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.
Colleen says
Normally I save y’all for last in my bloglovin’ roll (as like a special treat because your posts are always good) but you were the first one I read this morning because I had a feeling this post was coming. Let’s call this a “see you later” rather than “good-bye.” I am so, so sorry that you guys have been feeling this way. I really hope that this month away gives you the clarity and va-va-voom that you’re looking for. We’ll miss you dearly and keep our fingers crossed for your triumphant return.
Jeri says
As I was starting to read through this, all I could think is “you guys really need a good vacay”. My husband and I try to take at least a few a year, and that refresher helps us remember how good we’ve got it. You guys work too hard. Take a breather. Reset. Gather your thoughts. Set new goals. Then, greedy girl I am, I hope you come back roarin’ and ready to go. It’s going to be a loooong month (or however long) without you. I hope your path leads you back to us, but whatever the outcome, wish you the best. Hugs!
Amber H says
Good for you for recognizing what you need to do and actually having the guts to do it!! I am so glad there are still people who want to be passionate about their work/blog/hobby. It makes it so much more fun for your readers if we know you’re enjoying what you do. You’ll be missed, but I hope this break makes for a relaxing, rejuvenating, change of perspective and quality family time to figure things out. Best wishes as you make changes and figure out where life is leading you!
Joellyn Clark says
Wow. I’m shocked to hear you say you were “stumbling”. When you ask for feedback you might only hear the criticism. I hope you don’t feel like its that way for all of us. I know it’s your business and I understand that means including sponsored posts and more. Never have I felt that has been your primary focus. I have loved your blog forever and will miss it dearly while you are gone. It’s your space, not ours, so always do what is right for you! Cheers.
Joellyn Clark says
i just want to add this: I hope you keep posting even if it less often! You have so many of us who have followed you forever and would love to keep in touch. I still follow quite a few bloggers who only post a couple of times a week and I don’t think less of them for it. Heck, I’m doing good if I can post a couple of times a month!
Al says
Wow! Will definitely miss reading your posts while at work. I guess I will have to actually get some things done now. ;)
Already looking forward to your return!
cj says
i don’t think you guys have missed a single beat, and i never sensed the “offness” you mentioned! i’ve been readig for years, in fact yhl is the only blog i read consistently. you have an incredible blog, you are clearly incredible people with high morals, a great sense of humor, and a gift for writing and engaging people. you will be successful in any endeavor you pursue. selfishly i don’t want you to ever take a break, but i respect and sympathize. best of luck p family! the world needs more families like you!
Kim W Rily says
Agree! You added a new little person and didn’t take maternity leave without missing a step.
Janine says
I will miss your blog but wish you the best. Good luck on this journey.
Candace says
I stumbled onto your blog about 5 years ago and have really enjoyed having it as part of my morning routine. You have inspired a lot of DIY-goodness in my life, a little more running (those morning run photos were great!), and your outlook on life is so refreshing. Best of luck with the transition to new adventures! And thanks so much for all the entertainment for so long!
Amy says
As much as it pains me to read this, I think I love you guys even more for doing this. What you said about the blogosphere as a whole becoming overly corporate and sponsored is SO TRUE and it is a reason why there are just a handful of blogs I subscribe to via e-mail (yours being one). I deleted my bookmarks and haven’t looked back. I have a hard enough time keeping up with myself and my two kids, let alone all of the Joneses out in the blogosphere. For the recond, I don’t include you guys in that. I feel like you and a few others are friends I just know from my computer screen. :) At any rate, I think you are doing the right thing because it sounds like it is coming from the heart. And that can’t ever be bad. Good for you! We will miss you and be waiting for you when you’re ready to come back.
Mollee says
Man. Didn’t see that coming at all. You will be missed.
Kim W Rily says
Hey, Petersiks,
While things change over time, I never thought your page was lacking. Frankly, you have two kids now. Having a home-based business is going to be difficult when your kids are at home so often. You can juggle one little one, but two is much harder. I hope you can take a little time to get into the groove as a family of four. I really, really, really, really hope you can come back here. I flipped through a lot of the comments and the tone of a lot of the comments seemed a bit too harsh. If you could read them all without crying I think you did well. If you’re just tired, that’s okay. This is a job, and honestly, we’re not always happy at our jobs. But I think you always do it well.
(I say do, because I hope you will come back soon.)
When I told my aunt that I knew John from Burke, it was like you guys were superstars in her eyes. “You KNOW them???”
I think you guys are still Internet Superstars.
See you around, wherever you decide to go.
Janice says
Hey guys! Your blog is my favorite and I have enjoyed following you for years now. Take your time to figure out what feels true for you, your followers will always be here, ready for you to come back. I love reading about your family and your home. Your awesome puns and song references feel so personal, like I get to see your humor. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to juggle all these followers, your projects, and family at once. Also, I have enjoyed all of your ‘extra’ projects and it never once made me feel like you were moving away from your roots. I enjoy seeing anything you two put out into the world! We all want what’s best for you guys, even though we will miss you while you’re away! XOXO
Kathleen says
I was not bothered by the giveaways and I still enjoyed your projects on the blog. Your lives have changed since you started your blog….marriage and two kids makes a big difference in priorities. Enjoy your time away from the blog…your kids are only this age once !
Jessica says
Long story short, my son was diagnosed with Autism 3.5 yrs ago and we began intense therapy at the house. Along with other family woes. I had to listen to him cry 4 hrs a day. It was excruciating. I turned to the world of blogs and discovered you two and Katie. I POURED over old posts and lived vicariously through all the Bower and Petersik family adventures. It was an escape during some intense sessions for my guy. When I met you in Palo Alto, Ca I wanted to tell you all these things, but with a long line behind me and possible tears, I had to play it cool! He is 6 now, still non-verbal but we are on track, life has improved & I have really enjoyed watching your family grow. My son’s twin ADORES Clara videos. I’ll be here when you get back and I hope you still Instagram! Best of luck Petersiks! http://imgur.com/LyMRZ3P
Meg says
Respect. I have been reading since before Miss Clara. Thanks for sharing and I appreciate the honesty in this post. I find it refreshing and think you are quite brave. You have inspired me in so many ways so I owe you a big Thank You. Do what you got to do. And if and when you come back I will be here. :)
Heidi says
AH! I will miss following along with your house adventure! But family and your happiness are more important. I hope you come back but good luck with whatever you end up deciding to do in the future!
Christina says
I have loved this blog (and will eagerly peruse the archives when I need a fix) I wish you the best – whatever you decide is right for your family.
Kate C says
I understand.
That said, I love you and I’ll miss you. Here’s to getting your groove back!
Rachel S says
This makes me cry. I don’t just see you as home decor/diy inspiration, you inspire me for life! Maybe i will sound like a creep, but i chose my wedding day to be the same as yours, 7/7. I bought a house the same week you guys let us know you were moving, and a year later i still love it. My husband, who couldnt care less about home decor or diy, knows your names by heart because i talk about my “blog family” so much! He even knows Burger! I cried and laughed during Clara and Teddy’s birth, and I look forward to seeing Teddy’s little personality shine the way Clara’s so obviously does. Basically…take a break, sure, breath a little, be inspired!!! But PLEASE come back to us!
Katie says
You both deserve a proper parental leave!
I too have my “dream job” (on paper, at least) but am feeling uninspired and exhausted trying to balance work and family life with a new baby, so I’m perhaps over-identifying with this, but I understand and applaud what a tough decision you’re making.
I hope you find the clarity and rejuvenation you’re looking for and come back — but whatever you decide, I’m sincerely grateful for everything you’ve shared over the past seven years.
Andrew says
Do what you have to do for your family, your brain and your heart. No one would EVER, should EVER fault you for taking that time. It is totally understandable and those of us that understand will be unabashedly waiting for your return. Take care!
andrea @ my kinda perfect says
Sending you guys a really big **HUG**!!!! I hope the support of your amazing readers will make this feel less like a struggle and more like a rejuvenating vacation. No matter where you and John and Young House Love end up, I will be eternally grateful for meeting our wedding photographer at your Boston book signing. And lastly, thank you for your honesty…that’s always been one of my favorite parts of following along!
kathleen says
You will be missed, but I completely understand. I’ve was reading your blog back when you were This young House. Always one of my favorites, always will be no matter what you decide.
Sue says
Enjoy your sabbatical, and check out all your options. Enjoy your babies, and think things through carefully (as I’m sure you will). I, for one, will keep checking back on the chance you won’t be able to stay away too long. Best wishes!
Liz K says
I haven’t been as regular a reader since our second child was born this past fall, and so didn’t notice anything being “off” other than an uptick in your outside projects, but you have to go with your gut and do what is needed to secure and recharge for your family. I’ve loved reading your blog over the past 6 years, in part b/c my family life has tracked/paralleled yours (married in ’07, daughter in ’10, son in this past fall), as well as your work on your homes, which has been and continues to be a HUGE source of inspiration and encouragement to tackle projects big and small. You guys built a community, founded in DIY determination. It’s beyond time for you guys to take a break and sit back and evaluate what will be your new normal moving forward. You’ve had a TON of change this year, and it’s AOK to figure out what will work for you guys here and now. Thank you for all that you’ve given us and best wishes for whatever you determine to be the outcome on the other end, whenever that is.
Bonnie @ The Pin Junkie says
I know it must be incredibly difficult living with the expectation (from others and yourselves) of producing something creative and beautiful every single day for the past seven years. However, you two DID IT and you did it exceptionally WELL. Of course I’ll be sad if this is the end of Young House Love because I truly enjoy reading it everyday, but more than anything, I really hope you make the best decision for you and your family. LOVE YOU GUYS! HUGS!
Sunnie says
I love your blog. Its been my favorite for a few years. I speak to my husband about you as if you were dear friends (“John and Sherry bought a new house!” “John and Sherry had their baby boy!”) I understand the need for a break and time to step away from it all. I hope you are able to find the spark you need and we will be here when you are ready!
Stardancer says
I’m sad, but I understand. I think maybe this is why I really liked this laundry room series? It felt super exciting, and maybe it was because you were super excited. I’ve still enjoyed the posts, but you started this because of passion and love, and we love it for the same reasons.
(Also, you know, it’s your life and you can do whatever you want with it.)
I do hope you come back! Even if you don’t, I will definitely keep coming back to the archive for all kinds of tips and a general pick-me-up :)
Good luck!
Brandi says
What an amazing heart you both have. Not too many people around who have the drive, heart and dedication to so many friends/fans (who you may never have seen or will ever see). With all the changes over the past years -marriage, babies, houses… it’s only natural that things change, evolve, metamorphasize (-wow, I hope I spelled that right!). Stepping back or taking a break to recenter your life and all of its passions, work and those around you is such a great lesson that we all need to learn from time to time. Thanks for being a super example of doing this in such a beautiful, caring way. May God bless you and your family during this time.
Audrey says
Oh no!!! What will I read with my cup of coffee in the morning??? Yours is the ONLY blog that I read now. So many have come and gone, changed for the worse, dropped off the face of the earth, etc. So I just stuck with the one consistent home improvement/home decor blog on the net…YHL. I will miss y’all, not gonna lie. I’ll continue to look for you every time we go to Home Depot, Lowe’s, Kroger, Target…LOL…yes, I’m a local so I’m always on the lookout to meet my Home Improvement Idols, Sherry & John.
Y’all take care, enjoy some family time and be stress free for a while. We’ll be here, checking back occasionally in hopes you’ve returned.
ALEJANDRA S. WEGAN says
I have been reading this blog for 3 years, is not as much as most people who are here. I was looking for ideas to decorate a room and I found you.
I just want you to know that for me you are a source of inspiration, have taught me that I can do things for myself and I’m not so bad after all on crafts (I can cut wood… yeeeeeeiiiiii).
I hope this time helps you to take care and enjoy the family, but I will still waiting news from you for the rest of my life. I’ll miss you a lot.
Lot of hugs and kisses from the bottom of my heart.
Laura says
Selfishly, my reaction is “nooooooooo!” We didn’t want our feedback to make you go away!
But that’s selfish, and what I hope is, you guys come out of this sabbatical with a new perspective and renewed energy. I sure hope the blog is part of that. It is one of my favorite moments of the workday, for sure.
Amanda A says
Thanks for all the inspiration. I bought a house 2 years ago and have followed you for tips and tricks.
Jan says
You will be missed! Maybe I’m not a ‘proper’ blog reader, because I never really got the idea that you needed to be tailoring your posts to please us. First, you could never please everyone; but, second, the very nature of blogging is that it is YOUR SPACE!!! I think it is sad that you felt like you needed to be pleasing your audience. But I think that is a completely different issue from feeling like you’ve lost your spark and needing a break and maybe a change. That is completely understandable — it’s amazing that you’ve been able to keep going at the pace you’re going for so long! Good luck!
Kylie says
Bummer. I will miss your updates. Good luck!
Holly says
Tried to post before but my computer crashed: thanks for a wonderful blog, one of the only ones I read regularly. I mostly admired your approach to life. We will miss you, but I”m glad you are doing what you need to do and following your hearts. best wishes and if you decide to come back, you will have lots of people waiting.
Emily says
Please be kind to yourselves. You’re in the trenches of parenthood (which is exhausting no matter the specifics of your situation), and you’ve worked incredibly hard for so long! …while managing daily doses of challenge, differing opinions, and often mean-spirited commentary. That’s a heavy load to be shouldering and you deserve to take time to prioritize yourselves.
Please know how respected and loved you are, and how grateful so many of us are for the care you put into sharing your lives with us. I sincerely hope that this is a much-deserved sabbatical and we get to see you again here.
Lots of love to your family!
Jade says
Everyone needs a break sometimes. We love you guys and thank you for bringing your DIY genius ideas to so many homes. We hope you will be back after a much needed break but keep the focus on what is healthy for yourselves and your family.
kelsey n says
i never comment but i have to now! i never felt that you guys lost any of your authenticity, i also never felt like this blog was a business (even though i know it is)! There is so much corporate sponsorship in the blogging world anymore… everything is sponsored and involves a blog hop or some other gimmick to try and get more people to read, your blog has NEVER been that. I have always respected (and secretly crushed on you for it) that you never took a dime from corporate sponsors, major props!
I’m sad to not see YHL in my daily blog roll but I hope you’ll be back, but if you aren’t… enjoy those adorable little ones and remember that we will always love and appreciate what you did for your readers! So many things have been accomplished in our home because i saw it on YHL! you guys are trailblazers and we owe you for putting your lives out there for us to enjoy :-) much love!
Heather says
Very sad to hear this news! I feel the blog is wonderful and has only gotten better! Love your writing and projects you do! Please come back when you’re ready!! Will miss you!!
thea says
This makes me ever so sad, but I understand and I’m proud (?) of you guys for being able to take this leap. I’m afraid you won’t ever come back, but I have to keep up hope that you will (because you’re the only blog I trust to explain the technical stuff and give me the confidence to do it myself).
Do you think maybe you could at least make sure to pop back before Christmas and let us know what you’re making for Clara and Teddy? Those posts were the greatest.
Michelle S. says
I love your blog and I look forward to reading it everyday, best wishes and I hope you’ll be back soon!! Enjoy those beautiful babies!!
Miranda says
Although I’ve been riding a long for long time, I don’t really leave feedbacks because usually others had said it, I just wanna show my support here.
I’ve sensed something’s different in the post recently, I can’t tell what it is. Maybe there’s a sense that you’ve been struggling to meet the post deadline. There’s not as much joy in the post as it use to be. That’s why you brace when you hit publish. I hope you figure it out and come back in some way. A lot of times, readers enjoy some light heart post, like the Clara says or other day to day things (without too much personnel information). It doesn’t have to be a full demo w/ millions how-to’s. The reality is you have 2 kids, it’s hard to squeeze out time to do all that, so don’t push yourself?…
hope to see you come back, so what should I read instead this month?……… hmmmmm
Becky says
I’m bummed by this announcement, but stepping back and taking a look at what your life’s work and how you want to improve is never a bad thing. I hope you are truly o.k…I’ll be praying for you!
Kelly says
S&J – Your family is the most important thing in the world. At the end of the day that is all that matters.
Deanna says
It will totally suck not getting my YoungHouseLove fix but I totally understand where you are coming from. I went through the same thing recently with my own job. A mini vacation with some thoughtful time was what I needed to remind me and refresh me with the fact that I do have a great job. I hope you are able to get your mojo back – your blog is only one of three I read and watch for on a daily basis and it will be missed! Take care of those kiddos, yourselves and do what you need to do!
Maggie says
We will leave the light on for you…
Miranda says
This is a good thing. It’s better to live with joy. If you’re Jesus people, Philippians 1:3-11. I thought of you with it.
For those who might wonder, but who will never look it up: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
Netty says
Oh my goodness! I will be so sad to not have YHL in my life. I totally understand and hope you all find what you are searching for….whether it be a renewed passion for the blog or something else. PS—the laundry room is like my favorite thing you’ve ever done. I’m loving this house and your style….and for those who were saying it was cheap….it’s not at all cheap…it’s doable for most of America. Who wants to read about things they can never afford….what’s the fun in that??! :) Good luck you all! I’ll be here if you return. :)
Sara says
Been reading for many years, and you’ve been my #1 resource since we bought our first home 2 years ago. Sometimes you’ve gotta take a step back. I’m excited for you. Whatever you do, you are on the horizon of something new and unknown. We don’t get a ton of those moments in life. Enjoy! I’ll be here if you come back!