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.
Megan says
You guys are the greatest. When the whole blogging universe erupted I subscribed to so many that I was never able to keep up. In an attempt to rein myself in, I kept narrowing it down. Now I only follow you, and one other (Design Mom, because, well, she’s great!). I’ve always appreciated your honesty in your mistakes, what your home might REALLY look like on any given day, and your personal highs and lows. I believe the reason you are so successful is because you give your readers a true-to-life peek into your world and help us to feel that while you are inspirational on so many levels, you are also human.
I hope you feel nothing but love and support while you decide the next steps in your path. Those of us who have followed you faithfully will understand, and eagerly await your return!
Best of luck to you and your beautiful family!
Cyn says
I have really loved visiting your blog over the last 2 years.
I enjoyed your style of writing (come along with us-of course you can do it), the so easy on the eye photos and the thoughtful, simple to follow DIY projects.
The perspective was fresh, fun, super creative and truly doable. Thank you for all of it!
And thanks for leaving the site public…I am counting on those archives for several projects :)
Good luck with whatever comes next!
Heather says
Change, as hard as it is, is essential for progress. I loved, loved witnessing in the progression of your blog and of your life. Never once was it a boring ride, always evolving and turning the next corner. I am sure I am not alone in saying that I felt I was riding along in the backseat with you. I followed you along the way from the beginning and felt giddy each time I was privileged to witness the latest milestone or accomplishment. Yes, I was the one doing the happy dance in the Target Aisle when your merchandise arrived, clapping in excitement when I saw you on television, high fiving when I would see your design tips in a magazine. The kind of happiness you feel for an old friend as they conquer each new endeavor. Thanks for sharing your incredible “keeping it real” design advice and adventures and giving us a glimpse into the Petersik Family. Who doesn’t love a Clara, Teddy or Burger quote or story? If your goal was to inspire, trust that you did do that everyday and whatever or wherever your next journey takes you, rest assured that your book(s) remain on my coffee table and the inspiration continues. Just last week I was staring at four blank walls of the empty room that was once occupied by my now college student. Of course I wanted to sit and wail for a bit but as I looked at the paneled wall, I remembered your tutorial on painting paneling and got to painting. And so it continues…Thank you, Thank you. I look forward to seeing what lies in store for the Petersik family-I’m sure it will be fabulous covered in awesome sauce;)
Angie says
At some point, we all need to take time to reflect and find our happiness. Enjoy the break! I’ll continue to read when (if) you decide to get back to it. I’ll be sad to see you go if you don’t return to blogging, but I know whatever you decide will be the best decision for both of you and those adorable babies (and Burger, of course!). Take care! :)
AlisonG says
Overdue and well deserved. I hope you take a vacation while your at it.
Anne says
You are going to sleep well tonight! :)
Praying for peaceful hearts and minds as you rest and dream about the future.
Take care!
Amy B says
Enjoy the break, but please come back soon. You’ll never get this time back with your kiddos, and I applaud you for putting family first. But we will really, really, really miss you! I have found your style, your family, your houses, and your tutorials incredibly inspiring. It sounds silly to say it outright, but I honestly think I care more about my home (and I’m a better wife and mother because of that), after spending the last few years following you guys. I bring items I love into my home, I purge the rest, and I focus on function and fun. I learned that from this blog and the other blogs I found because of it. That’s important work, and I’m grateful for what you do. I hope this sabbatical refreshes you and you find that work/life balance that we all crave.
Kendra says
***Hugs**** Ahhh. Relish this season of unplugging. Happy for you guys!
Laura says
I’ll be waiting for you guys when you get back…reading your daily post is how I always start my work day, so i’m not sure what i will do now!
Rachelle says
Thank you for this post and best of luck to you both for whatever comes next!
Emilie says
Look at how many people LOVE what you do! I am totally on board with them!
I always get excited when I see a post from you. Less excited about the giveaways, but only because I seriously must be an anti-win magnet and because I miss your “voices” those days. However, it doesn’t stop me from sticking around or make me feel like there is less content. Heck, I still enter every giveaway knowing full well the win is not in the cards for me = def. of insanity ;)
Have a fun vacation!
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs says
We’ll miss you! Come back soon! :)
Lisa Johnston says
I will miss ya!
I’m a 45 yr old mom of two young men. I’ve been following you all since your little girl was a few months old. I’ve enjoyed watching your family grow and all of your DIY…it’s helped me build up my three homes I’ve lived in over the years…I go to your website and catch up a few times a week during breaks at work and anytime I need to be inspired to decorate or redo at home. Totally gets me through the day. I hope to find you again, when you decide to return. Thank you- thank you!! Enjoy yourselves :)
Love, Lisa
Kait says
My husband and I have SO been there – different circumstances (not blogging), but same thing. Enjoy this step back! Do what’s right for your family. I hope many things come clear in this month for the road ahead and that you also just soak up this time with your littles! I’ve followed you from the post you announced you were pregnant with Clara and will be here until you decide to quit. So much love and respect to you for this! Take as long as you need. xo
Katy says
I am SO sad! This is my favorite blog and you will be missed!! Come back sooooon!!
Jessica says
Props to you guys for taking a risk and refocusing your lives. I have been following this blog since very close to the beginning, and you have inspired me countless times. I couldn’t wait to buy my own home so I could try out some projects for myself. You always give the best content and instructions on how to follow thru any job. This has been my favorite blog by far. I’m sad to see y’all take a break, but life is too short to be unhappy. Even when you do what you love, it’s still called “work” for a reason. Best wishes to you, Petersiks. We will all be here, with our power tools, when you figure it out!!
Connie says
I will miss rreading about your projects and about your family. Thanks for sharing with us. My best wishes to you.
Devon says
You are fortunate to be in a line of work that will allow you to up and take a month off! I wish I could do the same :) Will miss your blog terribly, as it has been part of my morning coffee routine for years now! Good luck to you all!
Whitney says
It’s not goodbye.. It’s see you soon!!! Have fun on your sabbatical!!
Char says
I think you should just post what you want when you want. That’s the beauty of a blog and the fun of a blog. If you’re posting something just because you have to or because you’re trying to figure out what others want you to post, it’s not fun for you or readers. Things are fun when you want to do them. Just do what you feel when you’re ready. The thing I think most people enjoy about blogging is that whatever you are writing about, you’re excited about sharing it with the world. So you shouldn’t have to apologize for not sharing something you weren’t excited about sharing with the world. And no one wants to read or make you write things you’re not excited about. Good luck, figuring everything out.
LibbyP says
Good for you. Thank you for your honestly.
Rachel says
I love your blog, such a bright spot in my day. Baffled by the complaints a couple posts ago.
It’s like when an Indie singer has a hit, people are there to look for the negative and accuse them of selling out. Because they were supposed to spend the rest of their lives performing in coffee houses?
You guys rock, happy to support you whether in a Target, book or HGTV deal. Or if you guys decide you have had enough being exposed and want to be working a corporate job, I wholly support it. Do what you have to do to make you happy.
Much admiration and love from NOVA. XOXO
Jennifer Filardo says
Just chiming in with more support for the two of you. I’m in the “never felt let down” and the “completely respect your decision” and the “I’ll miss you” camps. A great big hug to you and yours.
Liz says
You will be missed!! This is the only DIY blog I read with any regularity b/c a lot of other blogs feel staged. I get it, the blog is your job but you also live inside of your job. If I could never get away from work I’d loose a little spark too. :-) Come back soon and please post about finishing up the filler and crown molding in the laundry room. I’ve been waiting for that post so I can grab some tips to finish up a set of built-in bookcases.
Jillian says
You’re honesty is refreshing and thank you for confiding and trusting in your readers. I have been reading for years and have noticed something amiss for a while now. I definitely think you are entitled to take some time off to evaluate. Burn out happens to everyone! 7 years is a long time, and unlike a lot of us corporate drones, owning your own small business doesn’t let you change companies, positions, or career paths. Don’t be afraid to make the changes you need to let more happiness in. Wishing you all the best!
kate says
Nooooooo. This feels like when we lost Domino the magazine (but it’s back now and you will be too!). You are the first blog I consistently ever read. I think you’ve been and will continue to be an inspiration- igniting the DIY fire in all of us. I treasure you sharing your family and lives with all of us followers/strangers.
Have a fantastic break and I’ll be here anxiously awaiting your return.
xoxoxo
P.S. Shari- I’m rocking the black shirt and ponytail in your honor today!
Sarah says
Awww! I have been reading your blog diligently since my oldest daughter was born and I would sit at the computer for hours a day while she nursed (while I gained an excitement for interior decorating from blogs) – anyway, she is 5 and I just sent her to her first day of Kindergarten yesterday! I can’t believe it! You have been very regular bloggers from the time I started reading 5 years ago, and I think you need this break. Thank you for your honesty and I hope you have some great family time and refreshment as you look to the next step. I’ve so enjoyed your life and blog.
Nicole says
I’ve read your blog for probably 5 or 6 years, and look forward to checking on new posts. I’ve enjoyed and appreciated everything you’ve shared, from personal stories, little craft ideas, huge overhauls, I love it all. Please, please keep the blog public for us to reference past posts. I just bought a house, and I’ve thought over and over, “ugh, what colour did they have in their old office. I really liked it”, or, “what products did Sherry and John use to seal that floor stencil?” I could go on and on. Thank you for sharing everything you did. I hope to see you back here, even just for a few fun/light/family/decor posts in the future.
PS. I’ll just wait for your book to come out for more YHL in my life.
xoxo Nicole
Tamara says
So sad to read this! I hope your break leaves you feeling refreshed and you come back better than ever… Please come back!
Rachel says
I’ve stopped reading several DIY blogs over the past year or so, but yours was and is my favorite. Enjoy your break and your family. I’ll keep on eye on my feedly account for your return!
Jessica says
In some professions, it is encouraged to take a break after 7 years. When I worked at a PR firm, after 7 years all employees were encouraged to take a sabbatical. Partners at law firms often have mandatory sabbaticals every 7 years. Sabbaticals are common for professors. Full time bloggers need them too! Best wishes.
misapb says
Good for you! I hope that when you find your mojo it will involve blogging. If not, thank you for being an inspiration to us all. You are – and always will be – awesome. Just awesome.
Cindy E says
This is the most impressive blog post I have ever read. Thank you for being straight up honest about your situation. You guys are being very wise – taking a break from all this social media – this whole internet thing -it will be a remarkable relief and change for you, for the better. Blogs can be like a roaring freight train for some….lots of great things happened for you but it was going so incredibly fast – you do need to slow way down and gain control again. At the end of the day, this is about your life, your family,and you must do what is best for all of you. You both have done a phenomenal job here and you can be proud. I just really commend you for having the insight to do the right thing for your family…there is just too much social media now, it is unreal..you need some peace. Thanks and Best Regards – to a great future for all of you!
Jenny G. says
:-( Take your time. You’ve earned it. Hug your babies tight and remember how wonderful you are. And please come back when you’re ready <3 <3 <3
Jenny G. says
Ugh! Sorry! Meant to edit and it posted twice. Doh!
Cathy Ropiski says
I was surprised to read your paragraphs of self-criticism as I see you all as talented, creative, fun, breezy young folks. As I truly enjoy the work you do, I hope the time you take for yourselves will be fruitful and deeply healing. Will miss you and look forward to what is coming next. I want you to know I have searched the internet for any other cool blog on home decor/DIY, etc. and there is NO ONE else out there like John and Sherry. You guys are incredibly special! XXOO! Take care!
Brooke says
You will be missed by so many people, but enjoy your break! I think you will enjoy the time away without the stress of the blog on your shoulders. A well deserved break!
Amanda says
In keeping with the spirit of you guys always insert appropriate song choice puns into your posts, just remember “Haters gonna hate hate hate hate hate… Shake it off. Shake it off.” (a la Taylor Swift) and more importantly “Please don’t leave me.” (a la Pink).
Enjoy the break. I will miss you. Though my productivity at work may slightly increase.
Elisabeth says
While I hate to see you guys go, I totally understand! I really hope you do decide to continue blogging, as your site is hands down one of my favorites! You’ve inspired so many people (myself included!) and I hope you all realize that and can see through all the ugly comments. Blogging is such a strange business and I’ll never quite understand why people think they can be so mean about other people, just because they choose to write a blog. But I digress, enjoy your well deserved break, and will look forward (fingers crossed!!!) to your return, however that looks in the future!
Malva says
This is my nightmare!
I will miss you so much. Is it too early to ask you to come back?
Jessica L says
Best post ever! You guys deserve a solid break! Enjoy your time away :)
Kati says
I couldn’t even keep reading all of the negative horrendousness from that thread – it just devolved. I hope those voices that makes demands don’t get any weight in your book. It’s your blog, your house, your design. We don’t pay a subscription service for goodness’ sakes! That kind of criticism would make me cry. Please hear the wonderful affirmation of your readers who appreciate what you do.
Also… it’s crazy to think that the voice of a couple of 24 year olds (right? that’s how old ish you were when yuo started?) who were newlyweds and first-time homeowners with no children would have the same voice and design as parents and third-time home owners. C’mon. John and Sherry, we real do love you. So much. I appreciate that you’ve grown and understand that you voice would change… I still didn’t notice anything off after all of that. I’m praying that the hearts of those who are hardened would just soften to compassion instead of criticism.
Jenny G. says
:-( Take your time. You’ve earned it. Hug your babies tight and remember how wonderful you are. And please come back when you’re ready. I’ll be checking in every day. Just in case <3 <3 <3
Jill says
May God bless you on this journey! Your family is so important. Thank you for the last 6 years of blogging.
Candice says
Young House Love has been at the top of my daily reading list since back when you lived in your first home. I don’t comment much because I love everything you guys do and I’m sorta shy. I’m sorry if you are considering stepping back for a sabbatical, but I hope it’s not permanent. Just yesterday my sister and I became inspired to clean out our laundry cupboards after seeing your gorgeous laundry room reveal. We live vicariously through the ups and downs of your DIY remodeling.
Selfishly, I hope you don’t abandon YHL because I will miss you and Clara and Teddy and Burger more than you will ever know.
Alice says
Ditto to what my sister Candice said above! I have a lot of blogs bookmarked, but yours is one of about 5 that I read each and ever day!
I hope your time away gives you all renewed energy to continue blogging and hope to see you back here one day. If not, thank you for giving us all so much pleasure!
Dina says
I’m sorry I already commented, but I just pregnant lady cried out of nowhere thinking that I might not have your blog for inspiration and reference for the new things you do for Teddy’s room that I could potentially use in my little guy’s nursery. So sad! #dueinaweek #pleasecomebacksoon
Christy says
I sincerely hope you return. This blog inspired me to refocus some energy during a pretty nasty divorce and there were several late nights that involved reading your blog and planning how to re-haul my living room, which helped keep my sanity. Thanks for all the wonderful posts and sharing your lives with us. I’ll be checking in for an update!
Tracy K says
Ok-I’m going to be selfish here for a minute & say that I hate this decision!!! How dare you make me sad! Like, really sad. :(
It’s like a death. I’m used to seeing you guys everyday & now you’re just gonna be gone??? Noooooo!!!
With that selfish rant over, I get it & of course have nothing but love for your entire family.
Pleeeeease check in eventually. Just let us all know how it’s going.
Beth says
I have 3 favorite blogs, yours is one of them. Do what you have todo. I need to buy your book and I will buy the second one. Thanks for sharing so much! I look forward to whatever it is that you do in the future in regards to blogging or as such. Great luck to you guys!
john says
Heard a sermon in church on how you feel very topic this weekend – http://www.hopeingod.org/sermon/captivated-christ
Joanna says
Oh what a loss. I am glad for you (I guess). But so so sad.