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…
Stephanie says
So proud of (and happy for) you all! Finding a sustainable balance in life is never easy, but it’s such an important priority! Thanks for setting a great example. We’ll love reading updates from your family in any form…as often as you like. Cheers!
Kate says
Long time reader, first time commenter. I just wanted to say I appreciate what you guys are doing, and honestly I am a bit relieved! The pace was too much to keep up with! Most likely your readers won’t be going anywhere (I know I won’t). I’m glad you’re incorporating personal posts back in as well.
Heather says
Good for you! And personally speaking I would always forget to check Young House Life and your sweet family posts have always been some of my favorites. Do what you have to do to be happy. You won’t lose this reader :)
Kristin says
I’ve followed you a long time and have never commented before, but I simply wanted to say that it is good to have the wisdom to know when to scale back and find a comfortable pace to walk. I will still come back, even if there was only one post a week. Family is most important, and time with growing babes never comes back. Enjoy it fully.
amy s says
I have always loved your blog. I always will.
Kate Craig says
I think the quality and consistency of your posts is incredible, and even with scaling back you will stand far out from the crowd!
Jenni says
Congrats on the new baby!! And no matter how little you post, I’ll still be a dedicated reader!!! Good luck in everything you guys do and enjoy that baby!!!
Michele says
Huzzah!! We will be here when you are. Enjoy your littles!!
Erica says
Congratulations and best wishes to your family! It is refreshing to see parents step back and prioritize. I look forward to whatever you may post and love the promise of a mixed YHlife and YHlove. Have fun ;)
Miranda says
Good for you!!! Very happy with this decision and will definitely continue reading.
Esther says
Wow, this post actually makes me want to give you a big hug. I also kinda want to go find you all the way to your home to become real-life friends. But that would be creepy. :D
Helen says
This is a GREAT thing. I’m so happy for you all to be taking a step back. You do seem to have been super-busy lately! Really looking forward to the slower pace, sometimes if I’ve missed a few days there’s just too many projects to catch up on!! Enjoy the extra time together :-)
Kate C says
My own little family of three needs to take a hard look and make some big changes as well, so I can really understand where this is coming from. I, for one, am not going anywhere and will still be reading every bit of whatever you post. :-)
Haley says
Good for you! I love your Young House Life posts so I’m glad they will all be in one spot. I feel you on trying to enjoy your time with babies. I work full time and have a daughter that turns one next week and I always have to remember that babies don’t keep… so I took this morning off work so we could enjoy the zoo.
Krystal says
I’m happy for you guys. It’s nice to see people with the right priorities. My husband and I left the rat race (ad world) in Boston to do our own thing and slow life down, we’ve never been happier. Congrats!
Sheila says
This is exactly why I read your blog. You keep it honest and real. I know I’m getting the real you when I read and not something you are putting out there to gain numbers. I sometimes feel overwhelmed with the content. I personally will welcome just 3-5 posts a week. I REALLY enjoy the regular post time would it be possible to let us know your off days? I love the family stuff too :)
Ashley says
Yup, just sent this to my husband. We have a 10 month old and I am dying for more time with her. I was just talking about how precious this time is and how I want to be with her now while I have the chance before she starts school and soccer/ballet/art class whatever. Thank you for always being inspiring. I will definitely continue reading. I love that you post to facebook now so I see when you have a new post in my feed and click through then. I think you’ll keep a lot of readers that way!
Kathleen says
Good for you. This type of decision takes courage. We are now in our late 60’s and we never regretted putting the family 1st and having a little less $, possession, fame, what ever. Those things all go away, but memories and relationships are eternal. Good for you!
meta says
Yay for a brave decision and taking care of yourself! I fell into a mild depression after second baby and learned it the hard way to slow down. Like you, my priority now is to enjoy the kids. xx
Ahsamon says
Good for y’all!! I fully support your decision and will always look forward to your posts, no matter the frequency! Family should always come first and I’m so happy to see you recognizing that. Best wishes! :D
Anne says
I was really happy to hear this. I love your blog, and sometimes I read jealously thinking about all the skills you guys know how to do. But other times I thought “gee, do these people have any friends or ever do any game nights or anything” so I’m super happy to hear about the reprioritizing. And like a lot of the other commenters have said, we will be happy to read your posts when you do decide to write :)
Lil says
My little is just a wee bit younger than Clara. I can totally appreciate where you’re at.
I kind of like the variety…I had no idea how you guys were keeping up that schedule. It’s all I can do to hang a light fixture or paint a closet over a weekend.
I like the reader redesigns and the what would you do posts…in my opinion you’ve taken WAY above and beyond with your Photoshop renditions…throw some text in the way the rest of us do…would still be a great post.
I also love the house crash posts and the shopping trips…assuming those are much easier posts? I’m sure you’ve brainstormed a bunch.
I hope the blog continues to be successful by YOUR definition.
This reader isn’t going anywhere!
Kim says
You two are my role models for being work-at-home parents, living the dream! Enjoy Teddy and taking time for your family :)
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs says
Good for you! <3
Sarah W. says
I knew there was a reason I loved your blog sooo much:) Congrats to putting your beautiful family first!
Amy says
That just made me get all teary. My boys are seven and nine and I could not agree with you more. It sounds so cliche but it’s insane how fast the time goes. Good for you guys! You’re not losing any followers here :)
Jenny says
Good for you guys! Thank you for setting such a great example that family really should come first in our lives. You are inspiring! Congrats on the new baby! He looks like a sweetheart!
Alexandra says
I’m a long-time reader but have never commented until now- just wanted to say that I applaud you guys! I’m expecting our baby #2 this summer and simply can’t figure out how you guys manage to do all you do, hah. There have been times that I’ve been surprised at the amount of posts you’ve been able to put up, so I’m excited for you all that you’ll be able to scale back a bit. These years really do go by fast, good for you for being intentional about spending time with family. I’m really looking forward to getting to know the new ‘feel’ of YHL- all the best to your lovely little family!
xanthe says
Oh that is a fantastic photo of Sherry, Clara and Teddy in the bed. X
Katie says
Good for you! What an adorable family!
xo,
Katie
http://hellolittlebean.com
Yvonne says
So happy for you all.
Darla says
This was the best post you’ve ever written! Gave me goosebumps because it’s TRUTH! We all need to step back and prioritize. Even if it means posting only twice a week..or less! Do what’s best for your family. How awesome of you to realize this and go with it. Your kids are still so young..they’ll thank you! (And I thank you for the reminder).
Shelley @ Green Eggs and Hamlet says
Wow, GREAT for you all! I won’t pretend like I won’t miss YHL updates if they come a bit less frequently but it will just make those that do come that much sweeter. I love that you guys are so honest and open with readers and I love that you chase your dreams and priorities.
You guys have had something along the “find a better work-life balance” on your goals list for the last few years and I think it’s fantastic that you’re really pursuing that.
I’m a loyal reader through and through and you can’t lose me this easily. Onward and upward!
Emily W says
I’ve been reading your blog for years now :-) And, I love it! I think it’s wonderful that you all want to step back and breathe a bit. Your kids grow up way too fast :-) Enjoy it while you have them. And, I’m sure I’ll love your blog just as much as it changes!
Emily
Jade Payne says
I have been such a fan of you and John and Clara for so long, I’ve felt such gratefulness to have your humor, wisdom, and creativity in my pocket. It makes sense with the arrival of your darling Teddy that you guys should slow down a bit. Baby days last only a few minutes in the grand scheme of life (i’m a mom of wee three boys, I know!) so cheers to you in this new slower-paced adventure. I’m oddly proud of yall and wish I could buy you guys presents all the time. haha.
On a weird note, have yall seen the tv show Revolution? About the power in the world being turned off? It’s nutty (those LOST guys and their crazy storytelling skills). Your comment about the internet exploding tomorrow made me laugh thinking about that show. (the cute husband and I love it).
Love yall!
YoungHouseLove says
Haven’t seen it! Will have to check it out.
xo
s
Alli says
Congrats to you guys on the birth of beautiful baby Teddy and on this courageous decision. I applaud you guys for slowing down and thinking about what really matters… that doesn’t happen enough in this world. While I’m sure readers will miss a daily dose, this one will be happy for you that you’re doing what truly makes you happiest!
Laura B. says
This is going to be the best decision y’all ever made! So happy you’ll have more time with your family. :)
Margie says
Having walked away from a six figure job a year ago to spend time with my two and four year old, I can see where you are coming from. Work (of some sort) will always be there for motivated, hard working people. Your children will only be young once. Young House Love will become MiddleAged House Full of Teenagers Love in the blink of an eye.
Jennifer says
I have been a reader for a very long time and although I do not comment much, I just wanted to say I will always be a reader of YHL! :) Congrats to you and your beautiful family! Cherish this time! xoxo
Marilu says
Well done! Wishing the family many blessings and I will still check-in to see how you guys are doing. You guys have inspired me to do home projects in my home. I’m just finishing up with the painting of my kitchen cabinets and I followed your instructions faithfully. They look fabulous!
Johanna says
I. Love. This.
You guys “GOT IT”. So many people just work dead end jobs (totally not saying a blog is a dead end!!) and just exist in life, and just accept the circumstances rather than ever try to improve them. You two know what really matters in life and I love that. You are making some possibley uncomfortable but necessary changes, for the sake of your family….. One life choice you will never regret!! Sending many blessings your way!
Jessica W. says
You won’t be loosing me with fewer posts , YHL fan for life! haha My first will be a teenager next Friday and it really does seem like he was born yesterday, they grow up way too fast. Congrats for putting your family first:)
Christina says
Reading this post made me think of my favorite movie quote that I live by. Ferris Buller’s Day Off: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it”. Glad you guys decided to hit the breaks a bit and soak in all that this world has to offer. Less post, schmosts posts- we all still love ya, and can’t wait to see what the future holds! Now go get some MEGA stuff oreos!
Nancy Earl Harrison says
Good for you! “We have no idea what the future holds” reminded me of one of my favorite quotes: “I don’t know what today holds, but I know Who holds today!” When you listen to your heart (or, in my vernacular, God, since I think He speaks through our hearts) you can’t go wrong.
Almost two decades ago I sold a house, two cars, took kids out of school, packed up and moved over 3,000 miles across the country – from Alaska to Tennessee. I wasn’t even sure why except I knew I was being led by a power above my own – and it has brought innumerable blessings. And now I spend my life helping others hear God’s voice!
So — GOOD FOR YOU!! I look forward to reading along, at whatever pace.
love love love!!!
Marguerite says
I am so proud of you!!! What a tough decision, but one that is the absolute BEST decision!! You are raising wonderful children who deserve your time and energy above all else, I wish you the best!!
Sheila says
So happy to read this! I can’t imagine there would be any of your readers who wouldn’t totally support your decision. Well done. And I also really hope you’re not reading all these comments (lol) – Go and cuddle your baby and your gorgeous girl, and forget about work!
Maritel says
I literally read your blog everyday and I think it’s so awesome that you guys are really taking the time to slow down and just enjoy your babies. Watching them grow, nourishing them, and relishing in each moment of these little angels that you brought into this world is the best times of our lives. Kudos to you guys for putting family first, it was the best decision I made when I had my first son 2 years ago. Sometimes it can be so easy to get wrapped up in the momentum of success and goals, that we forget that it’s those everyday little moments with our family that truly mean the most. Can’t wait to read more posts on Baby #2 Teddy! Having 2 kids is a whole new ball game!! Cheers!
Shannon [Our Home Notebook] says
So excited about your slower pace. Enjoy – it will be so worth it!
Anne C says
This post brings me tears — not of frustration of course, but of pure JOY. Your happiness is the only thing that counts to me, AS a faithful reader, whatever the frequency of the posts. So, excellent decision, on all levels!
Kate says
This doesn’t have to be “all or nothing”, it’s good that you are slowing your pace for now. What I now know, now that my kids are 7 and 4, is that my work load looks different every year. I’m a realtor, so I can somewhat control my schedule. When my 2nd child was born, I slowed down almost completely. Now, every year my work time increases as my kids school schedules increase. I bet you can find projects to be involved with to keep your brand in the forefront while decreasing some of the physical work that your blog demands. You will figure it all out, ya’ll are a great team!