Life has been busier than ever for us – and there’s nothing like having a baby to confirm your true priorities. We’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately: what exactly are our goals? What are we working towards? Hoping to gain? The answer, we realized, was definitely not more blog hits or traffic or approval. Honestly we both feel unsettled by the idea of our blog growing any larger, and we look fondly back on the earlier days when we worked less, slept more, and spent more quality time with our family and friends. This little website of ours has already surpassed every expectation we ever could have had for it. So what are we chasing?
When Clara was born we were both blogging full time, but we had about a third of the traffic that we have now and we usually shared around one project a week amidst other home-related chitchat, family happenings, polls, reader makeovers, etc. It was one of the best times of our lives. We did less and had less, and we were completely comfortable. So in light of everything on our plates, this new baby boy, and a girl who’s growing up entirely too fast (cue the Armageddon music), we’ve decided to paddle back towards that.
We know this choice may directly correlate to fewer hits and therefore less income – and we’re ok with that. Sure, it’s a little scary not knowing where we’ll be in a few months or years (but we’ve never known that as professional bloggers anyway). We’ve made “risky” career choices before in the name of life quality – like leaving the NYC rat race and giving up steady salaries for blogging – but they’ve also been some of our best decisions.
Just like we did when we made those leaps, we’ve saved enough to help us sleep at night. We’ve also both left the door open in our previous professions, so even if this choice means we’ll eventually be taking on freelance advertising work again (which I did to make a living before we started this blog, and which John has dabbled with over the last few years) it’s a risk we’re willing to take in the name of bringing some balance back into our lives.
The good news is that our love of home improvement and blogging is burned deep into our hearts, and our to-do list is still a mile long. We have no plans to stop blogging anytime soon. We’ll still be posting our projects, planning, shopping, and other usual fare here regularly. But things will be noticeably different as we recalibrate our priorities (we think we’ll end up in the 3-5 posts per week range).
We’ll also be going back to sharing all of our family posts on Young House Love (sorry Young House Life). We’ve always had family stuff here – in fact some of our favorite (and most popular) posts are the personal ones about things like breastfeeding, Clara’s birth story, her photo project, this ridiculousness, and random facts about me and John. Between those types of posts always existing on our main site, and Instagram taking the place of the smaller family updates, Young House Life has felt less necessary lately, so we won’t be posting over there anymore.
We know some people will be relieved by this change of pace (many of you have encouraged us to slow down) or excited about the new looser style of posting, while others might decide to tune out – and we’re ok with that too.
We feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to make this choice. It’s not a decision that we’ve made lightly, and we realized that if we don’t seize it now, we may never have the chance to again. Teddy is our last baby and Clara is just a year away from kindergarten (how did that happen?!), so we want to enjoy this time with them instead of working our nights, weekends, and vacations away chasing some business goal we don’t even want.
We have no idea what the future holds, but even if the internet exploded tomorrow, we’re already so grateful for this amazing and completely unexpected journey of ours. This blog has surprised us in the most major of ways, and has led to some unbelievable experiences and opportunities, many of which we can’t quite wrap our minds around.
We still have big dreams for this house of ours and can’t wait to share how it evolves with you guys. But if you’ll excuse us, I have an almost impossibly tiny diaper to change and John’s off to buy some lumber again…
Nicky says
Family First!
Congratulations for the awesome job you’ve done so far in that now you can take the time to do what’s best for family; a great position to be in.
Enjoy and I will try and get used to a different schedule – May take a while (!). I always look forward to seeing how your house evolves and Clara and Burger’s and now Mr. Tiny-diaper-man’s antics – they’re priceless!
xo
Erika says
Family is always priority and I think it says a lot about you guys that you are willing to make it such even in the midst of much success from all of your hard work. I have always been amazed that you have done as many posts a week that you have. You might be surprised that more folks will tune in because we are all eager to see the next project. I know I will still tune in because I’ve learned a lot and been inspired by some of your projects. Props to you tho – family first. Enjoy the precious time you have – they grow too quickly!
Dani says
I am so happy for you guys and completely support the change. When we had our first child, we tried to keep working at the same rate we did before kids. When our second baby came 6 months ago, we took a step back and slowed way down. We only get this life once. So now we live by the mantra “work to live, don’t live to work”. All the best to you and your family. I’ll still be here to read whenever you have the chance to post!
Rachel Serene says
You guys are making a wise decision. I can’t imagine anyone reading less because you post less either. Once people get on the John and Sherry train, it’s too fun to jump off :)
Enjoy your time with your kiddos– you deserve it.
Abby J. says
All the best to you guys! I think you’re making a very smart and clearly well-thought-out decision!
I’ll still be a reader! :)
Rachel K says
Thank you for being such an inspiration to me both in DIY and in life. I am facing a similar situation as we are experiencing one nightmare after another with daycare for my 8 month old son. We live very comfortable lives with me working, but lately we’ve had to ask ourselves if it’s worth it and are seriously considering having me stay home.
It is such a tough decision, I am scared out of my wits but reading this is extremely comforting! What you said about not having the chance if you wait is so true. Good luck and you have a dedicated reader here!!
Kristin says
Good for you!!! Life is too short to work it away. I appreciate your honesty and perspective. Enjoy that beautiful family of yours!!! You are blessed and deserve all good things. xo
Leanne says
So happy to read this! Enjoy your family! You will NEVER regret taking that step back, I am sure of it! And by the way, that last picture with Clara covering her mouth is such a precious moment to have captured!!
Amy says
You guys are making a fantastic choice for your family :-)
Nicole says
I’m so glad to have read this post! I have seriously been thinking about you guys all week and wondering how you were going to keep up with the pace. Is it strange that I worry about you guys like that like I know you? LOL. Anyhow, I know how tired I am with ONE little one – she’s two and a half now, and we’re just now to a point where we are able to do projects around the house.
NEVER feel bad about making family a priority. NEVER. You guys have such a loving family, both with the five of you, your parents, siblings, etc. I wish you the best of luck, and I know I’ll still be tuning in to every single post, whether it’s once a day or once a week.
Katie D. says
Yay! I am so happy for you guys being able to take this time together. I chose my career in higher education knowing that there are part time positions available, so I think its great that you also have work life balance as a priority, despite how incredibly successful your careers have been!! I will miss your daily posts but will continue to be an avid reader :D
Sarah K says
BRAVO. Thrilled to read this today and so incredibly excited for your family! And for the record, I couldn’t bring myself to watch that scene from Armageddon again because I know I would be a snotty blubbering mess in moments. Love you guys.
jill says
That photo of the three of you in the hospital bed just melts me! This is your ballgame, so you can do whatever you need to do. We’ll still be here. xo
Natalia says
I`m glad for your decision!
I ` ll surely beijinhos around seeing your posts whenever They came…
I also have a 3year old girl and a 3 month old boy… and time flyes…
Marie says
I want to crawl through the internet and hug you guys right now!! For having the courage to follow your heart. You’re amazing and slowing down to enjoy life and your babies will never be something you regret! I think the majority of people under estimate the hard work and dedication that goes into running a blog….especially one of this caliber. (and I’m not even taking the writing a book, going on tour, designing an entire house in a week “extras” into consideration). Be good to you! And Clara and Teddy!!! I’ll keep clicking!! Heck I’ll even go to the library and click on all the computers just to get you extra hits. ;) xxxo
Karen Q. says
Good for you! Fully support and will continue to look forward to reading- will always love your blog no matter how many posts you have! :) Enjoy every moment of extra time with your family/friends- after all that’s what really matters
Paige @ The Room Kit says
Whew! I’m seriously relieved that you guys are going to be scaling back. I was worried that you’d be too busy/stressed/frazzled to enjoy this sweet new baby (not that you would ever do that on purpose, but you know how life can get), so this sounds perfect. I’ll still be here for the 3-5 posts a week!
Meredith says
Rock on, guys. Kudos to you for living the dream – with the dream being about family and love, not money! :)
Tiffany @ A Touch of Grace says
I think this is a wonderful idea. You have your priorities in the right place. You’ll never look back and say “I wish I’d worked more.” Smart choice. I’m sure most of us will still be here to support you and follow along on your journey.
Bethany says
This is my favorite post so far! I like you guys even more for this decision. With kids 7 and 5, I can well remember those young baby days! Don’t even reconsider this decision for a minute! These are your most precious days and will fly by all too fast. I enjoy your blog so much and will continue to do so. Not having a post every day? who cares? Only posting a couple times a week? Awesome! All too soon these little ones will be in school and then you can have a routine around school hours thats a little easier to structure. I agree less is more!! and now I want oreos. lol
Susan says
Good for you! So happy to see you guys making the decision to put family first. So much respect for you two. I’ll still be here, eagerly awaiting any and all posts you throw out. Much love to you and your lovely family.
Eleanor says
Good for you guys! I found out quickly that two kids are much more than twice the work of one! How that happens, I have no idea! Our kids are 4 years apart, which is a great spacing, but definitely keeps us busy with the different interests and stages in life. They are sweet buds right now at almost 6 & 2 (next month!).
I blogged (was a savings blogger) for a few years before our second child and truly did not have the time or the brain space to continue after having her! I didn’t want to take time away from the baby when she was little, because she is our last, and I was soaking up the last bit of ‘baby’ left with my first before she started Kindergarten (which has been an amazing experience for her but I still miss her a lot while she is gone so long each day). They keep me BUSY so I spend my quiet time these days doing something good for my soul and/or spending it with my hubby.
You guys have a beautiful family & Teddy is perfection! He has more hair than my almost 2 year old! Watching Clara & Teddy love each other will melt your heart daily. You all are so blessed. Thank you for sharing all that you do. Good for you for pulling back when you need to. Life doesn’t wait for anything so it’s great to stay present. As a fellow Richmonder (Powhatan really) I’ll always be a supporter, follower & reader! :)
Tara says
Good for you!
Jennifer says
I’ll still be reading! Less is definitely more and I’ve been trying to find that sweet balance since I’m pregnant with number two! It’s all worth it for the time we spend with the ones we love.
Sarah says
You guys are doing exactly the right thing! I will miss seeing posts everyday, but I know you will still be offering a lot of great stuff every week. Don’t forget what an amazing resource you have created, one that will exist even if you never blogged again. All the projects, tutorials, and inspiration from the last few years will still be here for all of us that love YHL. Thank you!
Koliti says
Sherry, what a blessing that you & John are on the same page and have the same priorities. Whether it be DIY or your life – it’s ALWAYS good to tweak – right? I hope you are healing well after your C-section. Thank you for virtually inviting me to your home and sharing your beautiful family and abundant, happy hearts. Enjoy your new groove!
Brooke says
Thanks for keeping it real/honest. It’s easy to get carried away when it comes to making more money. Glad to see you guys wrangling things back in.
Have loved you since house 1, and am excited to see you go back to a less corporate feel. (I miss Clara and Burger videos!)
ashlea says
Yay!!!!! Happy you guys are slowing down. It stressed me out thinking about all y’all were doing. I know you guys feel a relief!
Faith says
Congratulations on having the courage to do what so many people want to do but can never seem to pull the trigger on. I’m glad y’all aren’t worrying about keeping up with the Joneses and choosing to enjoy being the Petersiks!
Emma says
I’m so glad to hear this! I think you are going in the right direction because you are keeping the important things in life close and prioritizing the way you want to live! I’ve been following the blog for years, and loved the simplicity when I first tuned in and will love whatever you share into the future. I admire your zest for life and family, and I am grateful that you have shared so much inspiration for DIY, home fabulousness, and your sweet family. Also, my brother in law and his wife are moving to Richmond and I hope to one day spot you and be unintentionally weird :) haha
Elaine says
I love that you do what’s best for your family. Not for us readers!!! Power to you and that lil bundle of cuteness is soooo worth it (as is Clara). :) Yes they do grow too fast. All the sudden my son is almost done with his first year of college….gasp!!!!! :) Take care you.
jenn says
Good for you! I’m so happy to hear you say, “Why chase something that we never wanted anyway?” Being happy is what it’s about at the end of the day. I’ll keep reading regardless. :)
cathyv says
I am impressed with your decision. You will not regret it. Congrats on knowing what life is really about.
cathy
Michele says
Beautiful post and excellent idea! I’m so happy that you’ll have more time to spend with the family.
Colleen says
You’re making the right decision! Always do what’s best for your family, balance and happiness should always come first. I will still be tuning into your posts! Enjoy your early days with Teddy! Nothing is sweeter!
Jessica says
I have always appreciated how not greedy you guys are: while other bloggers are squeezing in a million affiliate links and ads, y’all have stayed genuine, open and honest. That is what has set you apart and attracted a fiercely loyal readership (including myself) who will support you through every season. I’m so happy for you guys, I will continue to read every post! Love you Petersiks!
Barbara says
Good for you! I expected this, honestly. You guys have been going gangbusters for so long that I expected you to put the brakes on. You’ve never been that “Hey, we’re famous so we have to keep this roller coaster going” type people. You started small, got really popular and now it’s time to scale back and be a family again. I think, in the end you’ll be happy you did.
Besides, you make me feel so guilty for having no energy to fix my house as nicely as yours! I’d rather watch you enjoy the family with one or two little projects than slamming out a bunch of stuff just to please the crowd. Best of luck!!
Lindsay R says
I totally needed this blog this morning. Pregnant with baby #2 and completely conflicted over what to do at work. Priorities really do change the instant you see your sweet baby’s face and hold them in your arms–nothing else seems quite as important. Love your blog and will always check in whenever you write.
MG says
Seriously one if my favorite posts! Not that I don’t love reading but this is a great decision in my opinion. One I’m sure you won’t regret. Enjoy this time! You won’t get it back, as you well know. I think this is a highly respectable and understandable decision and I’m happy for you. Congratulations!
Julia says
Nothing but LOVE and SUPPORT to you in making this decision. While, selfishly, I’m sure many of us will miss getting to stop by your blog as often, I commend you making a choice I’m sure most of us would also make if we could! How fortunate you are to have the flexibility to step back and focus on your main priorities. Work-life balance, in my opinion, is key to overall happiness and well-being, so kudos to you for being mindful to reassess and find a more comfortable balance for yourselves!! Best of luck to you in making those readjustments!
Ann says
Way to follow your heart – after all isn’t that the title of your blog? :) Life is beautiful, so take every chance you can to enjoy every sweet and crazy moment.
Kari says
So happy for you! You will never regret choosing to spend more time with your kids. Soak up the snuggles!
Alexis says
Speaking selfishly, I’m going to miss your daily posts and all the insight that you offer for aspiring DIYers…but as a busy mom, your decision is completely understood and supported. It’s a constant struggle to give all you’ve got into your work and to do the same at home, but your priority is your family. Enjoy your time together and reduced amount of stress! :)
Faith says
Good for you!! Take it from this mom of 4, it does fly by! My oldest is 9 1/2 and I keep thinking “she’s half way to being an adult! the first 9 years of her life have flown by, the next 9 will too!” so I make it a goal of mine to slow down and enjoy it all, even the challenging times. In the end, careers and money aren’t what matter. You’re choosing the things that do! Congrats on your little boy..he’s adorable!
Janet says
You do you, okay? :)
However many posts y’all put up in a week, I’ll read them all happily, whether it’s 2 or 20. You need to take care of yourselves and your family, first and foremost.
Also, holy guacamole your kids are cute! :)
Lisa says
What a wonderful decision! This post made me tear up. I just had a baby boy, too (my first kiddo!), and I also have too much stuff on my plate… full time PhD student, teaching college classes, doing research, studying for exams, and being so insanely in love with my newborn. This post has inspired me to think about scaling back on the non-essentials and to rethink my priorities. Thank you for being so frank and honest, Sherry! Congrats to you all!
Rachel says
I’m not gonna lie, this makes me a little sad. I love your blog (and you guys? Does it make me a ridiculous fangirl to feel like I know you??) and I’m never going to stop reading it. I hope you don’t back down too much, because I’d miss you! But I totally understand that family comes first, and babies are so much work and grow so fast! My baby is 6 months old today, and I swear he was just born yesterday. So, kudos to you for spending more quality time with your family. But know that you have fans that still look forward to each and every update!
Emily says
I am really happy for you all! And I totally understand! I am pregnant with my second baby and made a really tough decision to stop teaching a ballet/fitness class that I created from the ground up. I am sad to let that “baby” and the “working girl” life go. But I know it is the right thing for me (especially for sanity reasons!) and my family. I am looking forward to more of your family posts (they are my fave)!
Kaileigh says
I love the idea of more family posts on Young House Love. As much as I enjoy your house posts, I come here to see what’s going on with you guys as well, and although not every single project you do is relevant to me, I always enjoy the family posts! Enjoy your family :)
Ashley says
Way to honor what matters most!!!! Relationships are the currency of reality. You are trailblazers in more than just the home improvement/blog world. There are few couples in your industry who are an example of what it looks like to fight for a healthy family/marriage. You live on purpose! Your children will never forget that. So proud of you both!