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.
Ashlee says
I want you guys to know that I have loved your blog since 2009! I have learned so much about having a home filled with love, style, functin, and kid friendlyness! Thank you for sharing your home with me, your projects, your heart, and sweet family! I think you have always been professional on the blog, while being open at the same time. Love you guys!!
Jennifer P says
Please come back :(
Ann says
I have re-read your post so many times. I come to your site every so often to see if you’ve come back. I’ve read your blog for years and really enjoy what I read.
I so get it though. I walked off my job three weeks ago. Never done that btw. Probably one of the scariest things I’ve done in my 45 years. I snapped. Too many hours, too much stress, and wondering “what the h. am I doing here?” I’ve been visiting family and now it’s time to return to something, because I can’t sit at home and/or continually stay with relatives. :/
You have a wonderful family, I enjoy your stories. Whatever you decide to do, you ROCK.
Hugs
Peggy says
Hi John and Sheri,
I was introduced to your blog by my 30 year old daughter, and we both have enjoyed your posts. As a pediatric nurse, let me assure you that after a rugged pregnancy, John doing double duty while Sheri was doubled over, keeping Clara content, doing all the extra fun but extra challenging things, and then dealing with the few negative Nellies who never can understand about the generous giveaways, you and your family are due for a “taking in” phase. You just need a chance to take a breath and focus on you and reset a little. I get that you tried to keep all the balls in the air for us your loyal followers, but the result is you just don’t feel like you have the juice you had before. So, reassess and figure out what works. We would love to see you back, but only if you can keep your family centered and your life in balance.
And by the way, although I love wood and not white kitchens, warm and not gray colors, I really, really, enjoy your posts, and have learned a lot. When your book came out, both my daughter and I got each other a signed copy, so you know true fans appreciate what you have to offer.. It is your genuine joy and personal touch that we all appreciate, not just the specific decor issues.
.
Peggy
Becky says
Like many others, this is my first post. I am not one to write many comments, but I feel compelled to thank you for the heart and soul you have obviously poured into this blog. I have two kids almost the same ages as yours and totally understand how fast time goes and the need to take stock and figure out what’s really important in your life and what brings you joy. I hope you guys eventually come back, but more than that I hope you find peace and happiness in whatever you decide to do.
tonyamonet says
I am so happy that you’re taking time for your family!! But, I’ve missed me some YoungHouseLove!! So, with YHL on my mind….this logo was born. Hope you like it: http://tonyamonet.wordpress.com/2014/10/05/young-house-love/
Thank you for all you’ve given to your readers and fans over the years. It’s been a fun ride. When you’re ready to go for another spin — so are we!!
XO
Fahlon says
Very cool logo!
Leanne Crisp says
I’ve been wondering for quite some time how long it would be before it wasn’t fun anymore when baby number 2 was on the way. I know many families where baby number 2 changes the entire dynamic of the family and it is no longer as easy to fit everything into your day. Not baby’s fault – just the way it is with more little people to see to and less silent, thinking time. Like the ebb and flow of the sea, you will find your rhythm again… and we can wait. There is nothing like anticipation and we’ll still be here when you head on back. Take care
ingridobre says
I miss you, thats all!
Misty says
Miss you guys!!!!!
Rebecca says
What about the dining room!!!??? I love your blog more than any other online. A part of my routine is missing and now when I do my own house projects some of the thrill is gone. Bring back the thrill. Miss you to the moon. I know work/ jobs can be tough at times…. But hey your gig has to be much better then cleaning teeth and telling peolpe they have gum disease and tooth decay. Get back in the ring and keep fighting for what you love. Xoxo
Rebecca says
PS. I love john and sherry….but also looooove Young House Love. Be proud of what you created not sorry that its too branded.
Selina@CreativeJuicesDecor says
Hey guys, not like you “needed” comment 5076 hee,hee but I just wanted to write (as a fellow “long term” blogger, if 4 years is long term LOL) that know we ALL go through seasons of our life, so it makes sense we go through seasons of life even in our blog. I TOTALLY have…..sometimes I am hanging on by a string and other times I have posts lined up for a month (so weird!) BUT, I think it’s so brave to be true to yourself and just say HEY, this happens to be a season in our lives where we are not going to be blog focused and that’s OK! In fact, have FUN with this break (whether it’s short, long, or forever) I wish you guys the best, and thanks for being one of the very first blogs I ever read :-) ~ Selina
Rebecca Bradshaw says
Ok…..it’s been long enough! Pleeeeeaaasssse come back now!!! Of course the blog has changed. Who’s life hasn’t changed in the last 6 years????? Miss you all!!! Come back. Now please.
Jean says
It’s been nearly a month. There’s going to a lot of people refreshing this page next week. Come back, we miss you :)
Kasie says
I agree!! I’ve been checking almost daily because it’s almost been a month!!! Please please please come back!!! We miss you!!!
Catherine says
I know you guys are taking a break right now, which I think is a wonderful idea! Good for you! I’ve been a reader for five years now, and I love EVERYTHING that you do. I miss you guys and your wonderful ideas, projects, and upbeat attitudes about home decorating. I can’t wait until you come back (if and when the time is right). Anyway, I was browsing Anthropologie, looking at all of the things I can’t afford, and came across this really cute whale. At second glance, I noticed that my FAVORITE BOOK OF ALL TIME was there – yours! I didn’t know if you guys knew such a cool company was endorsing you, and you might need a little ray of sunshine in your day. I know I do from time to time! Anyway, if you are interested – the link is below. Love and miss you guys. Hope your time off is treating you well – you deserve it!
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-room/27210285.jsp#/
Monique says
I’m a little behind in my reading but wanted to say that over the years I have enjoyed reading your blog and using some of the information for my own projects. I’m surprised you guys haven’t needed a break before this. Best wishes on whatever you decide to do in the future. Nowadays people have multiple careers and maybe this blog was a stepping stone to new and better things.
In any case, take all the time you need. Maybe return or not after the holidays. It takes time to refresh, regroup and to gear up for the next chapters in your lives.
Thank you for leaving your blog up. It has loads of reference material and I look forward to hearing what new adventures are in store for you and your family.
All the best.
Shell says
This blog makes me happy but it’s important that you’re happy too. Have a great time finding out what you need to do to keep inspiring us and yourselves, and if you feel like coming back, you’ll always be welcome, I’m sure!
Nancy says
My hope, as I checked your blog like I do every day, was so see that you had come back. “Maybe when they get 5000 comments” I secretly wished. So I will add my comment and hope that you are back soon and ready to show us how to live a fun inspired life!
deb says
I haven’t commented since the original post, although I wanted to. One of the things I’ve always wondered about is the fact that you all take the time to respond to anyone and everyone who had a question or comment, etc., even if it meant referring them back to the post to see that you had actually answered their question there! No other bloggers (that I know of) do that – it’s an endless, and in some respects thankless, task (IMO). And the “big” blogs certainly have help, whether hired or family members. You guys are definitely one of the “big” blogs!
I so clearly remember having my second child (almost 32 years ago now) and thinking my life had gone crazy and it was all I could do to get the coffeepot ready to turn on so I could have my caffeine in the mornings! When/if you come back, PLEASE get some help with the blog. If anyone doesn’t get that, they don’t have to read! Really do miss you, but totally get that you need time to yourselves. I hope you’re getting some well-deserved rest and just kicking back and enjoying each other. Take care…
Kirsten says
I think this is a really good point…we all love and miss J&S and the blog, but mostly wish the best for them and their family. If they do decide to come back, hiring a few people to do things part-time might help balance everything …a content writer for a day or two a week, someone to work with advertisers/giveaways…a few less stresses can make a world of difference.
Janet A says
I recently made the decision to go back to work full time (in an actual office) instead of working at home with a home business. Working at home was a great opportunity and I loved it, but for a few months the passion was gone, the spark was gone, and I dreamed of going into an office and just letting someone write the check instead of every thought and breath being about my business. I am only a few weeks into my new job, and haven’t fully stopped my business, but I am so happy that it isn’t the sole source of income and it can be a source of fun and passion again. My new office job is great! It’s a field I’ve always wanted to work in, my team is incredible, and I am so thankful. In the near future I know my creative spark will arise again (as it always does) and I will be thankful my business is there for fun, creativity, and extra income, and I know my customers will appreciate my enthusiasm more then, rather than the humdrum I’ve given to them the past few months… Needless to say, whatever you chose, I certainly am enjoying my break! You got this! We love you!
… I have been a reader for a few years now, but haven’t read as frequently in the past year or so and stopped back in to refresh myself on your wedding registry tips =) So I super appreciate you leaving everything up because you have AMAZING content!
xoxo
Marisa says
Just wanted to let you know that I miss you! I hope you’re enjoying this lovely fall.
Tracy Vaughn says
In case the break turns into a finale break….please post the picture that you took of your current house at dusk with the outside porch light on. I was still out of my house after Hurricane Sandy when you posted it. It was beautiful. Best wishes to your family always and thank you.
Carmen says
I’ve been checking back every so often, watching the number of comments creep up and up toward 5000 and beyond. So many people love your space on the web, myself included. I hope you enjoy your family time- it’s well deserved- and I hope you come back! xoxo
Dee says
I’ve been reading your blog for a long time and have never commented before. This blog post just reminds me of a TED talk that you may want to watch: http://www.ted.com/talks/stefan_sagmeister_the_power_of_time_off
Basically, it’s about how this designer takes a 1-year sabbatical for every 7 working years. It helps him come up with fresh ideas. I hope your break does you good. *Internet hug*
Care says
Ugh, miss you guys. I keep checking back to see if there is anything new/an update.
Like everyone has said, we all totally get it and want nothing but the best for your family – truly.
Funny how things like this blog become part of your day and you really miss them when they are gone.
We’ll be waiting if, and hopefully when, you all come back. Take care guys.
Candice says
As Rose said to Jack in Titanic, “come back”. I miss you guys and check out YHL every day hoping to see that you’ve come back to all your faithful readers. I miss you!
Chrystal says
I missed some posts here. I’m sad to see that you feel like something is missing, but I hope that taking a break for a bit will help you find your groove. I’ve enjoyed your blog since I found it a year ago and hope you find what you are needing (whether it be the blog or something else).
Cynthia LaPan says
Just thought Sherry would dig this. Would look awesome hanging from the Dining Room ceiling!
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/mobile/honeycomb-chandelier.do?&from=fn
katie says
Your family is always most important and the most reasonable “excuse”, as some call it, that I can think of. You have grown and matured and have bigger responsibilities now with those kiddos. It only makes sense to reevaluate and adjust even your career to support your strongest values and priorities. It truly makes me appreciate your blog even more.
Ashleigh P says
Hi Guys!! So…first I really hope you guys come back. More importantly, no matter where your hearts take you, I hope you know you’ve made a difference. I talk all the time about these fantastic ideas I have to fix our little fixer-upper. Grand plans…drives my hubby batty because I never DO anything about any of them. Well, this weekend I finally decided to go for it. We were going to build a desk. In my closet. And it was going to be perfection. And I was. Terrified! Amazingly enough, from the moment the hubby started cutting I realized…I KNEW what we were doing!! I had read about so many tasks that you guys documented & explained for our benefit that I actually understood what we were doing. I can’t thank you enough!! I am finally going to have this dream home I’ve been planning out for the last 6 (SIX!) years! So if you feel led, come on back & teach us some more. If not, thanks for what you’ve given us all! Much love to my 5 favorite strangers. :)
Josh R. says
Just checking up on you guys.. Hope you’re doing well.. Miss you!
Ashley Perry says
Happy October Petersik Family! Hope y’all are enjoying this gorgeous fall weatherab and painting some super cute pumpkins! Miss yall :)
Carla B. says
Hunger strike? If I refuse to eat until you guys come back, would that prompt your return? ;-)
Love you guys! Hope you’re getting rest and enjoying fall!
Alana says
Alright everyone, new plan. Time for some reverse psychology.
Go ahead guys take all the time you want. We’re not missing you at all. Nope not even a little. We’re not checking your blog every couple days. No, we’re not. In fact, don’t ever come back. Don’t come back anytime soon!
(Seriously, come back soon please…)
Lauren McCormick says
omg some of these last comments are cracking me up. :) Reverse psychology? Hunger strike! Not only do I love you, YHL, but I love the “community” you’ve created!!
LeAnn says
I have never posted, although I’ve read your website for years. I have loved the tutorials, the design ideas, and the way you have shared your thought process when decisions need to be made re: paint color, curtain choice etc.
We all go through transitions in life. Life never stays the same. I hope you feel free to leap into whatever you want to do, or simply take more time if you are not sure yet. It’s a big deal to have tons of people watching you make a decision, but just show us all how to stay true to yourself. In the end, I think that’s what I wish for you.
Jenna says
This wait is agonizing.
Kirsten says
Longest. Month. Ever. Is it over yet? (Please say yes!)
Beth says
Been reading your blog for years. You inspire me with new ideas that I consider for my own home. I love your honesty in this post. Thank you for keeping things real. I liked your lighthearted posts, you and your family are seriously great and I wish you well in whatever you decide. Aren’t possibilities exciting?! My life has been better than I imagined and yet filled with the opposite at times. I think that helps me to savor the wonderful moments though. Good luck to you!
Cori says
Come baaaaaaaaaaaack. That’s all. <3
Melody says
I have to say–I still visit your site just about every week day, hoping that a new post may have appeared! I miss you guys, but I definitely understand your need to step back and assess your way forward.
Cristina S. says
I close on my second home (our forever home) this Friday. I started reading this blog before the first house was even being considered. Thank you for always encouraging me to make our home a HOME, but to remember it takes time. I miss you guys & hope you have a wonderful fall. I will keep your home improvement spirits with me on our newest adventure.
Annie in Indiana says
Miss your blog posts– hope you’re finding rest, renewal, and direction in this time.
Kim Sinclair says
Miss you guys. Hope that everything is going well and that you are enjoying your wonderful kids. xoxoxo
Laura K. says
I echo the shared sentiments! We miss you guys, but hope you are finding some time to just be with family and friends and relax! Know you have a strong fan club anxiously anticipating your return :)
travelingsole says
I just wanted to say that I miss you guys. I hope you are having a fabulous vacation/break/priority-check though. Just know that we love you and wish only the best for you.
sarah says
missing you! hope you are doing well!!
Jayme says
My birthday is October 16th and your return would be an awesome 30th birthday present! No pressure.
Kat says
I miss you guys so much! I’d been reading your blog here and there – basically every time we were getting ready to tackle a big project, and you guys had already done it. More recently I started reading the family blog and the more personal posts and found that I could really relate – I wish we were friends, because you guys are so awesome. I hope that you will let us know where you land and how everyone is doing. Have I mentioned that I miss you guys?
Christina Latham says
TOTally agree!!!!!!!!!!!! I check everyday – If I have to see the feelings post one more day my little heart is going to break!! COME BACK!!!