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.
Jess says
I’ve been reading the blog since before Clara and I’m so proud of you guys and all you have accomplished! I met you guys on your book tour and you truly are as normal, awesome and witty as you come across on the blog! Can’t wait until you guys return, but take ALL the time you need!
Cara says
Hoping your break is just what you need to find direction and passion again. <3 When all is said and done, you have to focus on yourselves and your family first and foremost. Love you y'all!
Westlass says
You have created a marvellous blog. Be kind to yourselves.
September says
I hope you have a restful month and find perspective on what to do going forward.
I’ve enjoyed your blog so much. Thanks for the many years of letting us observe your lives. You guys are great!
I’ll miss you!!
Lisa O says
Good for you guys! I stumbled upon your blog years ago and read it every time a new post pops up in my RSS feed but don’t think twice when I don’t see a new post. Going back to work 4 months after my second baby made me so miserable, and by the time I had my third I was so burned out that I quit completely and didn’t work for a year. I barely have time to READ blogs anymore so I can’t fathom how you had time to WRITE them on top of all the other work. Plus you guys had such high standards for communicating with readers, I think that would have been unattainable for anyone to sustain long term! I do hope this is just goodbye for now because you guys are so unique and amazing. Honestly though, given all you have done in the past year, I would think you really need more like a 6month break. Best of luck to you!!!!! Xoxo
M says
This is my first time commenting after reading for several years (and using many of your tips on my own projects) and it’s been a privilege to read about your house adventures.
I don’t usually read internet comments; are people really getting upset that you’re not keeping to some sort of schedule? You don’t have any obligation to me or anyone! You and your family are the most important thing and whether or not you come back to your blog, I want to wish you all the best!
Lisa | Winter Heights says
Just had to comment and thank you guys, I don’t think I thanked you enough for all the info/inspiration you’ve given me. I can only imagine the job of blogging doesn’t give back nearly as much as you pour yourselves into it. And you’ve poured sooooooo much. Enjoy the time, will be thinking of you guys while you make new decisions. Hope to see you soon, friends!
Sarah says
Going to miss you guys, and your posts! Hope you come back soon – I will miss reading, even on boring days! lol
Jennifer says
I will definitely miss reading your blog while you are taking a break! I hope you find the rest, inspiration, and rejuvenation that you are looking for!
Anita says
I will miss you but I hope this break will help you both figure out how you’d like to move forward. Enjoy your time with your little ones :-)
katy says
I have always admired how you two have balanced your family and your job! You are a great example. I love your posts and thoroughly enjoyed your book. Having said that I would completely miss your posts and ideas. I do however understand needing a change and I think a break will be wonderful for you! It is great that you are taking time to reflect and find the direction that works for you.
Good luck and I hope that it works out that we still get to see and use your ideas.
Caroline says
I’m so happy for your family. You have to do what’s best for you ALWAYS! My husband and I both quit our jobs last year when I was 9 months pregnant. It was the craziest thing we ever did (and our faith completely sustained us). It was the best thing we ever did. Most thought we were crazy (we also had a 3.5 year old) and we were- “normal people don’t do that” but we needed it as a family. You can read about it here: http://www.createprettyblog.com/2013/05/a-little-bit-of-my-heart.html
I hope you get the insight and answers you are looking for! Everyone needs a step away. Follow your heart and do what you love.
Thora says
I never commented, but I had really still liked your posts – I didn’t mind that they weren’t every day – because the things that you write about are so interesting. I don’t mind that others do sponsored content, because I know that it is their job, and they are trying to find ways to make it financially successful, but I admit, I almost never like sponsored posts, but I love that yours were all real, and all what you were really doing. I’ve learned a lot about house DIY, and sometimes I’ve learned that somethings are way beyond my skills (a deck) but other times that things aren’t nearly as hard as I think they could be, like taking down wallpaper. I don’t love the giveaways, but I know others do, and I always knew you weren’t getting anything out of them, so I just figured it’s not my jam, but is others.
I’m sad your taking a break, maybe forever, but I know that you need to do what you need to do, and just because something was working before doesn’t mean it will always, and that’s okay. I didn’t comment before because I thought that all was fine with how things were, so I thought I didn’t have anything to say.
I hope that you can find a way to work it out so that you’re happy with still writing – I think you’re the best house DIY blog on the Internet.
Coral says
This is exactly what makes you guys so great. You put your family above all else and there is nothing more commendable than that. Enjoy your break and thank you for all the inspiration.
Louisa T. says
I couldn’t be prouder of you guys if you were my own kids. It takes a tremendous amount of courage and maturity to make the difficult decisions in life. You are not letting anyone down with this decision. As you so eloquently put, this blog is a labor of love for you guys and like any relationship, it will have its ups and downs. People change and grow and so will this blog.
Please take all the time you need. You waited so very long for little Teddy and now you just need to cherish both him and Clara. You haven’t let anybody down. You’ve simply lifted yourselves back up and to that I say “bravo” and “well-done”. Now go get some sleep!
Laura of oz says
This breaks my heart a little bit! I hope you guys know how dearly missed you’ll be. I’ll miss the insight into your daily family life, and feeling inspired about my own home through looking at yours. In fact, I feel a lull in inspiration coming on (my husband will probably be grateful for that!) thank you for all your hard work and letting us into your lives. You have something special and I hope you find the inspiration to pick up where you left off when the time is right. I’ll certainly be on the long list of people eagerly awaiting your return xoxoxoxo
L says
Aw, man! Props to y’all for putting family first, but so sad negative nellies can impact a positive, honest, and fun place to stop in each week. It’s like Cheers in blog form.
I hope y’all will get that spark and come raging back with new intensity. Just know that there are so many of us who appreciate your candor, and your fun, upbeat and sometimes silly thoughts. You have shared your hearts, souls, passions so freely and have had such positive impact on so so many. Please don’t leave us stick in the mire of sarcasm, depression and other poor excuses for blogs – we need more genuine people like y’all in the world, propping up others, inspiring others, generating positive energy and reminding us all that we can – and should – make the best out of everything, never stop imagining what could be, never be afraid to give it all we got.
Don’t let the turkeys get you down. Kill em with kindness, keep smiling and continue to change the world (one reader at a time).
Good luck guys.
Katie says
I’m so glad you guys are doing what is best for you and your family! I truly love dropping in everyday and “checking in with John and Sherry.” You’ll be missed, but I hope to see you back soon! Thank you for what you do and share.
Triana says
I am an occasional reader, but I am definitely going to miss you guys! I wish you the best of luck with your (possibly) new endeavors. Enjoy those babies of yours and I hope to catch you on the flipside. :)
KJ says
I don’t blame you. Living life always thinking about the blog and what other people will think must be exhausting and make it feel a little bit like your life isn’t your own! I will say, that I believe anyone commenting negatively on your taste is a bit misguided. There are tons of other blogs out there to read, if YHL’s design choices don’t inspire you, no problem, you should go find a blog that does.
My two cents (warning it may be worth less than that): you guys are so naturally ambitious that you ramped yourselves up into a place where you were constantly doing massive projects in order to post about them. You used to post about a flower arrangement you made, now it’s massive changes all of the time. You set expectations so, so high (for yourselves and readers!). A table setting, a flower arrangement, a trip to the paint store… something funny your kids did, that’s what people loved to see, with big projects sprinkled in here and there and then they felt like a really big deal. Instead, the laundry room (really big deal!!) felt like : ‘oh, look another big project is already done. That was quick.’ So much so fast isn’t as relatable and it also must be so hard on you as a family! I think you guys are kind, funny, talented people and I know you’ll get through your existential crisis and come out happy and healthy on the other side. Best wishes to you from me, whether you come back here (fingers crossed) or decide on a different path.
Sarah C says
I hope you come back with a vengeance. Even if it’s a part-time vengeance. ;) In the meantime, enjoy your family and recharge.
Carrie says
Sometimes the best things come from a break! Good for you for doing what you need!
I hope that even if you decide to change things, or step away entirely, you’ll still leave the site up–it’s a treasure trove of awesome and really helpful to us DIYers!
Jen V says
I’m seriously going to miss you guys so much while you’re away! Your blog is my saving grace at work; there are days I’m literally counting down the minutes until 10 a.m. to read the latest and greatest YHL happenings!
But, I totally understand why you’re taking a break. I’m so sorry that something that was once easy-breezy for you has become not that way (Michael Scott reference FTW). Please know, though, that those who love you back fully support this change and will be patiently awaiting your return.
You are an inspiration to so many, but take this time to BE inspired. I hope you enjoy every second of your new laundry room (and the rest of your home), your little family, and the concept of spare time! I’m already using my spare time to count down the days until your back!
Much love, Petersiks!
Valerie Pullam says
I’m sad to read that you’ve decided to take a break, but I completely understand! Enjoy your time and I hope you come back with a new love and energy! We all need to step away sometimes, even if it’s something you love.
I know I will be reading the archives whenever I’m embarking on a new project! :)
All the best to you & your family!
Katy says
I’ve been a reader for a few years, but never commented till now – just quietly followed along with your life and got to know you and your family. Just want to say that I’m sad you’re thinking of leaving. I’ll miss your posts during this month and I hope you come back stronger than ever :-)
Jess says
You guys are awesome, I’ll be right here ready to read your posts again when you come back!
Ilaria says
You are awesome! You have inspired me and many in so many ways!
All the best to you! And hope to see you back soon ;)
Thora says
Oh, and I forgot to say that I loved reading about the showhouse, and thought that it made a lot of sense that in order for you to not have to move every couple of years that you would develop other areas/blog post types besides just what you were doing in your house at the time. I also loved reading about the hospital waiting room that you decorated last Christmas. I’m sorry that it hasn’t felt as good of a voice for both of you, but I haven’t felt like it was off – I don’t know if was just the vocal negative minority, either. My sister and I both read your blog, and we’re horrible commenters, but talk to each other all the time about the projects that you’re doing.
Natalie says
Don’t be so hard on yourselves. You all followed a really busy schedule (through most of which, Sherry at least was having “morning” sickness) off by having another baby, which is is a huge energy drain. If you worked for someone else, you would probably be entitled to up to 12 weeks of leave under federal law for bonding time/recover from c-section/get back your sanity time, much less a month. We’ll miss you, but we’ll be OK; you might not be without the break. Once you’ve had a chance to get back to yourselves, you’ll be able to figure out what will be best for you down the road.
Brandan WH says
Do you! Whatever makes the most sense for your family, do it. I will definitely miss ya’ll. Yours was the VERY first blog I followed, but I pray you all get the rest/break/etc that you need. See you in a month!
Jo Devoy says
Oh I’m so sad and happy for you guys… You’ve sounded so busy and up to your tonsils with everything lately and a little bit lost. Taking time out to look at everything you’ve done and been through (constant criticism can be very draining even if it’s surrounded by constant joy)… Enjoy yourselves. I’d spend the first week doing nothing but being a family, the next week, doing nothing but being a family, the third week doing nothing but being a family, the last week maybe do something else but then get back to being a family! Hugs to you all and the kiddles… Plus I think what made you happy and unique before was doing what you wanted… Try and decide what that is now that you’re different to what started this 7 years ago! X
Stephanie Y. says
Completely understand! You are loved and will be truly missed! And just like most of us here, I’ll also be waiting patiently for your return. Take all the time you need! XOXO
Laura says
I must say that I hope you don’t close up shop completely. You have the clearest voice and the best balance between being professional and being personal of any blog I read. You don’t have the “rough around the edges, I’m just doing this for fun” quality that many blogs do, but you also manage to make the blog feel personal rather than like a corporate money-making venture. For better or for worse, blogs have become more influential than most print publications, but most blogs have terribly low standards–lazy writing, typos, plagiarism, poor research, dishonesty, inconsistent posting–none of which plagues YHL. You guys have hit so many right notes. I put you in a class with things like Smitten Kitchen and Pioneer Woman (except PW is a bit more corporatized than you). I think you can help lead the “blogosphere” in the direction it will take for the next 10-20 years…IF you want to perform that role.
But if you want to pay another role, that is OK too–this finally has to be about YOU, not your readers. I will appreciate the years you gave to this blog.
I’d also say you shouldn’t make any huge career decisions (just like you shouldn’t make any huge personal decisions or relationship decisions) while you have a newborn baby. Your life has been turned upside down, and it can feel like it will never get back to normal, though it will. I hope you use this time to recharge and enjoy one another without having to document anything!
Looking forward to seeing you on the other side of your break.
Amy says
Big HUGS to you and your family. Be kind to yourself. You are doing the best you can and do what you guys need to do.
Katy says
I have been reading your blog for a long time now and truly love it. I will miss you on your break but I’m glad you are taking it, relax and spend some time together as a family. I want to mention that I actually enjoyed reading about your book deals, the show house, etc. It has been fun to see Young House Love become a brand and showing your design in different ways.
Alison says
We’ll be waiting for you no matter when you come back and we will read any content you give us! I could never do your job without getting burnt out at some point! Your a creative team. Of course your going to try new experiences (book, show house) to branch out. Not many people do there job the same everyday for 7 years. You can’t please everyone. Like your comment disclaimer used to say “It’s only decorating” ;)
Kate J. says
I teared up when I read this post for two clear reasons- I will miss you over this month and because I so admire your honesty and perspective. You two are a dynamic team and I have loved reading your blog. I love big projects like kitchen make overs and little ones like basket painting equally. I hope the time off provides a needed chance to regroup and refocus. You are way way to good at blogging, DIYing, making light of things, having courage to try new things… the list goes on.. to walk away from this forever.
Kristina says
I’m trying really hard to not be overly selfish and beg you to stay… So pleasssseeee don’t go!!! Guess I need to try harder!
4 years ago I had a product review blog and took a sabbatical, which turned into forever, while I helped my boyfriend get his business off the ground and focused on my career outside of the blog. I regret the way I did it. I wish I notified my readers. I wish I went back to blogging. I miss them :( I’m not saying this to guilt you. Obviously you’ll do what’s best for you and your family. I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate you letting us know your feelings and allowing us into your home(s) for so many years. I’ve been reading for basically forever and kind of feel like you’re my family so this definitely will be a transition for me too! My coworkers all know when it’s yhl blog time! I grab some tea, kick my feet up, and take a morning break while I read your latest post. Needless to say…. I’ll miss you and hope you regroup and return to us soon!!
Claire O'Connor says
Brava/bravo, you two!
Brilliant plan, and you have my 100% support and celebration for taking a break (along with my support and celebration for everything to-date!)
I, too, am on a ‘break’ in my online biz, in a similar way, and I am feeling my way through it and it feels good. Though, a bit scary, at times, to fly without a net and no super-crystal-clear idea of what’s next. But that’s a beautiful, necessary part of it, though a bit un-comfy at moments.
Most of us creatives are seemingly regularly in the process of re-inventing ourselves — as it should be!
I trust your process — may it lead you exactly where you need and want to be! (And I KNOW it will!)
Cheers & love to ya!
Claire
Jessica says
So sad, but understandable. You’re the first blog I look at every day. LOVE you guys!! I’ve never commented but just thought I’d send you some happy vibes since its sounds like you need them…will miss you greatly and hope you come back after your break!
NancyH71 says
I, too, don’t normally comment. I am so very sad about this. You will be sorely missed. I have read your blog for years…it is inspiring, insightful, creative and funny. I love it. Best wishes to you. Please come back soon. I’ll be waiting.
Janine says
I had to go digging to find the comments you were referring to. I totally missed it. I find it completely obnoxious for people to be complaining about what you post or don’t post on your blog. It’s your blog. Do what you like and we’ll read it. Or maybe some won’t anymore but that’s their choice. I’ll read it. You need a break? – take a break. You want to write 12 posts a day about cacti and re-name the blog the Young Cacti House? Have at it! Do what makes you happy and things will fall into place. Now just don’t stay away for too long!
Bree says
I’m rooting for a re-engerized return :D Way to do what you got to do!
Karen says
Everyone needs a vacation from their job, and I’m glad you all are taking one. But, please come back when you feel ready. We’ll miss you and will all be wondering what is happening with book two! I hope you will keep up with Teddy’s weekly picture, at least so you can post them when you come back :-)
Jess says
Noooo! Long time reader (4+ years). Best wishes for your break. Hope you return refreshed:)
Derrelyn says
I had a feeling this was coming and all I have to say is GO you!
While I will miss you, No one can whip out a laundry room update, let alone one to the magnitude that you guys just finished in the short amount of time you’ve been posting about it and still have their family and their sanity.
While I loved the daily posts, I know I would never have time for DIY and housework, AND that. Let alone the fact that you run your own business! I love that you are putting your family first, and I know you won’t regret it in the end. I love the posts when I can get them, but I understand when they aren’t there. You won’t be losing a reader in me.
Whatever you guys decide to do I love this blog!! Please don’t kill it. I honestly would much rather have this blog than the books. I love spending time with you every day at lunch. Your book just sits on my shelf and collects dust (Saw and the regular variety of dust):)
Sandra J says
You will be missed, but I totally respect this decision. Thanks for sharing so much of your lives with all of us. <3
priscilla says
You two are so honest and real; thank you for the last 7 years of fun, inspiration, crazy puns, a sense of humor and the zest for life you have shown to us. We got to be along for the ride and it felt great. The reality is now you have a growing family, millions who read you and you must set some boundaries and priorities. I know as young parents you are in the middle of endless nights and feedings and it probably seems like forever. This phase of life is so short: you will turn around and Clara and Teddy will be older children and you will wonder how it happened so quickly. TAKE THIS TIME AND RUN WITH IT!! You will never regret it.
We love you for your honesty and for allowing us to share in this phase of your life. Wherever you go and whatever you do, find your HAPPY PLACE! We will still be here if you decide to come back again. If it ends up being something else, then go for it. Either way, you have given us much joy!
Amy says
Follow your hearts. You guys can only land in the right spot if you do that. I appreciate all of the entertainment/tips in the years I have followed you. I am also relieved for you that you are giving yourself this space.
I found this podcast that is fitting. It’s about change and impermanence.
http://designingyourself.net/blog/7
Amy says
Oh man, you guys. I will miss you all terribly which is so weird because we technically don’t know one another. Just know my house looks significantly better because of all the design inspiration I received from YHL. We did a penny tile backsplash and only felt like we could handle it because of your blog. Without your instruction, we probably would have used a tile saw and then cried and yelled at eachother. Good grief – YHL may have inadvertently saved my marriage. :) We also had a baby just days apart from Teddy and I totally viewed Sherry as my pregnant internet friend. Thank you for sharing so much of yourselves with us. This is a much deserved break and even though I never felt your blog was lacking in any way, I understand needing to regroup as you grow. Wishing nothing but the best for your family and excited for what your future holds!