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.
Sarah says
Will miss you!!! Maybe you guys just need a break, this job forces you to be always on! All work and no play…. :) lots of love!!! Sarah
Hannah says
You’ve taught us all so much, and that’s great — I never would have thought to install runners on my stairs so nicely without your tutorial. But if you inspire/remind even one person that family, integrity, honoring your self and your life is more important than money, publicity or status — that lesson will be more valuable than a hundred copycat kitchen remodels. I absolutely applaud your decision-making and it reminds me that my family comes first and that it’s less important to me to have a “dream job” than it is that my work not drain or deplete the energy and love I have for my family. Whatever you decide, please check in and let us know what you’re up to so we can celebrate your next steps!
Stacy says
I echo everyone else. I love reading what you guys are up to and your puns and wit make my day. Balancing family and work is hard (i have two small kids and work FT) and i don’t know HOW you guys do it and have time for informative and funny blog posts everyday. I think some R&R is just what you need. We will all be here waiting to see what the next chapter has in store. I will miss you guys every morning!
Jessica says
I hope it’s a restorative break! Thanks for sharing your adventures online, and I hope we’ll see you back in some form in a few weeks.
sarah says
Thank you for all the inspiration you have provided over the years! Yours was the first blog I started reading regularly and it was a starting point that eventually helped me gain the courage to go back to school for interior design. I’m 6 years younger than you guys and don’t have any older siblings. You are part of a contingent of bloggers–Emily Henderson, Bryn Alexandra, Brooklyn Limestone–who started out in similar stages of life and have been growing so out in the open for the past many years, you almost feel like my internet big siblings. Watching you make this opportunity for yourselves, have your family, find your dream house, etc. has been helpful for someone just a little younger than you. I’m sad to see you take a break (I hope it’s just a break!) but appreciate this next step of growth. Creative work requires play and when you lose your time to play, it’s hard to continue your work. I hope you guys get the time to play and rediscover your inspiration!
Rebecca M. says
I have loved your blog since I discovered you guys a few years ago. I understand life get busy especially when you have two kiddos. I stopped working about a year and a half after my first child was born and have been a work at home mom since. I am so glad I got to spend those 1st few years soaking in every bit of my babies. They grow so fast! Thanks for inspiring me for these past few years. We bought a foreclosure a few years ago and we have had lots diy projects since. I have always looked to you for ideas. I appreciate that you guys are frugal and aren’t buying tons of super expensive products because most people can’t afford that. I know I sure can’t. I also miss the reader redesign and you interacting with us that way. Bottom line, I LOVE you guys and love that you have shared your lives with us. Please come back soon!
Anonymous says
I missed the post and discussion the other day so am just getting caught up on this but I’ve often wondered how you two take care of two kids full time and work two full time jobs during the day (I’ve never heard you mention you have help with the kids during your “work week?”). When I had my daughter last year I was given the opportunity to continue working and entirely from home and I thought “OMG, dream scenario! I can be at home with her full time and do what I love for work still. I don’t have to chose!” But I’m learning it’s reeeeeallly hard during the day to be committed to both baby AND a job and someone/something ends up taking the back seat. Sound like for you that’s been the blog (which is totally understandable!). My two cents is that during this “break” you think about what’s REALISTIC in balancing work and family. Millions of other parents have to make the choice every day between work or family during the week and it sounds like you trying to juggle both at full capacity without getting help for either (no baby help, no blog staff) has caught up to you.
Kimberly ~ Serendipity Refined says
I completely understand. Take a break, recharge, reevaluate and THEN move “forward” where ever that happens to be! You’ll know what it is when you find it. Thanks for sharing your life and projects…and for being honest about the process. xo
Allison says
Ugh, I’ll miss y’all!!!!!! Your judgement and reasoning for different projects and even baby stuff has always been something that I’ve valued! Being around the same age and stage in life, I’ll be planning to do something, search for what y’all did, read the reasons behind it and often (always :) pretty much always do the same thing because it’s so right on!! I’ve always enjoyed the balance between budget and beautiful that y’all represent and if this is another area that needs some balance, then, go for it!!! Please know that y’all will be missed, tremendously!!!! I feel like I haven’t even gotten a chance to know Teddy :( xoxoxo best wishes Petersiks!!!!!!
Stephanie says
You guys were the first blog I started reading, and you introduced me to a bunch more. I wish you well, and hope you get some fresh perspective. Good luck to you.
Gemma says
I’ve pretty much read your posts every single day for 7 years. Yeesh, maybe I should get a life! I will miss you guys but I think time off is a great idea for everyone. Hope you find your mojo! xo
Allison says
Not sure how much you’ll be keeping up with comments on this, but I went back and re-read the April post. I think April had a lot of good ideas on how to wind down and diversify what would be posted in order to give you guys more time to be with family, work on the house and book, etc–but I don’t think a lot of those April ideas ended up being executed.
If when you come back you’re still thinking “x posts a week still seems like too much, but that’s what everyone expects now” those other items like reader redesign, giveaways, short blurbs about home life are all things that we’re here for too. The blog can change and grown, and even grow into something more closely resembling those “older days” and we will still be here excited to see you all.
I think you both deserve so many good things, and an end of summer break may just be what you need to recharge.
Jessica M says
I completely respect your decision and your honesty. I don’t even know if you’re going to read all of these comments, as you’re taking a break, but I just had to comment anyway. I sincerely hope you guys come back re-energized, whether that’s a month from now or six months from now. I follow many blogs but you guys are, and have been since I discovered you, my absolute favorite. I know that what you’re feeling is internal, but I hope all of these comments show you that so many of us still love your blog like always and think you’re still doing a WONDERFUL job. You guys inspire me and make me so excited for the day I get a house and can use your tips to help make it my own. I think you always come across as “John and Sherry” – NOT “the brand” – really. It’s why your blog is my favorite. You come across as real people and NOT a brand that’s trying to make money off of us readers. So please, enjoy this time off but read through all these comments and realize that a lot of what you’re feeling is not needed. We love you!
Crystal says
Love you guys. Nothing but respect. Do what you need to do for you and we’ll welcome you back with open arms when you return.
Tonya Reish says
Life happens, and things change. Doing what you love is great until it becomes a job that gives you no satisfaction and becomes a struggle daily. Family is most important. You have had a great blog and many great things happen along the way! But most importantly you have a family that will always be there to support any and every decision you make. Your blog has never been lacking, I am quite amazed just having a second child you kept up with the demands from all the other projects so cool! I wish you and your family the best of life, love and happiness. God bless every adventure you take! May the new road you take always be golden!
Kismet says
Bye.
Enjoy your life, your home and your family. I imagine you will feel a little lost at first but I think you will find it incredibly freeing in the end.
Thank you for the years of inspiration and sharing.
I am sorry if anything said hurt you. You have been so brave.
~K
Joyce tx says
Understand completely! Vibes change and you have to internalize them…..but, I will be waiting to you say,
“WE’RE BACK!”
Jarrett says
Good for you! As one of the few (only?) dude-readers out here, I’m bummed to miss John’s perspective on the DIY house projects scene. I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts and seeing your personality come through in your writing. Take care and best of luck to you. Hope to run into you in the future.
Megan says
Thanks so much for all your energy and effort. I thought you might find some solace for your journey (or fodder for an ugly cry) in this performance by Christine Kane (“some choices slow you down, some chances set you free”). Happy reflecting!
Sarah says
I wish the best for you all! I have to say though that I’m worried this will be like a tv show that you really get into, and then it gets cancelled between seasons so you never find out how all the plot points are resolved. What about that remaining blue trim? The future of the media room? Conversations with Teddy? OMG will we ever know your drape decision in the office? :) Take care, and hopefully you will feel the spark again.
Monica says
Good for you.
Kara says
I’m bummed the blog is on a break, but so glad that you all are stepping back and resting! I’m an amateur photographer (it’s a passion but there are literally no stakes, so I know it’s a lot different from you guys!) but I even feel like I go through slumps and periods where I don’t feel inspired! Like I’m creatively burnt out and all my work seems disappointing to me. I can only imagine how challenging it is to pump out posts day after day, especially when there is so must work going into each one, and not get to that place. As I was reading your post I was literally thinking “They need to recharge!” This was a really encouraging article I read a few weeks ago on the subject and I thought I’d pass it along, sorry to be that annoying person but I thought it was so good. ???? http://www.incourage.me/2014/08/why-rest-takes-courage.html
Kari says
Ok, I admit, I am definitely teary-eyed. Whether it was the more laid back posts or the more businessy stuff, I loved all of it. I’m on the “lets call it a sabbatical” train. Enjoy this time of rest and refocus. Everyone experiences changes, personally and professionally, over the years. To stay the same would be boring :-) Seriously, you guys are the best!!! (and just one selfish plea – please come back!!!!)
Laura says
I will miss you. I do however completely understand & hope that you will come back stronger, more inspired & more Petersik then ever. I look forward to your return & will welcome you back with open arms, a big smile & lots of excitement & enthusiasm but will also understand if you decide not to return to this called blogging. I hope you find the answers you’re looking for & wish much peace, love, happiness & success in whatever roads you travel in the future.
Lisa says
Good for you guys. Go with your heart and take a deep breath of relief. You cornered a market that needed leaders, and you rocked at it. It’s good to recognize when it’s time to move on for everyone’s sake. Whether or not you’re back, I think it’s really cool that you got to this place and I hope you end up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Good luck and hugs to you all.
Ashley A says
All of the years I have followed you I wondered if this day would ever come. Although my heart is sad that your stories of your family & your home projects won’t fill my feed, I am relieved to know that its all for a good and better purpose. Hopefully you will come back & be rejuvenated & just as much in love with it as you were a few years ago, if not what a great story you have here in the archives.
Just know you’re both an inspiration to all of us trying to follow our dreams! Both in the home and in our personal lives. Your stories have personally touched my husband and I over the years.
Eli and I wish you all the best in whatever this journey has in store for your family of 5! Best wishes and love from the mitten state! <3
Stephanie says
I will miss reading your posts! But sometimes a break is the best thing…you can all figure out what works best for your family in this moment. Hope to see/hear from you soon! Thanks for allowing us into your lives these past seven years :)
AnnieM says
I posted a reply earlier this morning, but I’ve been thinking about you and all the negative comments you have received in this past week. I was reading another of my favorite bloggers this morning (I’m at SFO dealing with a delayed flight) named Cathy Zielske (cathyzielske.com) who wrote these two paragraphs this morning:
“I’ve talked to my therapist about negative comments and she’s helped me to understand something that I am starting to actually believe: they are not about you. They are about the person who leaves them.
Maybe the person who leaves them is going through something really hard in their lives and a negative comment will help them to feel more in control of the pain.”
Just thought of you guys when I read it. <3
Kathy says
Hey John and Sherry,
I just looked at Clara and Teddy’s photo projects. When you have a minute, put them beside each other in their same week photos and have a smile! Best wishes!
raychill says
haters gonna hate, loving followers gonna wait. i’ll be here pouring through years of helpful posts to keep me busy as i patiently await your return. enjoy your beautiful family and all that you’ve created.. this sabbatical has certainly been earned!
Laura says
This reminds me of that new Taylor Swift song… haters gonna hate hate hate hate hate… I’m just gonna shake shake shake shake shake – shake it off. John and Sherry, shake it off and get back to loving your kids and your home and each other. We’ll be here when you come back. Please come back! And for the record – I have been loving the blog just as much as always and appreciate the giveaways (even though I’ve never won – hahaha). Keep being your happy, funny, talented, creative selves and the rest will fall into place. All the best to you guys! xo
Anne G. says
Good for you for taking a break and figuring out what you need to do next!
I do think you should write a book about blogging lessons learned. What to do, what not to do, etc. I would buy it!
Also, for what it’s worth, I find your step-by-step “how to” for DIY stuff really helpful. Best info I’ve found on the internet. Very detailed, easy to follow instructions.
Anyway, I wish you the best in whatever your next adventure is!
And, thank you for keeping the blog up for archived DIY projects!
Lauren says
Just know, we love you guys, and we will wait for you. One day we will all show up in your driveway, holding boomboxes over our heads. OK not really, that would be mega creepy. Take your time and get your groove back on! xoxo!
AmAnda says
I found you guys when googling if I should of painted all my trim in matte paint lol. I’ve followed along ever since and without you would never of had the courage to tackle projects in my own home. Like others have said I shed a tear knowing it’s the end of something awesome and magical. You’ve created something beautiful and I thank you. I wish you luck and I’ll fully support whatever your next adventure is :)
Ashley Bee says
Sherry, John – I don’t know if you guys are reading these comments today (maybe it’s too soon?) but I wanted to say that I love your blog and LOVE what you write. Every time. Even if it’s technical, or goofy, or maybe just a giveaway. You always make it fun and I feel like I “know” you. My husband had to learn your names because sometimes I say “Sherry and John did this…” like you’re my IRL friends. :)
I hope you have an amazing time of rest ahead of you, and I hope you return to us rejuvenated. I would be heartbroken if you stopped blogging. I read others, but yours is the one that started it all and yours is truly the only update I NEED to read every day. :)
Luciana says
You’re simply the best, better than all the rest! (Yes, like Sherry does, picture me singing Tina Turner)
I’m truly hopping that’s a temporary break.
Good lucky, anyway
Laura says
Guys, you will be missed. But, you WILL NOT regret for one second taking time off for your family. I fully support you in your decision (I’ve been a reader since Clara was a newborn). I am a little older than you guys (37) and my kiddos are 11 and 8. I cannot believe how fast those baby/toddler years flew by. You are ABSOLUTELY doing the right thing. In fact, when you announced Teddy’s pregnancy, I secretly hoped he would help you guys step back and really savor these years. Who knows? When they get older, we will all welcome you if you choose to come back. But, know that until then, I will be one of those constantly searching archives for ideas. And I might ugly-cry while doing it b/c I will miss you. Hugs.
Brandi G says
I agree with Laura. My kids are it older than yours too and that time goes by in a flash. I’ve been reading your blog for several years and loved it. I have however wondered how you did it all; it always seemed like y’all were working. I have never thought negatively of your decisions to not share either. You still have the right to privacy. I hope y’all will be back. I’m in a fixer upper (7 years now and not finished). You give me motivation that we will finish one day. I hope to see the rest of that blue trim painted!!
Care says
Oh nooooooooo!
Ok, I get it, I really do. We will miss you all more than you know. Ugh :(
Count me in as waiting right here if/when you do come back. Take care guys.
Smita says
the weird feeling i had as i started reading today’s blog came true. I understand what u meant by lost the spark & its what it is. I hope u get the spark & joy back for the blog. I along with countless others will always be waiting for u to come back. The joy ur blog has given me cant be told & i hope u guys will be back soon. If not I hope we meet again in some other way. I would like to end it by saying ” We meet to part & we part to meet again”
22209 says
I am daily reader and a hardly-ever commenter, but I want you to know I’ve enjoyed every one of your posts and I hope you’ll be back. But more than that, I hope you find and do what’s best for you!
Georgina says
Oh no! I was just thinking of how much I miss your daily posts today :( My house is a better place since I found YHL, there’s nothing else like your blog out there. I really hope you come back online feeling a whole lot better about the blog and the business. Do promise to come back!
Michelle says
I miss you already:(
I also totally understand that you feel the need to step back and reevaluate. YHL and the whole Petersik clan has been part of my daily routine for so long I don’t know quite what I’ll do at 10am anymore. I actually kind of hate the weekend because I have to wait for Monday for the next post. That said, I hope this time helps you recharge and that you come back. I’ll read anything you post. Seriously. Anything. So, in the immortal words of Dick Van Dyke, “Don’t stay away too long.”
Erika says
I will miss your posts! You are always my first read when I skim through my favs. I pray this next stage is everything you need it to be. When you guys come back I’ll be here jumping for joy.
Megan says
I never comment – but feel like maybe people like me who never comment maybe should more often. The silent majority. . .
I love your posts. You run an amazing blog full of inspiration. I feel like I have no right or say in how often or what you post, I just feel privileged to be able to read what you write.
Good luck with your break. You will be missed.
Jessica says
Will miss you guys terribly but fully support your choices!!! Have a great, clarifying break!!
Jessica Feinberg says
You will be missed!! I always have looked forward to reading your posts – I’ve been a faithful follower for 4+ years.
I’ve always been inspired by you and I look forward to your return! ????
Casey says
I’ve never commented but I’ve been following your blog for years and I look forward to checking it every morning. This news has made me more bummed out than I expected. I think I will be experiencing some withdrawal for the next month. Please do come back!
Your posts have always been really great, and I was never disappointed with your content. There was a week or so, recently, where the posts were mostly from John with laundry room updates, and I think we missed Sherri a little. You guys seems to be a perfect balance when you’re working as a team so that week was a bit lopsided.
Your kids need their parents and they are lucky to have you two. I hope you feel inspired after your break and I truly look forward to your return. I wish you the best.
Jessica C says
Wow, I’m so sad. I have been following this blog for probably 6 years and you are honestly my favorite. I have enjoyed not only all of the wonderful DIY but also that you shared your family with us. I truly feel like I know you guys (which I know is kinda weird). I feel like I’m losing some friends. I’m not saying any of this to guilt you but just to say that you have touched my heart and I will miss you if you don’t come back.
I’m glad that you are doing what you feel is best for your family no matter what that is. I also want to say that yes it is a different blog than it was with the first house but why would you want it to stay the same. Growth is good. Change is good. You do more major DIY now, I mean you just built a laundry room (that is beyond amazing btw). I truly hope that you come back reenergized because if this is truly goodbye, my heart will break. Lots of love to the whole family from this South Floridian whose heart has been consistently touched by you. Thank you for always being so honest with us and sharing the love.
Heather says
Hi! I rarely comment but have been reading for years (after I stumbled across your blog while procrastinating study for my medical board exams). I have had 2 babies and 2 homes since then and love following your growth too. Your blog is still my favorite and like many others I hope you find the balance you’re searching for and come back to the web in a way that suits you and your family.
Catherine says
I totally understand and as a fellow blogger people who do t blog have no idea the extent of what’s involved. I hope you’re able to get to the point where you do it put of love and when you feel up to it. Get rid of editorial calendars and write when you feel like it, if at all. Good luck with everything :)
Jules says
I’m so excited for you! Sad for the readers of course. I like to check out blogs and read articles on line. But rarely delve into the comments, as I can’t stand the drama(I thought I’d left that behind in grade school). As someone who takes planned media breaks, I know the peace and centering it can give your soul, a feeling of ‘this is real life’.
All the best to you and your family, joy in everything you do.
As a side note, I think that there is plenty of people who would love a Young House Love brand. (I have never liked mixing my personal life with business, it muddles things and is exhausting.) If you do return to blogging remember there are many successful brands and sites who people are happy to support, that don’t have the personal mixed in. Some have no comments turned on at all. Remember the only person you owe your lives to are yourselves and your little family.
Wishing you Happy Forevers!