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.
Elaine says
I totally get it. Love you guys and will definitely miss you! I hope you are able to enjoy your break and can figure all the stuffs out!
amy says
Oh my gosh. I’ve never posted a comment on YHL until now. I’m so sad! Lunch will not be the same without reading your daily blog posts. Rest, but then come back…
Kelly says
Well this is a BFB (big fat bummer)! Totally understand and will miss your posts, ALL of them. I sincerely hope your journey will lead you back to blogging. Your inspiration, wit, silliness and pure genius is a rarity and should not go quietly into the blogosphere…
RavB says
Just keep notes about this month actions, so that you’ll come back (fingers crossed) in a month, you’ll give us at least a recap
Amy says
Follow you hearts…
“To love what you do and feel that it matters ‚ how could anything be more fun?” said Katharine Graham.
Karen Thompson says
Do what feels right. Sometimes it’s hard, but you won’t regret it. The worst thing in the world is doing something for all the wrong reasons….it will never bring you satisfaction. I used to have a job that I loved for many reasons, but it sucked the life out of me. I realized that I’d rather have something that I LIKED, that paid the bills, but let me enjoy my life with the people I care most about instead of sacrificing my time with them for a job.
Good luck. You’ll make the right choices for your family. Wishing you the best!!!
Polona says
Will miss your posts (especially adorable Instagram photos)! Hope you’ll find the spark and come back online soon! :)
Ashley E says
Just a note to let you guys know what an inspiration you have been. You have inspired me to live more simply and more joyfully, and to relish in hard work and small beauties. As my husband and I get ready to welcome our first baby here in a couple of months, in making nursery and baby decisions, I find myself thinking about how you live and parent, as I very much admire the way you do both. Thank you for sharing your lives with the world. I, for one, am better for it. Enjoy your break!
Sarah W. says
I am so saddened by this, but as I was just saying yesterday, you do you.
For what it’s worth, I did not feel that anything was off, and I still enjoyed reading every word you wrote. You guys are the real deal, real people who have become successful by your own merit, and it was totally worth waiting in line for two hours to meet you on your book tour! I may have only met you briefly but I could tell you are genuine people who have a real heart for what you do.
Good luck with your break. Don’t let the haters get you down (there are a lot of armchair [insert any profession] on the internet who always think they could do better), and take your time to figure out what really matters to you.
At the very least, make sure to enjoy some time not thinking about work and just hanging out with that rad little family of yours!
We love you, and if you decide to come back there will still be thousands of us happily waiting for you. If not, then thank you so much for what you have shared with us over the years. *tears!*
Nell @ At Home Wherever says
John and Sherry,
Everybody needs to reboot every once in a while. Best wishes for your “blog recuperation” and look forward to having you back in a bit.
Nell
Nicole says
Wishing you and your family all the best, John and Sherry. I have nothing but respect for you both. Thank you for sharing so much of yourselves over the years.
Hallie says
I stumbled upon your blog a little over a year ago and for that I can only say “Thank You.” I had recently purchased my first home and was feeling quite overwhelmed and a bit helpless in the face of the changes I wanted to make but not having the deep pockets or ideas on how to accomplish it. I was never a DIYer, and had always thought I was limited by what you could find in stores or through a contractor. You showed me that not only can beautiful things be done on a budget but that there are more than one way to accomplish a task. Spraypainting ugly brass knobs?! Seriously?! I never knew you could do that!! The kicker was that it was it was being done by people my own age and in my neighborhood. Since finding your blog (and devouring the entire archive) my whole view has opened up and I have a confidence on tackling house projects that I never possessed before, and for that I am grateful. I choose to view this as not a goodbye but a goodbye for now, but if it should be that’s ok too.
Haley says
Noooooooooo!
I completely understand your decision and I hope your time off is helpful. It is hard being parents to a newborn and continue to be inspired and feel like yourself… and I’m sure it’s even harder with an older child too. I love your posts (even during this recent phase) and look forward to Young House Love getting it’s groove back (it’ll happen).
Lana says
I’m happy for you guys and rooting for you to get your groove back (just like Stella, or maybe sort of differently from her). Whatever happens, I like you guys and think you’re wonderful.
Sarah C says
Best of luck!! I’ll sure miss you and hope to “see” you guys again soon.
Tiffany says
Please, do what’s best for your family! I will certainly miss you during your break, and I hope you come back to posting, but I never felt like you were posting about a tool/product because you were trying to sell it to me. I’ve pinned many products because I “know” you and your standards from reading along regularly, so if you say something worked for you I trust that. I appreciate that you would try things out then tell us the good, bad, and the ugly so that I don’t have to fly blind when considering a product. And I love that you had lines out there with retailers. Your products are a way for me to support you and even feel connected with you by bringing one of your designs into my home (hopefully in a non-stalker/creepy/weird kind of way). Your blog is a way for me to watch someone do something that I don’t dare do, until I see you demonstrate it and my thinking changes to “maybe we can…”. At the very least, I get great ideas and inspiration from the projects you do. And I love your quick craft projects and the things you make for Clara! All that being said, I have immensely enjoyed reading about your wedding, Clara’s birth story, preparing for Teddy, and your new home adventures. Thank you for sharing!!! Please, do what’s best for your family!
Shannon says
Enjoy your family and the break. I hope you come back refreshed! You will be missed!
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
To quote 80’s mullet man Richard Marx
“Wherever you go, whatever you do, I will be right here waiting for you.”
Love and hugs to you all as you figure this out!
Marla says
Noooooooo! I will miss you! You are the best blog I read! Hope your time off is refreshing and what you need!
Becca G. says
Your blog is the only one I read on a consistent basis, so this makes me so sad! Crossing my fingers to seeing you guys back in a month!
Amy says
Yes, yes, yes………..You are doing what you need to:) I think a break can always be good. Re-group, re-energize and we will be here:)! Your family is the most important thing.
Erica says
This is perfect. I’m really busy at work right now but would still carve out the time to read your blog because I love you guys. I feel like you’re doing me a favor. We will both concentrate on our own lives and then meet again in a month or so right here, when we are rested and refreshed?
I hope you have a wonderful time off! I support you!
Your biggest problem is that everybody just wants more of you!
Saskia says
Thank you for the amazing blog you have been making for so long! Its totally understandable that a break here and there is needed! Especially with a new addition to the family! I remember that when i went back to work after my first i felt i was giving a 50% at home and at work, while i have dream job as well! With the second one this time, i have been taking much longer off in order to allow myself to adjust, enjoy and get the feeling of inspiration at work back! So please take a step back and enjoy your lovely family and re- energise! Your blog is so big it will give us all inspiration for a long time!
heyruthie says
I totally support you in taking a break. That said, I have a thought for you to consider this month, as you “step back.” Most jobs–even creative ones–get stale once in a while. And we even fail sometimes. But I don’t see that as necessarily a “mismatch” with a career, or a problem. Working through it, continuing to seek inspiration, and just gritting your teeth for a while can often yield a bright, new opportunity around the corner. Somehow, we’ve told ourselves that in creative careers, you have to “love it or leave it.” But I don’t think that’s true. There’s integrity in just continuing to work hard, even when something doesn’t seem “inspired” every minute. Y’all have a new baby. It’s hard to feel “inspired” to do anything in that phase, other than to try to take a nap! It’s exhausting! Ask any new Mom or Dad if they are feeling really “on top” of their career at this point, and most will probably say no. Does that mean they’ve made a bad choice? Or they need a new job? Or they have failed? Not necessarily. I’m not trying to tell y’all what to do. But I am saying that feeling “off” may not mean failure right now. Feeling “uninspired” doesn’t have to mean you’ve derailed. I *LOVE* reading about the life of Thomas Edison–an insanely creative individual, who also realized he needed to make money and invent things that people wanted. He “failed” many times in his attempts. Some of his inventions were real flops, and he often felt “uninspired.” But if he’d quit creating because of that, imagine where we’d be today. I’m sure you’ve read his quote, “I have not failed 10,000 times—I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.” That’s how I see y’all and this blog. Take a break this month. Step back and realize that you’ve just found one more way that YHL doesn’t work (right now) but that there are a million ways that it really *is* working–that it *can* work. I still read every day. Some days I get more out of it than others. That’s OK! Please don’t throw in the towel. We all have dry phases. It’s the people who keep working through it that often become seen as the real creative geniuses :-) And the two of you really do have something special–an amazing mix of talent, business sense, good communication, humility and (above all) geekish tendencies ;-) I still feel like if I ran into you in the Woodbridge IKEA, we could be awkward and uncomfortable together while our daughters discussed Ana, Elsa and Worms. That makes me love you.
This seems cheesy to paste in a link, but this article about Edison’s “failures” (from the Smithsonian) is really inspirational. It shows how, as a creative, he needed to still monetize his creativity, work through “dry periods” or even abject failures, and still keep using his gifts, while learning valuable lessons:
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/7-epic-fails-brought-to-you-by-the-genius-mind-of-thomas-edison-180947786/?no-ist
Tiffany Wichert says
{{{HUGS}}}} For what its worth, been reading you since the beginning and love you ;) still love reading every. single. post. enjoy the break but get your butts back, I need my daily dose!! love & light, Tiffany
Katie says
This is the only blog I read religiously, just so you know… you guys are awesome. That being said, the rest of us in corporate america get around 15 days off a year, and y’all never seem to take those breaks that are so important to the rest of us. I think this is exactly what you need to “get your mojo back” (not that I noticed it was gone!) Feel better!!!
jaclyn says
And cue heartbreak.
This is your space and always has been so I fully support that you need to do what’s best for you but I really hope you’ll come back soon.
There are a lot of us longtime readers (This Young House woo! woo!) that will be ready and waiting with open arms and maybe a can of soda for John and a shiny new pair of dangly earrings for Sherry as welcome back gifts.
Also, I’m not sure what it counts for but I’d like to mention that you all have never done or written a single thing that “disappointed” me as a reader. Over the years, it’s been an absolute joy to see you all grow and flourish as both DIYers and as a human beings in general. So thank you for the time you’ve given us so far, and it’s a great testament to you both that with as many blogs that come and go, yours has been at the top of my bookmarks list for all these years.
Alexandra says
Completely understand and support you 100%! I hope when you’re ready and feeling up to it, you’ll continue to share with us the great things you’re doing with your house. And about the kids because they’re super cute. Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here for you! And if that’s never, then I understand that too and thank you for the joy you’ve brought to my life.
Katie says
This is the first time in a long time that a post has seemed honest, not defensive, and genuine. You should have taken a break a long time ago. Glad you’re doing it now.
Two things I suggest though…close these comments so you don’t have to moderate them. Also, think about if you really want to continue doing this or not and if you do, while you’re on a break, write up some possible posts that could be banked and then later posted whenever you’re having a busy day or week.
Good luck with your break. I know that whatever you decide will work out best for you and your family.
Chloe P says
I come to this blog everyday to get inspired to work on my own house. I actually don’t even have the same taste in style as y’all, but I just get inspired to tackle projects that I would otherwise think as too big in my mind. I also think your family is fun to read about, and your posts crack me up. Simple as that.
I didn’t really notice y’all were off other than slowing down the posts. Maybe some readers take this blog too seriously, hence the critiques? Anywho, I hope y’all come back soon if for no other reason than to light a DIY fire under my booty.
Jared says
This was a courageous post to write, and this is a courageous step to take. I will miss you if you’re gone for good, but I hope that the decisions you make are based on what you need and not on what you think we need. You owe your audience a lot for your success, but you’ve paid that back and more in what you’ve given us over the past 7 years. You don’t owe us any more than you’ve already shared with us. Good luck during this time of evaluation and contemplation, and also in your future endeavors. You guys are talented and passionate folks, so I know you’re going to be successful in whatever you decide to do!
Chelsea says
As so many have said before, you will be greatly missed in your absence! I have followed this blog for years and absolutely love your creativity and wit throughout all the posts.
Although I am sad to see that you’re taking a break, I applaud you for taking advantage of the opportunity! I’m currently enrolled in a Counselor Education master’s program, and we discuss the importance of “self care” frequently. Recognizing that you need to take a break to prevent burnout and more importantly, spend time with your beautiful family, is so critical to remain happy and healthy.
I sincerely hope you enjoy your time off, and I hope to see you back sometime in the future as well. We will miss you, but the care and devotion you have always shown to your readers, certainly guarantees that you will have a crowd waiting for you when/if you decide to return :)
Daria says
I think this is a really smart and brave idea. You two have been incredible to follow for the last five years I’ve been reading and a total inspiration to my design interests.
I hope your sabbatical helps you guys figure everything out. Running a blog is a weird and tough business.
I can’t wait for you guys to return.
Take care of yourselves and your family!
Alexandra says
Oh man. What a sad day! I too will miss the Petersiks’ little (big!) corner of the interwebz. Honestly though, when you list what y’all have accomplished in recent years, I don’t know how you didn’t burn out before now! You should be immensely proud of your work and the fact that you have such a loyal readership. So much love for each of you, and I do hope you enjoy the break (please, oh please, come back!). xx
Jill K says
Thanks for being honest and enjoy your family of four! I have loved keeping up with your blog from the beginning. Thanks for sharing it!
Jill says
We are going to miss you. We love your family and your blog. I am sorry that others are what they are. But with a new baby, time off sounds like a great idea and maybe future post stories. I can’t wait to read those. My husband and I bought an apartment two years ago and we are still in the renovation stage. Thank you for sharing. I have learned a lot from your guys.
Isabel says
I know this may sound completely ridiculous/irrelevant but here it goes. My biggest regret in life has been not becoming a professional dancer. That would have been my dream job/life and I think about that a lot. I still dance in my spare time and love it to the point it hurts. I comfort myself knowing that even a dream job eventually becomes just a job and no matter how much you love doing something, things change, burnouts happen, you get disillusioned, you need to step back and recharge. Most importantly, I may not spend my days in a dance studio, but I have the luxury of dancing simply for the love of it. The point of this is that there’s absolutely NOTHING wrong with you. Giving yourselves and the blog a break will hopefully help you realize how much you love it and be able to come back with renewed vigor and do it simply for the love of it. Or maybe something else will come up and you will move on… I selfishly hope not :) Whatever happens in the next month (or 6), I wish you Clara, Teddy and Burger the very best. Thank you for the inspiration and helping me discover something else I love and can do until I’m 90 :) I will miss you and will be here waiting when you get back.
nancys says
Love you to the moon & back
:)
Lynette says
I have read your blog since your first house, and I am going to miss your daily posts. I wish you all the best during this time away. You guys are great, and thank you for sharing your lives with us!
Erin @ Magenta & Lime says
So sad to hear this news, selfishly, but completely understand you have to do what is best and feels right for your family! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Linda Keeney says
This will be a well deserved break for your family. You have worked hard for the past seven years though I’m sure it doesn’t feel that way. Your blog is fun and informative (so much so that my husband is tired of hearing my references to it).
Enjoy your break and breathing room. And I look forward to your return in whatever form it takes.
Tera says
You guys do what YOU feel like is best for you and your family. You know that comes first, and you’re living through that right now. I’m reminded of the verse in Ecclesiastes that says “to everything there is a season, a time for everything under heaven”. I’m sure some time to step away is just what you need to help clear the muddy water y’all are looking into right now. You will find what is right for your family during this season.
That said, you will be incredibly missed! Like, more than you could ever know! Reading y’all’s blog is right up there with my quiet time and devotionals (priorities, people! ????) You’re a super family and have the best blog, in my opinion! May your paths clearly shown and may you find peace in whatever this season has in store for your sweet family! ??
Ruth says
Seriously, good for you guys. I was sad that you seemed to have lost your spark and joie de vivre but now am excited for you as you take time off. Also, this was the best post I’ve seen for ages – great writing, mature decisions and genuine honesty. I’ve found my respect for you again. Hope to ‘see’ you soon.
TLL says
I have been a reader for years, not really a commenter. As some have said above, its crazy to be so sad to not read about another “stranger”. YHL has been a favorite read of mine, I look forward to it every morning. You have inspired me to do things at my house that I normally would have thought were impossible, or maybe just too expensive. Thank you for that! I really hope you come back..and i will miss the pics of those cute kids. Best wishes!!
Nadine says
I have never commented before, but it just felt like I had to this time.
You may call this a sabbatical, which someone already did, but I think it’s more than that and completely understandable that you feel worn out and don’t enjoy doing this as much as you used to. Not only have you had two kids but also has your hobby become your job. Usually you take a vacation from a job and when you come home at night everything work-related stays at work. But in your case your home is work and your husband/wife your workpartner, so no wonder now you’ve reached a point where it’s not as much fun as it used to be. Who wouldn’t?
Take your time to get your spark back! Whenever you feel ready to blog, we’ll be here!
Rachael says
Thanks for all you have done. Best of luck. Be true to yourselves and it will all work out.
Lynne says
Take as long as you need. Then, don’t restart until you have six months of filler material. Daily publishing is about planning and pacing. Set your publishing goals a bit lower so that you can maintain. This is a common problem for content producers. You’ve spoiled us with your high-quality and consistency, but we’d rather keep you around, albeit maybe less frequently or with more varied content, than lose you. And a month off isn’t long enough. Three months off minimum, six would be better. And get some help! Oh, and we’ll be here when you come back. Fear not!
Ruthie says
Yes, at least six months. After seven years of blogging you have earned a sabbatical.
Nikki says
Burnout can happen in any profession, especially when you are living it everyday for the world to see! Take care of yourselves, find your mojo (wherever and whatever that might be). People change careers all the time (says the 37 year old going back to college). You will figure it out. Life is too short to not enjoy what you do 100%!Take care!
Beth says
I have loved seeing your success and growth. I am not going to say that I don’t get a little disappointed when the posts become infrequent and change in direction, but it won’t change the fact that I will keep up with your blog. It would be sad to see you stop posting altogether, but I understand that after a while directions change. I do hope you keep us up with your growing and beautiful family! :)
LisaR says
When it becomes a “job” –a “have to do”–it sucks the life out of it. No matter what it is. No joke. It used to be fun for you guys because, well, you used to do it for fun! The two young kids factor alone would also do anyone in. It’s *so* much work just taking care of the kids. This probably sounds bizarre, but I/we have gotten more involved in the “financial independence” (basically early retirement) movement so money won’t ever be the push to do anything again. (check out the blog Mr. Money Mustache). I know you’re sort of earth-conscious, so I think you’ll also like the ecological aspect as well.
Best of luck to you guys. You’ll be successful in whatever you choose.