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.
Angela says
I have no idea what was said last week but I just wanted to let you know that I will miss you! I have not been disappointed by your blog whatsoever! I love it and your writing. You provide so much inspiration. I hope you enjoy your break – you’ve earned it! Cant wait to see you again!
Karen says
You know I’ve been critical of the blog for some time now. We’ve even had email exchanges over it. I won’t get into it again… but I have to say that I really appreciate the honesty and sincerity expressed in this post. Much respect to you both for reading all the comments, taking them to heart, and having the courage to admit to your mistakes.
This post reminds me of why I started reading your blog in the first place and why I enjoyed it so much.
I hope the time off leaves you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle new projects and blogging with a renewed sense of excitement and enjoyment.
If you decide to hang it up and pursue other interests, I wish you well.
If I may use one of your favorite catch phrases…. I’m looking forward to seeing where y’all end up. ;)
Samantha says
I really want this to come from a place of love for my fellow human. To be honest, the easy thing to do would be to blast you but that isn’t going to align with my personal values (or the values that John and Sherry model on this blog). I don’t know your story and I don’t know why you feel the need to hen peck this lovely young couple, I really don’t. I am sorry you feel so insecure that criticizing someone else who is ‘showing up and doing something’ makes you feel better about yourself (that is the only reason we do these things). There is so much unhappiness and unrest in this world. We, as a global society, are hurting and could use more gentleness and love. I encourage you to look for that and spread that around. There is no such thing as ‘constructive criticism’. It just hurts. Even from some random internet person. Please remember that before you come back here or anywhere else you feel the need to offer up your unasked for opinion. Who knows? It might make you feel better as well.
Annie says
Samantha. You don’t seem to understand that this is a business. Criticizing this blog’s content is no different than criticizing a television shows content. It’s not rude or ” personal”. Like a television show the viewers of a blog are both the customers and the commodity the medium sells to make money. They have every right to complain.
Cc says
Take as long as you need to refresh and recharge-1,2,3 months even longer if you need. This is your blog and has been running 7 full years with hardly any breaks for both of you. It’s no wonder that you’re both feeling drained and hv the need to unplug. We will always be here– your time with your family is so much more important. Hugs
Sally G says
I only read a few pages of the comments where people were sharing their opinions, but one thing I didn’t see/ hear/ feel was anyone understand that you guys have a tiny, tiny new guy in your house and how MUCH that changes everything. When I had my second little one it took me so, so long to get my groove back. Women are considered postpartum for like a year! And that makes a difference for the whole family! It’s this undefinable thing that you can’t quite place your finger on until you DO feel better (about a year later)… I don’t presume to know your post-baby Teddy family life, but I do hope that you give yourselves the space to walk through the first year without exactly being “on your game.” I know a few people mentioned it before, but I think it would be awesome if you could stockpile posts so you could take a break from time to time without seeing your cash-flow come to a screeching halt. (I always wondered why blogging in real-time was so important?) For what it’s worth, I would be really sad if YHL was no longer. I hope that you get the break that you need. You guys have such a unique place in the blogosphere.
Meghan says
I am so sad to hear this. I love your blog and look forward to checking in on it every day. I hope you come back, but enjoy a much needed break in the meantime.
Katie says
You guys have me all teary eyed over here. I feel like a best friend is moving to a distant foreign land (it’s sad that I’m not exaggerating). I 100% support your decision and will always be here when and if you come back to us. But selfishly, I REALLY REALLY hope you come back. For the sake of my happiness today, I am calling this your sabbatical.
Denise Armbruster says
Y’all must be in a good place to be able to take a well deserved break. Good on you guys. It still had to be tough to make but on the other hand a relief. Making a decision is one of the hardest yet rewarding things we do as humans. Enjoy your “time off” and I hope bigger and better things come your way. You’re both awesome in my book.
Sarah says
I applaud you guys. Take your time and enjoy it, and I definitely respect your decision and your explanation above. Thank you!
Terri says
Wishing you all the best! XO
Kate says
You should be so proud of all that you’ve done. Leaders and an inspiration to so many. You’ll be missed, and we will welcome your return if there is one. Sending love and support!!!
Lindsay says
I’m truly hoping that this break will be a sabbatical and not a permanent break. YHL is always where I start my daily blog reading and I’ll be sorry not to be able to turn to you tomorrow. But you have to do what makes you feel right, and full-on blogging on top of full-time house renovation and full-time marriage and family rearing must be taking its toll.
Hope that your blogging break helps you to see your way forward, whichever way it turns out to be.
Jill says
Selfishly: noooooo!
But good for you guys doing what you need to do! Best wishes for all your future endeavors – hopefully returning to the blog will be one of them!
Haley says
<3
that is all.
Helene says
But I wanted to see a picture of the new hallway!
:)
Nicole says
:( I feel like members of my family just moved to Switzerland. I really hope you guys come back soon, I have been reading your blog for 6 years and loved the journey to each new home.
Jen says
Good luck to you all. I think we all saw this coming (similar to Chez Larsson) a long time ago. I think it was the last new house announcement when things felt off and went downhill. You have to do what’s right for you. Thanks for all the tutorials. All the best.
Melanie says
Y’all are awesome and clearly putting your family first. (applause emoticon)
Will you still post pictures of teddy’s weekly photo? he’s so adorable.
Jenn says
This is a bummer to hear, but hopefully a recharge is exactly what you need! Good luck!
Tonya says
We all know there’s a time and season for everything. and sometimes that means saying “See ya.” With great love and affection and admiration I say that you’ll be missed. But with that I say take a vacation already!! I’m so surprised this hasn’t happened sooner, but I am happy for you that you are doing this for yourselves and for your family now. Bora Bora, or wherever, is calling. Exotic sand in the toes is great medicine. :) Whatever you decide once you’ve had your ‘rest’–however long it takes–I know that you’ll be doing the right thing. I’ve enjoyed your blog (ginormous understatement) and wish the entire thing could be made into a book. Even the fabulous laundry room addition, the leaky plumbing and the can’t-seem-to-keep-it-alive terrarium. Your two books will have to sustain me. ;) I’m glad that you are taking care of yourselves, that is most important. Farewell, dear friends. May we meet again someday.
Tish says
Blessings to you and your family. I hope you have a refreshing break and that you’ll be back when the time is right for you!
Melissa says
Glad you guys are being honest and doing this for yourselves. I’m sad that I won’t be seeing an update from you for a while, but I would completely not be able to handle dealing with the level of negativity coming from some of these people in the absurd way that it is. Good for you for leaving them all behind for a while.
Lisa McLinden says
Take ALL the time you need! No matter what capacity you return, your #1 priority has to be family! Nothing else truly matters. As we write each chapter of our life story, we must always remain true to those we love. At the end of your life, I can assure you, it will be your sweet children holding your hand, not me, a blog reader! In saying that, I would miss you guys immensely if you ever did leave blogland, but life would go on. Hope this doesn’t sound like I don’t love you guys, because I do. It’s the love I have for you that prompts this response!
Trista says
:(
Not sure what to type. Can’t wait to see what your next step will be. I’ll miss you in my feedly reader. I’ve been a loyal reader since 2009. I love when my husband (not a blog reader) shows me some project he wants to do in the house. It usually comes from YoungHouseLove. I just grin and agree.
Heidi says
BOO! The kids are back in school and now I can actually jump up from my coffee and morning read of YHL and put that ‘ insired to be creative’ energy I get from you guys in to motion. My diy and creative abilities have increased at least 10fold in the past year I’ve been enjoying your blog. You are a generous and warm family to share as much of yourselves as you have. Excited to have you back refreshed and inspired
Katie says
This blog is entertainment, inspiration, a little comedy, and a lot of great information. I’ve been reading for a few years, I bought your book, I bought a few of your Target pieces. I thoroughly enjoy every post you write.
BUT
You guys don’t owe me anything. I almost feel like I owe you. I went from a terrified 21 year old in a disgusting house to a semi-confident 24 year old in an ok house thanks largely in part to John and Sherry Petersik. You two have been working nonstop for 7 years on this. Even on vacation, you moderate comments, hit publish, and take photos for future posts. So if, in the deluge of all these comments, you read this one all the way to the end, I just want to say THANK YOU.
DO YOU.
Maura says
I too feel sad at not being able to check in every day and see what you guys are up to. I’ve loved reading your blog… At the risk of sounding maudlin, as the parent of two children with special needs (one severe) my days are sometimes mind-numbingly the same… except for the occasional crisis. Your blog has been a special and important part of my morning routine… a peak into a different life, inspiration for tackling big projects that would normally be far out of my comfort zone, and smiles at your cleverness. Your blog changed my life, I would never have attempted the shed I just built without your example of *regular* people tackling big home improvement projects. I wish you ALL the best, whether you come back to blogging or not. (But I hope you will, of course…)
One thought… (as a longtime blogger who has taken breaks from time to time) Continue posting, but keep it private. Post for yourself, or yourself and your families only, keep that record of what you’re working on, the funny things Clara says, the bargain you found at the thrift store. Keeping it here, in one place, will be a blessing later when you want to look back on this time. Through my breaks from blogging, I’ve found that I write for me as much as anyone else… and not keeping that record of our days leaves a big hole.
Best always… we love you guys too. (And if you’re ever in Colorado and feel like house crashing an old log home in the country, the door is always open. :)
Betsy Hamilton says
Thank you for letting us in, inspiring us, making us smile, and letting us commiserate when things didn’t go exactly as planned. I think it takes wisdom to know when to step back and reevaluate. Best wishes with your decision.
laura says
life can be so overwhelming and we all have times when our creativity and motivation takes a hiatus without telling us. you’re human. that’s why we love you guys. take time, refocus, inhale that baby scent and laugh at the clara-isms. life is short and you gotta live it and enjoy living it. i speak from experience. i know i will still be checking my blog lovin feed every morning with my coffee and i’ll be stoked to see your return.
Joanna says
Thanks so much for all of the inspiration over the years. I started following right before Clara was born and have checked the blog daily ever since. Thanks for helping me make my house a home. Your sweet family has been such an inspiration for me in all areas of my life. I wish you every happiness and hope to see you here again someday.
marci says
arrghhh! you are the only blog that i go to every day! i’ve been grateful for whatever you’ve had to share and i understand the demands of a growing family. i didn’t complain about the cutbacks in posts, or the subject matter. so maybe you can just email me 3-5x a week so we can stay in touch? ;)
Rosamond says
Ha ha, I second this entirely. I can’t see why people complain about a totally awesome service that they are getting for free. I love your blog, and I do hope you take your well-earned break and come back soon!!
Terry says
You’ll be missed but when and if you come back we’ll be here. I’ll be here. :)
Natalie says
Well looks like I missed alot! Hate to see you guys go! I have been following the blog since it was just the two of you (and Burger). You are a family, so do what is best for YOU! You will be missed : )
Amy says
Good for you two for making a hard decision but one that will bring you peace. I’ll still be crushing on your cute family and blog even in your absence. All the best to your fabulous 4.
Annette says
Man, longtime reader here…and I’m not sure I’ve ever commented until yesterday and now two comments in two days. :)
Best of luck guys. I can’t even imagine the toll it takes to share as much as you guys do, and everyone gets to have an opinion on it. Selfishly I want you to come back, but totally understand if you don’t! Love you guys and want the best for you and your family.
Lindsey says
You’ve built a great site of archives that will continue to help and entertain tons of people, I don’t see the need to continue blogging in real time just for the sake of it. Just be proud of this site you’ve created that new people are still discovering and enjoying.
Virginia says
Agreed! I’m a renter now but can’t wait to come back to the YHL archives when I purchase a home and can do some real heavy-duty reno. Regardless of what happens in the future, J&S, you’ve built this site into an incredible resource, and thank you for that!
Marcy Norman Cox says
So so sad to hear this news… I understand family first, having just retired early to be home with my son, but I will miss your blog tremendously … I have enjoyed every project , update, family story, etc .. Thank you thank you for sharing your life, family and home with me
Frannie says
Wow, I missed a few days and had no idea what was going on… I’m sad to see you go. I read over a few comments (I am at work, and need to get back to it :) ) but I thought I’d add my thoughts. I think readers are responding to the real feeling of you guys pulling back in the last few months, and I can’t say that I blame you at all. You can’t win for losing! But I will say it is reminiscent of something going on with one of my friends- and it made me understand how people might be feeling. Some wonderful friends recently seemed to pull back from my family in the last few months- we found out this week that they have been planning big changes- a move, building a house, new careers, etc. My friend has been dealing with depression and we didn’t know it. We all felt so left out. Now, we were real friends, not blog friends but it felt so secretive. These friends have been with us through thick and thin- we’ve shared many ups and downs over the years. I think it explains how folks are responding to you. I’m a LONG time reader as well, and we feel like we know you, so we feel like we deserve to know the details about your life, which we don’t. Just like my friends don’t have any obligation to share their stories with me… make sense? We think we know you- and we like you. So it feels like you’ve broken up with us. :) Anyway, I’m really hoping you come back. I’m married with a little girl, two dogs,and an old house and I love sparking a little inspiration from your blog.
Kay says
a, feel free not to approve this comment since it’s just for y’all anyway
b, in the spirit of your break and probably the first true vacation in 7 years I would totally shut down comments or at least stop moderating them at some point. Direct peeps to the forums which are there for discussion anyway.
c, ever heard of the email service “note from the universe”? It’s a free daily inspiration and today’s msg, well, let’s just say that I read it right before this post and I think it was made just for you: “It’s funny, Kay, when one links job satisfaction to financial compensation alone, they’re never paid “enough.” Yet, when they see “work” as a way to dance with life, meet new people, and unleash the creative tiger within, they become very rich, indeed. Every kind of rich.”
d, enjoy your time off to rest and re-set and make the big decisions.
Hanna says
I want to give you guys a big hug. I feel for you and I honestly think you’re doing the healthier thing for you guys. Granted, you recently had a baby and that’s taxing too! After becoming a parent, I realized myself time is now something I want to use wisely and well and darn it, nothing that doesn’t bring satisfaction or fulfillment is not worth it anymore. Maybe you guys are just like Madonna, you have to re-invent yourself every so often and maybe now it’s the time do that? I think it takes bravery to do something like this! With that said, I really enjoy your blog and your hard work (we only have one toddler and doing a bathroom reno ourselves has pretty much rocked our worlds in not the most positive way..it’s so stressful!).
HUGS!!!!
Isabelle Dupont says
So many mixed emotions! My morning routine will never be the same ;-) But I’m happy that you have made the decision that’s best for YOU. I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been in the spotlight. I hope you’re feeling a huge sigh of relief and enjoying a walk with your family somewhere today! All the best :-)
Janis from Scotland says
Hi Guys…totally understand. You need time just to be a family.
I’ve enjoyed your blogs immensely.
Janis
Shannon Latimer says
I think you guys need and deserve a break! And although I’m sure some would argue that you serve at the pleasure of your readers, the direction you take, including what and how much you share, should be what is right for you creatively and what best meets the needs of your family. It seems like YHL has evolved a lot over the years and your readers have evolved with you. You may lose some, and gain others, but most of us will be here waiting for you when you return, ready for the next chapter of YHL. Much love to your family!
Liz @ It's Great to Be Home says
This is going to be rambling and probably the least eloquent comment ever, but I just wanted to let you guys know that you have inspired millions of people (myself included!), and made them happy and curious and confident in themselves and their capabilities – that’s a really incredible thing that not many people can say.
I can imagine that when blogging is your full-time job, especially blogging about your home, you can never escape from work and just be a family, or a mother, or a husband – and being able to be all of those things is absolutely essential. I have wondered what it must feel like for you guys to bring a new baby home and be expected to chug along like nothing happened – something HUGE and wonderful happened! You should be able to take time to enjoy that and we should all respect it.
I look forward to reading your words every day, and I will be thrilled when you guys come back (in whatever form works best for you)! All the best to you.
Isabel says
Noooooooooooooo! Can you at least keep publishing Teddy’s weekly updates?
Honestly, your blog is great in that it is NOT corporate or sponsored. You guys write the articles because you want to and not because Target wants to you advertise their range of tiles or outdoor paint. You guys are the most genuine blog I know. We know you as well as some of our friends and we like to lurk around your house, see Clara’s first day back to school (where was this year’s…?) and cheer for you when you get baby #2.
Oh, and we like your style. We like your choice of curtains, your ideas for the office, crafts, etc. Your fresh ideas are welcomed and repeated. We like to see Sherry’s earrings and what t-shirt John is wearing today.
How about you take rundown homes and turn them around for a charity? How about you take reader’s homes and give them a makeover using their budget? Have a tv show…? Give Clara her own blog to talk about Barbies and what is going on in the dollshouse…? With your skills and talent the possibilities are plenty.
WE love you, WE thank you and we hope you’ll be back.
Becky says
Kudos to you – for asking for honesty, for receiving it gracefully (at least in public) and for doing what YOU feel is best for yourselves, your income, and your children. Enjoy your time away, your new laundry room, and Clara and Teddy. We’ll be here when you get back.
Kimmy says
Hi Guys,
As a long time reader, non-commenter, I really felt compelled to tell you how much I respect you & encourage you to take this time. While I understand this has been your livelihood, both for fun and financially– you are real people, with real lives, and I’m sorry you felt the need/stress to explain yourselves. I’ve read a lot of the comments on the last thread and the entitlement some readers have displayed is quite embarrassing, and I really hope that you take it all with a grain of salt (even my comment). The blogosphere has been a really great source for entertainment, DIY ideas, etc. and you guys are really good at it, but I’ve learned over the years that you cannot do things for others. Keep on keepin’ on– blogging or not. Like so many others have said— you’re like friends to us, but as true friends do, we get it! I hope you’re reading this from some tropical beach, sipping on a tasty coconut drink ;) xo
Lisa says
Brand or not, ya’ll have been an incredible resource through the years for both DIY reno and DIY design. After all, a girl needs a guide to planking a ceiling! That said, I kinda miss the non-Petersik posts. I would gladly pay for a mood board (and enjoyed those for others!) and boy, do I have a furniture placement dilemma for a reader redesign! I’m sorry that the pressures have changed for you both, but I hope your break is a source of rejuvenation. See you on the flip side!
Jessica @ SundayLoves.com says
Wow, guys, I totally get the need to step away and support you in that. But while I rarely post, I absolutely adore your blog and never felt negatively about it. You’re human. You will evolve and your priorities will, too. I know — as a mum of three — that my life has changed over time. I can honestly say that I don’t get why other readers don’t keep in touch with the fact that end of the day, you’re human beings, not a Proctor & Gamble brand. Anyway, I know you don’t want us to be upset with the negative commenters, but I am. Tact matters. Being human matters.
All that said, at the end of the day, YOU DO YOU. What works for you. What makes you shine. And as Brendan Behan said, “F*ck the begrudgers.” Sorry, not entirely family friendly, but you get my point. :)
Lorien says
Taking a break to regroup, restore, recharge — so important. I’m glad you guys are taking this time. Personally, I loved the old blog and I love the new blog too, but this is YOUR LIFE and you need to do what pleases you, first and foremost. Taking direction from fans, however loving, is not the way to live your life.
Now, I’ll confess that I hope it’s a break, and you guys will come back in whatever format works for you (and I’ll love it!), but ultimately, my wants and wishes should have zero relevance on how you proceed.
Take good care.
Michelle says
John & Sherry,
Here’s wishing you a break that’s restful and restorative and everything else you need it to be. Sincerest best wishes to you, Clara, Teddy, and Burger. :)