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.
Bethany Cox says
Hugs
Thank you for choosing you. I know its a hard thing to do but its the right thing to do. Ill SURE miss you with all my blog reading heart and look forward to when you come back.
Alexandra says
Geez, I wasn’t checking in regularly enough and in only a week’s time this has happened?! The “Let’s take a break” talk is reminiscent of my dating days. Except back then, the “break” was usually instituted because we weren’t brave enough to fully “break up”. I hope this isn’t a precursor to a full break-up/lost blog. I thought you were great to step back when you moved into this house and had Teddy and I haven’t noticed anything “off” since that change.
That said, good on you to take the time you need to step away and come back with a fresh set of eyes and perspective on what this blog is meant to become. I’m looking forward to the next chapter!
Iryna says
Boo! People who say this is a full time job for y’all might be right, but it also sounded like some people had a bitter taste in their mouth from how much money they think you are making working from home. I can’t possibly imagine that there is a lot of money involved in this. Those people who said they work full time jobs and have kids and do renovations, also don’t have to take pictures, edit, write, re-edit, read hundreds of comments, and respond to some, while also working on other projects. These people also probably get 401K and insurance with their jobs, something, I am sure, you guys have to save for on your own. So anyways, to me those people sound bitter and jealous. (They wish they didn’t have to go in to work everyday and could stay home).
My +1 and I have full time jobs, no kids two cats though), and are fixing up our home ourselves, and we just started a small blog as a hobby, and I feel exhausted from everything (not to mention, our social life has been non-existent), so I can’t imagine doing reno full time, while trying to make ends meet and plan for the future. Anyways, I am not blaming those people for y’all wanting to leave, I am just saying that they are judging based on their own experiences (as most humans do), but are also not accounting for other factors (such as insurance and retirement). And why is it any of their concern how much you make or don’t make anyways?
I am a new reader and a new fan, I subscribed to your facebook and email subscription. I don’t have time to visit the blog every day, but get excited when something new shows up on my timeline or in my inbox. And I actually appreciate the technical posts very much! A kitchen re-do and a bathroom update are in our future which will require electrical work, framing, tiling, etc. and we really want to do as much as possible ourselves, so it’s awesome that we can see someone else’s experiences with similar tasks so we know what to expect and what to watch out for.
Sarah says
I will miss you. I look forward to reading YHL every morning and it has inspired me to do things in my house that I had previously never thought possible. Hoping to see you guys back here after a refreshing break! I am looking forward to seeing how your house changes (or doesn’t) during the sabbatical. After living with our house in complete disarray during our kitchen remodel, I have so much respect for your ability to live in a house that always has some large scale project going on. You guys rock and I feel that you have always been more transparent than other bloggers when it comes to how your blog pays you and I love reading your posts and knowing that they aren’t sponsored. I wish you well and hope to at least see sweet pics of those adorable littles on instagram again at some point!
Jenn says
I’m so sad, but also see that this will be a good thing for your family. You all will be missed!Looking forward to a refreshed perspective when you both are ready to come back.
Carrie says
Such a sad day for the blogshere. I never noticed a lost spark. You are both amazing and one if the best part of my days was opening your blog to see what you had to say. I adore you and your family. Enjoy your well deserved break and please come back to us- in whatever capacity you choose- and you’ll be welcomed with open arms! XO
Angie says
John and Sherry! Congrats! Yes, I said congrats!!! You’ve been doing this for 7 years. SEVEN YEARS. Nothing feels young and vibrant and sexy after 7 years, admit it. Not even your marriage – doesn’t your love for one another feel different than it did in the beginning? Yes, it’s no less true, and you’re no less committed, but it’s different, and a bit more work. Your blog baby is no different. And, unlike a marriage, it is less generous in giving back, and more fickle, and full of more than one person’s opinion. You could even say it’s more exhausting, and more work.
And from a career perspective, no one recommends staying in one job for more than 3-4 years without a change. Staying longer than that risks becoming stagnant. Does that ring any bells? It’s perfectly acceptable to change things up. Find a new direction; it’s good for you!
Krystal says
Oh I am so sad!! Selfish…yes. Don’t beat yourselves up over it. You just had a baby. Up in Canada we get 1yr paid leave from work to stay home. You guys have done such an amazing job all the way….never taking much of a big break. This is so totally normal. You guys need your lives too. I have to say I have never been disappointed in your content. Sad there are not as many posts but again with the new babe it is completely normal and I am a patient and understanding person ( still selfish though lol ). As for making money….I’d be doing a dance of joy if I blogged and was able to make money at the same time. I don’t think anyone can truthfully say they wouldn’t be happy to get the attention and benefits. You should be proud of all your hard work….proud that it lead to so many other opportunities. Big applause to you both!! So….as terrible as it will be ( for me! ) enjoy your time off and don’t feel bad about it.
iris says
Dear Petersons, While I must say that I will miss you immensely. Be at peace, your family comes first! I hope you enjoy your time away and come back fresh as ever. I have so enjoyed your blog and wish you all happiness! May you find your Groove again. Until then, Thankyou for this wonderful journey!
iris says
oops Petersiks…..so sorry, today is brainfart day! xx
Laurel says
You will be missed, guys.
Selfishly, I’m sad because you really are my favorite home blog. But I completely understand that this is what you need to do.
Here’s to a month(ish) from now!
Emily says
Congrats on finding clarity in a moment of uncertainty. Best of luck following that gut feeling that has steered in you so many “right” directions in the past. Enjoy your break & be easy on yourselves, you’re awesome!
Dina says
Wishing you all the best on your sabbatical. Selfishly I hope it isn’t too long. Your family and blog are daily inspirations that I’ll miss, but I’m glad you’re doing this if you feel the need to step back and refresh. I just hope that the negative opinions of others aren’t pushing you… Haters gonna hate and all. Don’t forget that the success of your blog has spawned what any success does: imitation and haters. You wouldn’t have to deal with them if so many of us didn’t love what you put out there! Could all of the negative feedback be a part of the lost spark you’re feeling? You should be proud of your blog and brand after pouring so much into them. I’m sure I’m not alone in being proud of your family as if you’re my friends. We’ve all watched you grow from a couple with a kitchen remodel to a successful business and family over the past 7 years and you’ve earned a lot for that. Nobody in blog land does it as well as YHL and I hope you return soon. All my best to you, Petersiks!
Kelly says
I can’t even imagine how exhausting being a blogger full time! Both of you are great and have inspired me A LOT! You deserve the break!
kim says
if you two very busy , wonderful people ever get around to this zillionth comment I want to say I have never thought your groove was lost and this ridiculous trend of being blamed for actually making money from your blog is just too much silliness. It’s appalling the things people think are okay to write in comments – but , that being said change is life and I hope it’s wonderful what ever you do- kisses to burger the badda**.
Sharon says
Thank you so much for your honesty! I truly loved your posts up until the end. I really didn’t understand what all of the fuss was about but maybe I, like Burger, am just really easy to please. :) What I really love is that you are being honest with us and yourselves about your burnout, and you respect us enough not to try and fill your posts with sponsors and guest bloggers. Good luck with everything and I do hope we’ll see you from time to time, even if it’s just a family photo with no words.
Lise says
Wow, this post has left me with so many thoughts and feeeeelings. I feel like you have been my friends every morning (or late afternoon South African time) for the past 6 years. I have always looked forward to hearing from you and seeing what you’re working on. I’ve enjoyed reading and learning from whatever you feel you can share with me that day, without expectation. You never disappoint. Thank you for choosing to be part of my life and for allowing me to be part of yours, it’s truly been a wonderful time and I have learned so much. My home is testimony to your passion and ability to inspire thousands of people. I wish you all the best during your time off and hope you know that you will be missed every afternoon when I automatically log into YHL, I hope we see you back soon but not too soon that you haven’t had great family time and an opportunity to be refreshed and relax. You’re a wonderful family, lovely people and I wish you a wonderful future. But I do hope there is still a place for us all in it, regardless of what size it might be.
Molly says
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! I’m, obviously, supportive of your needs and hope this helps you guys get a better perspective for your wants and needs… I do hope those wants lead you back to the blogging world.
I love YHL and all posts, please do come back.
Jess says
I’m a long-time reader (since House 1!) who went from checking here every day to checking only every few weeks, and for me, this is the best post I’ve read here in a long time. Genuine and thoughtful.
I think blogging is an odd profession, because unlike being in the work force, there’s no real opportunity to “move up” or really change jobs. How do you keep it interesting for yourself, doing the same thing year after year? Most people don’t stay in the exact same position for years on end. I think you guys also have the added dilemma of growing with your faithful long-time readers while grabbing new readers. You had a niche of being 20-somethings with not much money in your first house, and now you’re established, popular bloggers with two kids in your third house. I sincerely wish you all the best in figuring out your next steps.
Liz says
You will definitely be missed during your break. You have given me so much inspiration throughout the past few years an I know this break will be good for your family and the blog and I am really looking forward to the blog going back to the fun and excitement of years past. Until then, I will be patiently awaiting your return:)
Melissa says
Bravo! Take care of you. I love the blog, however, I love you taking care of yourself even more. It’s even… inspiring. :-) You’re doing it right!! See ya when you are back, or not. Either way, lots of love to you!
Laura says
Not even for one second did I feel like anything was “lacking” in your website or content. In fact, I thought your new format was brilliant, in the frequency & quality. That said, I think the break is well deserved. You two have a tremendous and unique talent, and your blog has always been a happy place for your readers. Whatever your final decision, thank you!
Jenn says
I have to admit, I have mostly been skimming over many of your posts recently. I didn’t give it much thought, I supposed I assumed it was my interests or where I was with my own home endeavors and there wasn’t anything “relevant” to me personally. But now that people are calling attention to it, there are things I really do miss about your blog. I miss the mood boards. I miss the big reveals. I feel like your older posts would more…tease with whole room renovations. and then there would be the big reveal and the cost breakdown and those are always always fun to see. I mean, I don’t really read the several paragraphs on changing out a single rug or the in depth how to’s on installing a new door. But the video house tours and the before and afters, the list of what you want to do to a room.
I love that you both are finding successes with other projects and the showhouse was fun to watch. The nature of blogging is ultimately voyeuristic though. People come here to see a peek into your personal lives. You have always been great about sharing personal stories along with the renovating and decorating.
I will miss you guys. and I hope you find what you’re looking for. Best of luck.
Kimberly says
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love you guys too. I love your style and what you’ve inspired me to do. I’ve loved watching Clara grow and welcoming Teddy. Enjoy your time off! I’ll miss you, but will probably get more done at work. ;-)
Just promise that if you go, you’ll let all of us know. I’ll need to blow up my printing budget to make sure I save every. single. thing. XOXOXO
Kathy says
Understand completely!!! Most families need time to regroup after the birth of a baby, new house, new job, etc…change in the family. I hope you come back with joy. Being self-employed completely is a strain on any family. I hope you all can find a mix that works for your family!!! We won’t recognize Clara and Teddy when you come back though!!!
Sara says
I’m not saying this to make you feel guilty, so first, let me praise your blog. It is an inspiration in not just the DIY way, but in a, wow what a great relationship they have way. So there’s that. And I know you appreciate the fans that you have and those who support you. If you’re doing a job you hate, you should leave it, I get that. Not that you hate it, but you know what I mean. If you don’t have the passion for it, I get it. But you are leaving me hanging on my lunch break!! I hope that you will send out a big FB announcement when you come back b/c now I won’t be checking. I truly hope you do not lose a lot of readership, b/c what you do is awesome, but I do worry that that is what will happen. :-( All the best, of course!!
Tamrah says
Good for you! Yours is the only regular blog I read, so of course I will miss you guys during this time, but I TOTALLY GET IT. Few are those brave enough to listen to their hearts. I’m proud of you.
Grace Nielsen says
John and Sherry – Thank you SO very much for sharing your lives and talents with all of us in the blogosphere all these years! You are SO loved!! You will be sorely missed… (I’m crying as I write this… still remember my schoolgirl jitters when my daughter Sarah and I got to meet you in Portland!!! A thrill of my life!!) Wishing you great success in your every endeavor ~ and hoping you come back to us in some way, shape, or form! With heartfelt thanks for sharing your young house life and love ~ grace
Kim Haytock says
I just want to say ‘Thank-you’ for many things- your blog, inspirations, being honest, for knowing yourself enough to know when to take a break, and for putting your family first. In a world where we are constantly pressured to keep going no matter the cost, I applaud you for keeping your priorities and hope that you will inspire others. I can’t imagine the pressure you felt feeling you need to preform online, and hope that either for a short or long term, you do enjoy your time.
Jeanna says
I just closed my eyes and said a prayer for you :) I will miss you terribly, but I genuinely want the very best for your sweet little family :) If and when you decide to come back, we’ll still be here if you want us to be. In the meantime, rest and let go of all the pressure. And thank you for letting us all hitch a ride on your journey.
Erica M says
You will be missed. I think I stumbled on this blog only a year or so after you started it, watching your family and home grow as my own did.
I am just catching up with the comments from last week after reading this post, so I am one of the surprised readers.
If I had had a chance to leave my own feedback, I would just say that I personally just love the before-and-afters and getting inspired and motivated when you check things off of your own to-do list. The laundry room makeover was exciting to follow. Since I often read at work, I admit I many times skim posts (maybe if you do come back you don’t necessarily have to feel that word count equates to quality, and maybe that makes posting a little easier… or maybe I am just a picture gal).
The other thing I love about this is that it has become such a great reference repository. There have been many times (and will continue to be) where I have wanted to do something at home and remembered that you guys had done something similar, used a product, etc, and dug up an old post for reference or inspiration.
I am selfishly sad to think of the house updates we may be missing in the coming months… but as a young mother I appreciate how precious the family time is and if I could afford to quite my day job and be more family focused I would.
Monika says
You deserve a break! Go find what makes you tick and–who knows?–you might be back. Or not. Or back in a different formation. In the meantime, enjoy the other two babies in your life. Good luck! And thanks for leaving the blog open since there are so many great references to projects that some of us, ahem, hope to tackle.
Debbie says
I will miss you guys so much! I have read your blog religously from the start and will feel like my day is somewhat blah without seeing and reading about your awesome projects and updates to your dream house(s). However, family comes first so I am glad you have the means and flexibility to do what is right for you and yours. I hope you find what has been missing and I really hope you are back in the blogiverse soon. Take care!
Martha McGinnis says
Everyone needs to take a break and seek inspiration now and then. I work as a chef because I LOVE to cook, and more than that, I love to cook for peoples enjoyment and comfort. The problem when you take something you love and turn it into your livelihood, it can become more of an obligation than a labor of love. Sometimes stepping away is the only way to gain perspective and insight. You will benefit from this break, regardless of the outcome. Of course, I selfishly hope the outcome is you come back with new inspiration and excitement, but if not, I’ll survive and so will you. You need to direct the blog and all that goes along with it, not let it direct you. OK, I’m done, but best wishes to you finding peace and inspiration!
Julianne says
My morning routine at 10:00am just won’t be the same. :O( I’ve looked forward to your posts and as you know, learned a lot from you both in tackling our own reno and sale. Obviously we all love you, too and wish you both nothing but the best. Hope you enjoy your sabbatical and looking forward to seeing you all in the future!! :O)
Lynne says
I’ll miss you! Your posts have been fun and informative highlights of my web-week over these last few years. Thank you for sharing! It is important to take some time off to re-center from time to time. Hope that the break will re-invigorate you both!
Melissa Arlena says
I have followed your blog for the last 6 years and you have helped me decorate and take on challenges around my house that I never would have before. Even your latest post on hanging the doors is helpful for me because we have two doorways that we will need to do that to pretty soon! I have referred back to your blog countless times for projects and I thank you for that knowledge you have shared! As someone who has two new babies too and her own business I 100% understand burnout and struggle. Take your time, enjoy your little ones and I hope you can come back refreshed!
Beth says
As I read this with a three week old in my lap, I honestly don’t know how you kept everything up through two new babies and two new houses! Wishing you a wonderful break and will see you when you get back! (Or at gelati celesti, I’m now obsessed)
Lauren says
I am very sad, because I love you guys (even though I don’t know you) and I adore this blog. I’m also full of admiration because I think that what you are doing is brave and important. It speaks to the types of people that you are, and to how genuine you are in your feelings and in how you approach life. It would be very easy for you to continue this blog even when it didn’t feel right. It would likely continue to make you money and support your family. But you would feel an emptiness and you would feel disingenuous. I commend you for recognizing that and for being so loyal and respectful to your readers, and more importantly, to yourselves. May your path forward, whatever it may be, be blessed and restorative for you. Thanks for opening yourselves up and sharing your home and your talents, and even tidbits of your personal lives so honestly for so many years.
Beverley says
You will be missed!!
Kate says
This blog post literally brought tears to my eyes. Silly I know right? I mean, I’ve never met you, or your wonderful kiddos, but I feel a connection to what you guys write about family, about honesty, about project gone array, about silly song lyrics. All that being said, I completely honor and respect what you all are choosing to do by taking a break. And it is brave of you, to do something different, to share your concerns and feelings openly. I know that many others (many others! There are more than 800 comments on here already and you only posted this less than an hour ago!) have echoed what I am saying currently, but truly, you are an inspiration for living life as real as you do.
Currently, I am expecting my second child, and I have to say that when I think of YHL, I think first of how you are raising your family and then think of all the great design you have so lovingly shared with us. Thank you, once again, for showing us that a family can be silly, serious, deal with difficult moments, and still enjoy life as much as you do.
Whatever your decision is in the future regarding this blog, know that you’re supported. And while it is a stranger writing these words, please understand that they are sincere to the max.
With all good wishes and warm thoughts for you and your family,
Kate
Mya B. says
Awesome! Sucks for us readers, but so happy for you, John and Sherry! You have handled the negative comments and demands gracefully, for a while. Props to you for putting your family and marriage before your work. Wishing you lots of success and happiness away from YHL. <—as sad as that is to say! BLESSINGS!
Catherine says
I will add to the chorus of people hoping this isn’t the end. I think a break is a terrific idea and I am confident you will be back with renewed enthusiasm! I also think it is perfectly natural to go through some ups and downs. You just had a baby for heaven’s sake! Plus, as far as you feeling ‘off’ and people not being happy with content, well, I think it is kind of strange to expect someone to tailor their blog content to them. If I like what you are doing that day or it feels relevant I read it. If it is something I am not interested in, I skip it and come back the next day. No biggie. Hope you really, really enjoy your break and I am going to cross my fingers you come back with bells on!!
Elizabeth says
I’ve always wondered how you guys do all that you do with so much energy and such consistency. I love DIY projects but would probably get burnt out after a month. I check your blog every time before I start a house project and have learned so much from your posts. Thank you! Hope you get some much deserved rest. Job very well done.
Courtney says
I am actually crying over this post! That should tell you just how much you guys are loved. This is your blog and you should be able to do with it as you please. There will always be people tearing you down, unfortunately, no matter what “job” you have. I also want to say I appreciate you buying from places like Target, Homegoods, etc., as that is where a lot of us shop! I do not think your posts were lacking anything and I hope you come back soon!
Debra says
I love you guys. I’m going off to cry now….
leatitia says
I’m very sad, but because I love you guys, I understand that you need to do what’s best for you and your family. I’ll be there whenever you decide to blog again. xox
Gretchen says
Go easy on yourselves! You can’t please everyone all the time. Your grace, honesty, professionalism, ethics, love…on and on, really….never cease to amaze me. Good luck as you figure out what is best for you and your family moving forward. Sending nuthin’ but love your way! xoxo
Becky says
It’s been an absolute pleasure reading your blog the last few years! Best wishes on your time off… eagerly awaiting your return :) You’ll be missed!
Elaine says
Good for you! This is REALLY good for me right now, because I struggle with wanting a work-at-home job because of the freedom that it allows. I fully know that I would be uber-busy and work hard, but I also know that in some ways, I might even get to be less flexible, which you guys have just demonstrated–sometimes it’s nice to have a work day that can end! Best of luck to you and thanks for helping me keep things in perspective.
Ashlea says
You defintiely need a break. Two small kids? Savor that time! It goes way too fast! Enjoy the normal while you can and don’t dare feel guilty one bit!!!