you all the best for the weeks to come and i will be here, waiting for you :)
Cathy says
I’m really sad to see you take a break, but I understand. However, let me say that it makes me sadder to read that you think you’ve been letting “us” down. No! I enjoy reading your blog, I haven’t felt that you’ve been “phoning it in” or whatever. You two have never disappointed this reader, I just take what you give and I enjoy it. You’ve inspired me to renovate a bathroom and do several other smaller projects. Thank you for that. Also, for John: Have you seen the recent issue of Time which answers so many questions and has soooo many statistics in it? It is an infographic nerd’s porn. You really need to find a copy if you haven’t seen it. Love you guys! I hope you will enjoy your break and even if you don’t come back to blog land, you’ll always be in our hearts!
Caz says
You have never let anyone down, and your blog has set new benchmarks for blogging. So proud (is that appropriate?) that you’ve made the brave and empowering move to step aside for a while, and do what fits best with your family.
Best of luck with the next adventure, whenever you’re ready.
Heidi S. says
Rest up and recharge! I will miss your posts and look forward to your return.
MikeLove says
Nooo.. I can’t say how much I looked forward to driving an hour to work everyday to open your blog for my morning read. What’s going to be my motivation now? Shouldn’t there be a two week notice? But it’s not about me, for the record I never once thought that your blog was on the downslope. =( but I understand that as perfectionists, you may be too hard on yourselves.
“Real talk doe” why would it matter to anyone that you’re being sponsored at any one point. Isn’t that why this is your dream job? You do what you love and if someone wants to pay a bazillion dollars for you to mention them a few times, do it, because you’re that awesome and they’ve noticed too.
I really hope you guys will choose to return. I hope you wake up one morning drive an hour and read the headline “How YoungHouseLove got their grove back.” I wish nothing but the best for your little family.
amy says
I totally respect, support and understand this.
Everyone gets burnt out… in any job! Lots of people after 5-10 years earn some major vacation time after awhile, and people often take a whole month off!!
I think it’ll be so good for your family, and on the other side you will have such clarity about how you plan to move forward.
Lauren says
My heart is breaking!! This is worse than when your favorite show ends…or your favorite book ends…or your favorite song becomes played out because I look forward to checking in with you EVERY DAY! It’s even been hard with the slowdown lately because I felt like I missed you (so weird to say that about strangers!) As a new home owner you are both such an inspiration!! Your blog is one of my favorites because it does feel so real. If I see one more blog post sponsored by chevron shaped frog tape I’ll scream! ;)
Anyway – hope you enjoy the time off! Maybe get the last bit of that blue trim painted?! Do lots of baby laundry in that amazing new laundry room! And I genuinely hope to see you back here, but trust that you’ll do what’s best for your family. Sherry – dry those eyes I know are misty today – it’ll all be okay! John – take the family out for some ice cream since summer is slipping away! :)
Love, Lauren
Nikki says
You are my favorite blog, the first one I found and started reading and looking forward to it! You guys are awesome and I hope you return soon! Will miss you every day until then!
Amanda R says
You all will truly be missed while you take a break (truly! because you feel like close, personal friends to many of us!), and anyone that’s been with you long enough will be here to enjoy and support you if and when you feel inspired to come back! 7 years in any profession can cause fatigue and the need for change. Best of luck figuring out what it is you both need to feel excited and inspired again!! I, for one, will definitely be here when you come back! :)
kg says
awww ((HUGS)) I know this isn’t easy, anyone who’s ever had to step back from something that doesn’t feel right but that you really really WANT to be right…knows how how you feel. I think this will give you a lot of clarity. (HUGS)
Blanca says
I just want to send you love. I have been a follower daily since the early years (Clara wasn’t even born yet!). Your blog has been my guilty pleasure every week day for years. I know the high standards that you have set for yourselves. I know you don’t do this for the money. I know family comes first. I have come to really respect you and I want nothing more than the well being of your family. I feel if you stopped, the blogosphere will lose it’s heart, although I feel a little bad that I didn’t notice it was already faltering (I rarely read the comments, they stress me out). Today’s post took me by surprise.
You will be missed, but I know it’s for the best.
Sending you a big bear hug. <3
kateinIL says
I think it’s a good decision. I don’t mean that in a snarky way. Just that – I think your gut is spot-on. And obviously many readers feel it to. Enjoy your babies.
Laura H says
Oh…you guys…my heart breaks for you right now. I was blindsided by all of the conversation about your blog. I wanted to comment yesterday but I actually went home and talked to my husband (my barometer). He is not a devoted reader but we’ve enjoyed and used many of your blogs when doing our own DIY projects. I explained that…yes, I felt the blog was not at a high spot, but heck — YOU JUST HAD A BABY!!!!!!! Then well, lately your laundry room project – which is amazing – was hard to get across with bling and flashing lights. (By the way — My husband LOVED the door knob hold drilling thingy!!) We have the same problem. We spend $25 on a gallon of paint and the world lights up. We spend $5000 on detailing something out and nobody notices our wiring, plumbing or whatever. They just like the paint color.
You know what my husband’s reponse was??….The blog is FREE right? So why are folks complaining. It is just for fun.
Forget the haters. I rarely comment good or bad. There are a million comments out there that don’t get said but should. I love everything you do! I actually bookmarked your Less is More post from April and I read it when I’m feeling overwhelmed….so hang in there…really. Quit being so hard on yourselves!! Take a month, reinvent and come back guns blazing!
Amy E. says
ch-ch-ch-changes!
they happen. they’re not always good, they’re not always bad. we know that life changes. we know that things (for any of us) take tangents or get carried away sometimes. i’m glad you’re not too proud to say ‘stop, lemme take a look at this situation here’ because you’re teaching all of us to do the same once in a while. and that’s also a VERY important lesson to teach Clara and Teddy.
i often wonder if i shouldn’t go back to what i was doing before my current job (which i’ve only been at for 3 years, so you’re actually doing pretty good with 7 years under YHL’s belt). it’s not even a “grass is always greener” situation for you! (kinda is for me in my situation)
best of luck, enjoy your family time and soul searching. i imagine you’ll still be writing up posts and taking pictures while you’re “away” just out of habit. but hopefully, given enough time, those habits will turn back into hobbies.
see you later!
Ashley says
i love this post. first glimpse into what you’re really feeling since you announced your second child being born. I really hope you guys find what you are looking for. I would LOVE it if you stuck around here, but completely understand the pull of having a family. Keep it up & follow your heart!
Cynthia W. says
All the best!!! Enjoy the break and the time to relax. I have really enjoyed your blog over the last few years…go find your bliss.
Britt says
I’ll add my voice to the many – I’ve loved your blog since your first house! You’ve inspired me to attempt projects I never would have before (I reupholstered a whole three-piece sectional! I created my own art! The list goes on.) and I can’t wait to see what this break will do to rejuvenate your family. Everyone needs to take a step back from time to time. Love and hugs from Minnesota!
Sharon W. says
I totally understand. Know that you will be missed. And I look forward to your return.
P.S. Thank you for being the inspiration for my husband and I to tackle a complete DIY remodel of our kitchen. It was all because of you and this blog. From the bottom of my heart – THANK YOU!
Cry says
I have read and enjoyed this blog for so many years that I now feel similar to having good friends tell me they are moving away. I’m sad that you ever had to feel defensive about yourselves or your work. It’s a sad time that the greatness of the internet also allows people to behave in ways that they would think twice about if they were not anonymous. I hope that you find your spark, joy, and happiness with this place on the web you created. In the meantime, I have several years of posts to look back over and maybe rediscover some joy myself.
Emily says
It seems like 2014 has been a year of change and transition for a lot of people that I know (myself included). I hope you find what you’re looking for and come out better on the other side. Best of luck, much love, and look forward to seeing you back around these parts (in better form) in the future!
Karen says
I really sad to hear it. I completely understand it though. To be honest this is my first comment. I do read the blog everyday though. Take care of yourselves and good luck whatever you decide. For what its worth I have enjoyed your blog very much.
Megan says
ENJOY THIS TIME!!! So sad to see you disappear for a bit, but I think it’s for the best. With all the projects and two little ones – how could you NOT feel like burning the candle at both ends has caught up with you?!?!
I hate to read about your regret on things like the 3rd house announcement or being worried when publishing posts… that is no way to live. You guys are total pros and I have never felt like you have come off whiney, unappreciative or anything of the kind. I did notice the posts felt a bit lackluster, but it did not (and never would) prevent me from visiting your site.
Rest, recharge and re-evaluate what you want in this next phase. Thanks for everything!!! :-)
Jessica says
aaaaand now I’m depressed. You were one of the first blogs I started reading many years ago. I too have noticed a downward trend in the blog-o-sphere but it’s never really bugged me. This is how you support your family – good for you! It doesn’t make your ideas any less creative just because they were sponsored by certain people or companies. Now if you started making everything out of duck tape because they became a major sponsor then I could understand the disappointment people feel. It’s so weird to share your life with people and they feel entitled to know every detail. Good luck – don’t stay away forever.
ES says
I’m sad but also excited for you to have some time to hit the reset button and figure out what will allow you to continue to be joyful in your work. I just got done with 11 weeks of maternity leave, and as hard as it is to be back in the office, it would have been way harder if I hadn’t taken that break to just bathe in the joy of a new baby. I wondered when you had Teddy if you were missing out because you didn’t get to take a real maternity leave. I’m still struggling a little with “why do I even do this job??” but trying to give myself a few weeks/months to figure out whether I can make it work. So I guess I’m saying I identify with you.
Referring back to that April post is brilliant. I reread it, and in addition to the adorable Teddy-in-a-bunny-hat picture, it also really speaks to the conflict you have been feeling. And honestly what I have been feeling. So I hope that this break helps you figure out what you have been chasing. Or what you want to chase. Or that you don’t want to chase anything at all!
We love you, too, Petersiks. :)
Joanna says
I will totally miss your posts each day, but will patiently wait for your return!!! Much love!!
TamTam says
Bummed to hear that there won’t be new posts for a while, but I completely understand! Please take all the time you need, and I look forward to reading new content when you decide to come back. Your blog has been quite the source of inspiration for my boyfriend and I in tackling projects on our own in our new house instead of hiring people to do things for us.
Ruthie says
GOOD FOR YOU!!! Take as long as you need. You have been working essentially 24/7/365 for far too long and it is past time you took a decent break. Everyone needs renewal time, everyone.
I am old enough to be your parent. My children are, in fact, your ages. When they were little someone told me of the Chinese proverb that “one (child) is none and two is ten”. We all know one is not none but two does feel like ten. Lives change. I am glad you are taking the opportunity to reassess.
I agree that the blog has felt different but it is because your life is very different, and will continue to change. Oh yeah. Different is not bad, it’s just different. So, give yourselves some time and love and if you come back to this, great. If not, life goes on. I support whatever decision is best for all of you.
Alison says
Totally understand and agree! Although you will be greatly missed (for purely selfish reasons), I will await your return and know that you guys are making the best decision for YOU and your family. Can’t fault you for that one single bit!!!
Diane Taylor says
Thanks for being honest with us and giving each of your readers the chance to provide feedback. It takes guts to hear the good, the bad and the ugly from readers that you both truly love.
Hopefully the time away will recharge you inside and out. And we will be here when you return :)
xxooo – Diane