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…
Katie Goldsworthy says
A decision you’ll never regret! Time spent with those little cuties is irreplaceable, while there will always be more ugly houses for us to fix! :)
Katie Goldsworthy says
A decision you’ll never regret! Time spent with those little cuties is irreplaceable, while there will always be more ugly houses for us to fix! :)
mary says
i never comment, but just wanted to say, good for you.
mary says
i never comment, but just wanted to say, good for you.
Meaghan says
Even though I was scared and sad that maybe you were disappearing forever, at the beginning of your post, I loved it. You guys have the most lovely family and I can understand how you would just want to spend all your time adoring your kids and each other! I look forward to continuing to receive inspiration from your work, seeing the changes you make to your home and hearing about your adorable kiddies. xo
Jenn @ HomeStyleReport says
I had to read this post twice, I loved it so much! I can remember finding your blog nearly two and a half years ago and taking weeks to go through your entire post history. Who you are as people is what drew me in. I can actually remember commenting on your very first post because I felt like where you were in life at that moment reflected where my life was and it was/is beautifully amazing. High fives all around and congrats on the changes!
Sarah says
I have been following your blog for 6 years – finding you shortly after I bought my first house all by my single-self. You have been my DIY-0-meter (If John and Sherry can do it, I can do it) and as my friends have purchased homes, I am the biggest advocate of your blog. We all talk about you like you are part of our circle, “Oh, you know Sherry said….” We love all the facets of this blog including non-home related. I will always, always read. I hope the margin this restores in your life instills the blog with a whole new layer of somethin’ somethin’ I hope this decision too is beyond your expectations.
Care says
About time! No, really :)
I am genuinely looking forward to this for you guys. I truly think it’ll be just as good for us readers too.
I’m only a couple years older than you both, but I *ahem* started my family (unexpectedly) much sooner. My two are currently in 11th and 5th grade and I’m sure you’ve heard it a million times, and know firsthand as well now, but it really does go by in the blink of an eye. I worked full time for the first 8yrs of my kids life as a single mom and I would give ANYTHING to be able to go back and slow down and cherish this first years.
So excited that you’ll be able to do that even more now :)
Lindsay Hutchins says
Petersiks,
I teared up reading this post – not b/c you’re cutting back on your blogging a bit – but b/c you’ve chosen to keep family a priority over anything else. I absolutely love that and admire you guys for making that decision. And of course, I’ll always be a reader of YHL!
Ashley Bee says
Good for you!!
I always look forward to your daily posts, but I often reflect on how incredibly difficult it must be to produce that kind of blog material. I am so happy for you, Petersiks, and I hope you enjoy the better work/life balance along with those adorable kiddos of yours.
I’ll always be a loyal reader. :)
Sarah says
Congratulations! You guys are truly living the dream- and it’s all your hard work that’s gotten you to this point!
Carolyn says
Good for you! I often wondered how you did it all (and still slept at night). I don’t always get around to checking the blog every day due to my busy schedule, so checking in 3-5 times per week will be perfect :) Congrats on your new addition.
Brenna says
You guys are amazing and so incredibly talented – I’m sure many of your readers have always wondered how you keep your wits about you with so much going on in your awesome family! We will miss your posts, but you have far more important things, like your two cuties, on your plates to worry about that =) I thank you for all the inspiration (and great finds!) you provide us with and look forward to seeing how you guys continue to grow your home and family!
Congrats to the five of you =) you have a beautiful home, beautiful family, and beautiful hearts
<3, Brenna
Crystal says
Great post. Reminds me of my favorite quote “Do not fear death but rather the unlived life.”
Go live life — and let us peak in once in a while.
Patti says
You guys are so smart to have such a good grasp of your priorities at this point in your lives. Fewer blog posts will just mean more to us when we check in! I love it!
Danielle A. says
Fewer posts just mean I’ll be all the more eager to soak up what you do put up on the site! You have made a smart choice and have earned not just my “fandom” buy my respect as a parent as well. As my eldest prepares to leave for college in a few months and my youngest gets ready for Kindergarten, I know all too well how fleeting it all is and you don’t get to have “do-over’. Your wisdom is way beyond your years and I’m excited for what the future holds for you. But, P.S., do you think you can still design anything else octopus in the future? My knobs need some friends…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! There are talks of some other octopus friends down the line…
xo
s
Lara McDonnell says
Well done.
Elizabeth says
I hope you find a happy balance between being able to stay employed with your blog, while still maintaining a complete family life. You’ve for sure earned it! I’ll still be following along, even if it’s less times per week.
Congrats on welcoming Teddy, he’s adorable!
Meghan Rudd says
Congrats on your decision. I have read your blog for the past few years but have only been able to comment a few times. I grew up in Richmond and now live in Northern Va. While its not that far away I do miss Richmond so I not only love seeing your DIY post but also like the tie back to my home town.
While I will miss reading frequent post I think you’re doing the right thing. I had our second (and last) baby this past fall. I had a really hard time going back to work after 3 months home with him and admire you for making what I know must have been a hard decision. Enjoy all the time you have with your babies while they are still young. We also have an older daughter, she just turned 4 and I don’t know where the time went. Our son is now 7.5 months old and its going even faster with him.
Enjoy every moment with them and your young family. I and all the other readers will be here and still love reading your post no matter what the frequency.
All the best-
Meghan
Vee says
Congrats on the new baby!
It is such a blessing that you have the ability to make these type of work choices. As my former boss used to say ” You can always get another job, or figure out a way to make more money, but you cant get the years back you miss with your kids.” I think about that often when I have a work/life issue.
Peace to you and your family!
Debby says
So happy for your new little addition, Teddy. He is going to be so cared for by big sister Clare. You guys were going so full speed for the last few months,I didn’t know how you were keeping up. I felt like such a slacker. LOL You can’t get back time and you will never regret this decision. We will be here. Kiss those babies! (Burger included) :-)
Sara says
Yay!!! Good for you both and your family! I first started reading YHL back in the day when you were still taking it slow and even though it’s been great to see you expand and grow, I’m excited to see you return to your roots. Your blog is awesome, your lives are beautiful, and your family is amazing! I’m sure you’re making the right decision and I can’t wait to keep following and see how it all plays out.
Veronica says
This post made me Happy, because you all are Happy. Yay. :)
Jane says
The world would be better off if more people made a similar decision! Kudos, you guys, and I’ll keep reading.
Amy E. says
i’m glad that you listened to your hearts and have the strength as a family to make such a big decision. i’m with what looks to be absolutely everyone else in my full support and understanding; also with my assertion and assurances that you won’t be seeing any less of me!
i can only imagine your future to be filled with even more examples of AWESOME jobs (like decorating the childrens’ hospital and designing/decorating the showhouse) that benefit others at least as much as (and usually more than) benefitting you! may those jobs find you when you need them and spread themselves out enough that you may enjoy every moment of life!
Kelly says
My daughter who seems to have been Clara’s age not so long ago just moved to NYC for her first job; my middle son is graduating high school; and my youngest is entering high school. All that to say, if you can take time now to spend lots of time together – take it! It’s such a cliche, but so true – they grow up soooooo fast! Good decision!
Molly says
First, congrats on that new baby boy of yours…he is beyond adorable! Second, good for you guys! You are making the right decision for you and your family. Less really is more and I commend you both for slowing down and taking a step back to focus on what is really important. Very happy for you and your family and all of your success yet to come!
Meg says
Sounds like a very wise and completely understandable move, and I’d wager most of us will be hanging out here no matter what. :) Honestly, though I love the home projects (of course!) and have gotten so much inspiration here, your personal posts are often what I look forward to the most. That’s probably true of most of my blog-reading, actually. Enjoy this special time!
Virginia says
Congrats! Life changes are not easy, but you sure are going on the right direction! Family first!
I´ve been a fan of the blog for many years, and I will miss not having post to read everyday, but, it is impossible not to respect your decision. I´ll keep coming back, because, probably, your posts will be even better, because you guys are going to be more confortable with it, happier doing it. Does that make sense?
Good Luck with everything and Teddy is adorable!
Micalla says
Perfectly said. I have been a reader for 4 years, and I will not be leaving anytime soon. I will enjoy whatever post you share, whenever you have the time to share. So you’re stuck with me ;) Best of luck to all 5 of the Petersiks!
Amanda F. says
What a lovely post from the heart!
I’ve been reading YHL since Clara was a baby and truly admire how down to earth and honest you are. Congrats on your bundle of boy….Teddy is beautiful! And looks like Clara’s going to be the best older sister! Wishing you all the best!
Susan Wilson says
You will never regret taking a step back to invest in your marriage and your family. Kudos to you for recognizing what is most important! I will always follow your blog no matter how many (or few) posts you are generating. Now get back to loving on those precious children!
Nicole B. says
Good for you guys! Family first. Glad you made this important decision and can only imagine the time and though you put into it.
I’ll still be here reading along 100%, as the real life posts are my favorite.
Enjoy that baby boy. They get big so fast.
Nicole B.
marcie says
Way to take that jump! you guys never stop amazing and inspiring me. enjoy your new journey and that new baby Teddy!!!
April says
I love you guys blogs and won’t be tuning out at all! So glad you are taking this time with your family. You will never regret it!
Kimberly H. says
This makes me so happy. I just had our second child and choosing to put family first before a career or anything else for that matter has been voted wildly unpopular for some odd reason. I applaud you both for doing this. I’ve been reading since 2010 and intend to continue! You both are wonderful.
Rachel says
Good for you! Seriously, it’s so hard in our culture to “slow down” and to spend time on the things that really matter sometimes. We feel like productivity and growing something as big as it possibly can be and monetizing something to the enth degree are essentials. But they can distract us from what really matters. So, good for you for realizing that and making changes to make sure you don’t get sucked into that model.
We’ll miss reading your posts as often. But, way to go! You should be proud of yourselves. :-)
katie says
I totally support your decision (not that I have a say, but you know!)! Good for you guys. Family is so important and you guys are so blessed to be able to make that decision!! I am a long time reader, saw you guys in Cincinnati for your book signing and I know I wont stop reading your blog even if you don’t post as many entries per week– and I’m sure a lot of other readers will agree! Thank you for being so REAL!!!
carol says
Good for you! I often wondered how you did it all!
Leigh says
Good for you guys. The days are long, but the years are short for you right now and its highly doubtful you’ll look back and say “If only I did one more post.”
Congrats on your new addition and thank you for entertaining us and inspiring us!
Megan says
This was very well said. Good for you guys for taking that step back and enjoying these moments. Drink in those little ones!
Kandice says
Congratulations on Baby Teddy!! Your pictures of your newly expanded family are precious! Clara looks like the sweetest big sister. I have a daughter just a bit younger than her and a 6mo, and seeing Clara in these pics reminds me of their relationship. In the short 6 months since our baby was born, our two sisters have formed the sweetest bond. I look forward to seeing more of Clara and Teddy together…siblings are the best!
I’ll miss seeing all of your posts, but I’m glad you guys are taking a “break” if you can call it that since I know it’s still a lot of work. Enjoy the time with your family while it’s still young! I recently just started back full-time after 6mo off, and I do miss my time with my girls! Congratulations again!
Karen says
This decision will lead to so many wonderful things for your family! Thank you for sharing. xoxo
Lindsay says
Congratulations to you guys on making this decision. I think the thing that made you successful initially was how much you loved your home and wanted to improve it for the sake of loving where you live. Turning it into a job probably takes away some of that genuine magic for you, which I do think made this blog feel more business-y. I for one am excited for the change and congratulate you guys on taking the time to re-assess your priorities.
And stops/starts are normal for any career. I have made 3 distinct changes at it relates to my work/life in the past 12 months. Par for the course!
Cheers. :)
Sydney says
I won’t quit on you guys! Good for you for putting your family first! I think it’s a great move and all your true fans will still be here.
Viva @ We Heart Mom says
Bravo! Do what’s right for your family, and know that your loyal readers will stick by you no matter how many posts per week you publish!
Have you considered showcasing more “house crashing” posts (or are they more trouble than they’re worth)? I personally love seeing rooms/homes of all styles. Just a thought. :)
I can’t wait to see the changes you make – you guys rock!!
YoungHouseLove says
We still love those! Sometimes they’re hard to come by, but when they pop up we love to jump on them and share the goods with you guys!
xo
s
rachael says
I’ll still click over everyday! I love you Petersiks! I think the thing that draws me here is your family, not always the DIY projects. Is it that you’ll still be the same (if that makes sense) but will just post less? Or will you be sharing less house projects, and more “life”…like behind the scenes for the book, or kid stories, or side projects? It seems like you still love DIY and house projects but are you tired of other things…like having a pinterest picture house, or worrying about whether your shelves are styled perfectly? I hope you’ll do an update in a few months on how you’ve reached your goal of less is more.
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to do an update down the line! As for if it’ll be the same but slower, I think inherently it’ll feel different due to more family stuff coming back over here like the good ol’ days, less frequency, more loose chitchat, a slower project pace, and all that – so we’ll just have to see how it evolves. We definitely think a mix of DIY and life is the sweet spot for us, so we don’t ever see this becoming entirely lifestyle or just DIY.
xo
s
rachael says
Thanks for the reply!! I’ve been a reader since Clara was 8 months old and I did enjoy the slower pace of your blog back then. You two are inspirational in every way. Thanks for always keeping it real!
Anne says
This is the love in Young House Love! I love it. I’m so happy for you all that you can stop and consider things, make this decision. I will always read your blog. It’s my #1 blog to read. Congratulations on the growth of your family. He is beautiful, Clara is beautiful, your house is beautiful! All the best. This fan is with you. :-)
Tricia says
I also had my second kiddo 1 month ago and my hormones made me tear up at this post. :) Time is so precious. Enjoy all the good days and try to make the best of those tough days. So happy for you!
Amanda says
Bravo! I will still love you at 3-5 posts per week. No worries here.