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…
Anne says
You can always go back to full time blogging but your children will not wait, there is no do over. Excellent decision you will not regret it!!
So impressed that you figured this out while so young, enjoy your family they are priceless.
Katie says
This post makes me so happy. Congratulations on recognizing what’s most important to you and running toward it. What a gift.
Kaitlin says
Congratulations on your new adventure, guys! Wishing you every happiness in this decision and every day.
xo
Jessica says
I think it’s amazing that you can make this decision for your family! I love your blog and look forward to every post, and will stay a loyal reader :) I’ve made similar decisions to cut back on work to stay home with my little boy. I don’t think it’s a decision I could ever regret! I’m so happy for your family!!
Andi says
I love you guys even more for making this decision and choice! Like the other reader said, you will never regret this decision. And we all will stay loyal:) I am entering my sixth year as a stay-at-home mom, and even though I loved my career, I love my family MORE!!! Good work you guys!!!
Kendall says
I am firmly in the relieved category of readers. Watching the blog take off over the last few years has been so exciting (along with book deals, product lines, and tv spots!) but I often wonder how you guys do it all. I hope you find that almost all of us stick around. I know I will! This adventure has been so much fun to watch. I can’t tune out now!
Lisa says
YES!! :-) I’m a proponent of simpler life, however that looks to each individual/family. Kudos to ya.
Dawn says
Family is EVERYTHING!! As a mom of 3 boys, 21,17 and 10 it will fly by – especially once they start school. Those of us who have been following your blog way before you had Clara will still be here up until you stop blogging all together! Take time for you and your family and hold them close!! Congrats!! :)
Caroline says
Good for you guys! There’s nothing like reassessing priorities. As I laid in a hospital bed almost a year ago after giving birth to our most likely last princess I had just resigned from my teaching job and my husband had already given his 2 weeks notice. We had NO IDEA what was going to happen. We weren’t worried about money, and we were thrilled at the veer in the road. We rented out house, lived with my parents for a few months while my husband found a job. Most people don’t quit a job before they have one lined up, but it was what was best for us. This has been the BEST year of our life. I’ve been home with my babies, my husband found a job he loves, we bought a new house, and we just look back at all the pieces amazed and thankful. Good luck and I can’t wait to continue keeping up with you!!
Elizabeth says
Hurray! So happy for you to have the opportunity to make this decision! Excited to see how this transforms your writing, creativity, and lives. Hoping for the best of you! (And excited for more family posts too!)
Leigh says
Loved reading your post today. I found it inspiring (as I often do with your posts). So many people today are focused on money, success and status. I love that you guys are real and willing to give up a little to gain a lot. You guys have your priorities in the right place, and it is very refreshing! I recently took a 5 year leave of absence to stay home and raise my 4 kids ( 3 year old and triplets 15 month olds) and it was the best decision I have ever made in my life! My days are busy, but so meaningful and full of happiness (as well as some poop, tears and craziness) and I have never felt so grateful. Congrats to you and your beautiful family. These are the moments you we will remember when we were older as “the good old days”! Wishing you all the best and loving you guys more than ever now (in a non-creepy way of course!) Will continue to follow as always :)
Hannah says
I will certainly still be a reader! I miss the “small” scale of your blog so I’m looking forward to it :) Such cute pics btw. You all look so happy!
Lauren (in PA) says
Wait? What? No way! I’ll never read again…
just kidding, of course.
Some of my favorite posts are those where you recalibrate yourselves and your work/life/family balance.
I’m envious of your ability to do so! Working in the 9-5 grind doesn’t always allow for that!
Reading this I was thinking of Julie and Julia (the movie) when she was killing herself to meet her deadlines.
I just love it so it manages my expectations on when to look for new posts!
Family time should always win!
Misty says
Happy for you guys. I think this is a good choice and obviously one that has been well thought out.
Liz says
I’m all for this readjustment! I think you guys will be so blessed by stepping back & doing less. I’ll still be a faithful reader whether you post 5 times a week or just once!
P.S. How adorable are your babies?!?!
Sarah says
Good for you! I’m so happy for your beautiful family! Enjoy these days!!! And that last picture is just about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen!
Gretchen@BoxyColonial says
Good for you guys! (Although I struggle with getting 2-3 posts a week up, so it’s funny to me that cutting back will be 3-5 for you :)). Enjoy that beautiful family!
Larissa says
Love this! As long as you’re posting I’ll keep reading. (Unless you start posting weird political crap or stuff about saving some rare species of mosquito, then I’m out.)
What an exciting time! So happy for you!
Sian says
Hi John and Sherry and Clara, Teddy and Burger good luck with everything I found your blog a couple of years ago by acident and have been an avid follower since and will continue to be. for me it has always been more about hearing what adventures Clara and Burger have been getting up to and can’t wait to hear all about Teddy’s. Good luck to you all and sending cwtch’s to all 3 of your little ones xx
Michelle says
Congratulations!
Thrilled with your decision to slow down and enjoy the wild ride.
Michelle says
okay, guess it decided to let one of my comments through. :) computers these days….
Mandi says
A million congratulations on the birth of your son, and a mix of congratulations and compassion on Clara starting school next year. As I read this post I found myself remembering all the time I’ve sometimes felt I “wasted” when my boy was young–not to mention when I was ‘young’ myself!
In a weird way, reading your blog is kind of a privilege. It gives us a glimpse into the lives of two wonderful people with a beautiful family and great taste. It’s your spirit that makes your blog so popular, because you guys really shine through in everything you do–I am so happy for you and your family that you get to take the time to really enjoy each other, and I for one will keep checking in!
Stardancer says
I’ll be sad not to have a daily post, but I’ve read through all of your past archives and I haven’t enjoyed them any less for being less busy.
It seems to be a cycle that blogs go through–growth, pulling back and adjusting, maybe growth again or maybe something different. I’m glad that you are prioritizing on what is really important to you. I am certain that you will look back on this decision and the time that you’re going to be able to spend together now as one of the best things you’ve ever done.
Sheena Schleicher says
Thanks for such a sweet reminder to never let work take over. Family first, always. <3
Shunta says
Insert hand clap emoji. Even if you posted once a week, this would still remain my favorite blog as it has been for over 4 years now. Much love and many many blessings to you 5! (burger counts!) :-)
Jess says
I must say, although there will be fewer posts, I’ll probably still visit with the same frequency, now that my boyfriend and I are moving (together for the second time) out of a house we just renovated and into a new project. Your blog is a wealth of knowledge, and there’s always something to be learned from the archives, so from that perspective, your blog and knowledge will still be really valuable.
BUT! Enjoy the time with Teddy, that’s what life is for, right?
Abby says
I totally respect that. I love it! Not many people would know or realize the balance one must have to enjoy life but get things done. You guys are a good example. Work hard but don’t be workaholics chasing after things to make you “happy” when what makes you happy is right in front of you. -Abby
Ann Firth says
Thank you for sharing all that you do–house projects and home life. I think I’m one of many people happy to see that you’re doing what’s right for you [but admit that I’m selfishly happy that you’re continuing this blog/site]. Good for you for making that decision! Clara & Teddy have great role models to look up to :)
Laura says
Love you guys and fully support this change!
Emily Fridenmaker says
YES! So happy that you guys were able to make this decision! And the family and personal posts are always my favorites anyway, so I’m glad they’ll be on the main site. So happy for you, Petersiks! Enjoy your babies!
Jess says
How wonderful that you’ve been able to save up enough to be comfortable with stepping back. I agree with you that time passes much too quickly when you have young children. As I’m quickly coming up on my son’s 2nd birthday I am constantly asking myself where has all the time gone. Congratulations on your big change and I wish you and your family the best!
Kristen says
Kudos to you both on this decision! I’ve been a reader since ’08 and it’s nice to see you guys taking some time for yourselves and your family :)
Lee Ann says
Good for you! I’ll still be here, no matter what your blog-posting schedule. Actually, I was feeling a little peer pressure because my own renovations can’t keep with the Petersik’s DIY schedule, so I for one am more than grateful if you’ll lay off being so dang proficient with all those house beautification projects. I might get caught up! LOL! Enjoy your family!
cassie {hisugarplum} says
Good for you guys!!! I am so excited for this decision you made…one you’ll never regret! xoxoxo
Stephanie says
You aren’t losing this reader :) I think it is a wonderful idea. I look forward to morning posts but sometimes miss the evening ones (life!), so I don’t even think most people will notice a difference. Enjoy some family time!
Ingrid C says
Just wanted to add my support and love for you guys! I’ve been following you guys for years and have loved seeing the blog (and your family) grow. The thing that has always drawn me to you guys is how “normal” you all are and how this blog has never been about the money and the readers, but about your journey in life. This is just another tribute to you guys and staying true to yourselves! Congrats on Teddy, he is just the sweetest little thing! XOXO
Michelle says
Congratulations!
Thrilled with your decision to slow down and enjoy the wild ride.
Not sure why, but my computer is telling me this is a duplicate comment.
Also, I have to agree with the other comment, you guys must spend WAY too much time reading and responding to comments. There’s gotta be a way to cut down on that. All that time tied to your computer responding to your “following” must cut drastically into time that could be spent either working on projects or enjoying your family.
Kajsa says
Just don’t stop eating lots of oreos :) Enjoy those 2 cute babies of yours. Teddy is a handsome one. :)
Kristal says
Good for you!! I’m so happy for you all. And that picture of Sherry, Clara, and Teddy in the hospital, with Sherry laughing, made me tear up. <3 Congrats on your sweet new addition and enjoy the new found family time.
Teresa says
You have your priorities in the right place. :)
Ashlee says
Congratulations! I was an early blog reader (and crazy fan girl), but definitely felt disappointed in the past year. Things just weren’t the same; everything felt forced & uninspired. I am really, really happy that you jumped off the hampster wheel & decided to make some changes. All the best & I will look forward to your less frequent, more fabulous posts.
Elaissa says
Congratulations on Teddy! What a cutie. Your post is very well said and deserves it’s own congratulations. I will always look forward to my morning YHL coffee breaks.
gemma@thesweetestdigs says
I was reader back before Clara, and I will continue to be a reader until you decide to stop blogging! The best part of your blog, in my opinion, is how you integrate your daily life stories into it. Not just DIY projects and room makeovers. You are real people, with a lovely family, and it’s so fun to get to peek inside and join the ride with you. You are making SUCH a good decision – and I expect that most/all of us will still be right along here with you!
Also – Teddy is the sweetest. Huge congratulations. Hope these first weeks of newborn’hood are treating you guys well. You’ll get to the smiley/cooing/interacting/sleeping better(?) part before you know it!
Oh and I saw that the other day you were asking about sleep tips. We used the ‘SleepSense’ program by Dana Obleman (it’s a PDF book you can buy online) and it has worked like a treat for us. First time of sleeping through the night (10 hours) at 3 months, consistently by 5 months, and excellent, long naps. We may have just gotten lucky with our little girl, but thought I’d pass it along anyway.
Kali says
My heart swells for you. I have a family of five as well (hubby, two littles and a basset) so I always wondered how you “did it all” and more importantly, did it all with grace. Now that you’re scaling back, you’ll just have that much more time to spread that grace to your family, friends and of course, the house. I think the hardest part is truly being okay in your decision and your priorities and now that you’re there, everything else will fall into place. Congratulations and I look forward to hearing about your future … at your own pace. :)
Jennifer R. says
What a lovely post. Something we all need to do is sit back and see what we truly value, and how to have more of that. Family is always most important and you will never regret trading picture sizing for tiny hugs. :)Nothing will bring you more joy.
Cheers Petersik Family!
Teri says
Good for you!!!! I applaud your decision I will still follow/read you no matter if you only posted once a week. Enjoy your family. Enjoy your life.
Kate says
I’m a devoted reader but never comment. But I just wanted to say that I am really, really happy for y’all. Not only are you doing what’s best for your family, but you’re setting a great example for your readers. The choice to scale back at work in favor of more time at home might not be best (or possible) for everyone. But as a busy professional myself, seeing y’all scale back despite the fact that your career trajectory is on the rise is really encouraging and inspiring. Hoping I have the guts to make such a decision someday when we have kiddos!
Kristen says
That is a wonderful decision. You have to do what is right for your family and time flies by with a blink of the eye. Especially with little ones!
Angela says
Good for you guys! Life goes by too quick!
Christine says
Nothing like kids to give you some fresh perspective. First off thank you for all of your inspiration Petersiks, not just house related but also in terms of family and life. Less is more and balance is key. Something tells me your loyal followers will stick with you, I’m excited to witness this transformation. Thank you again for sharing, because of your family ours has had courage to go for it too. Whether it be diving into a reno, documenting our day to day, or looking for fun interesting ways to live and tell our story <3
Ashley says
So HAPPY for you! As my mom always said, “They’re only little once…you only get one chance to raise them.” Clara and Teddy will never doubt that you love them to the ends of the universe and back. All that matters is that you do your best to raise them into the people they are meant to be, while also fulfilling your own dreams and showing them how to reach for the stars. You will never regret making choices that impact your family in a positive way and that make your hearts happy. (P.S. I’ve been reading YHL since even before the whole TYH name drama went down, and I’m not going anywhere. You’ve got a lot of loyal readers who aren’t going anywhere.)