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.
Rachael says
Awww, the poor laundry room. Forever known as the room that broke the blog’s back. ;-)
I, for one, applaud your decision. As a mother of 4 teens and tweens, one of whom is imminently off to college, I can not reiterate enough to you how quickly this time goes. And if the blog going on a break, for however long, allows you to enjoy both this time and what you have accomplished over the last few years, then that’s a thumbs up from me.
Josh says
I’m a long time reader myself, never posted anything.
I think most blogs are heading this way sadly. I’ve noticed most of my favorite blogs are being shut down by their owners because I think at the end of the day their is only so much “content” one can create organically, after that it’s true your running a “business” and their are some really good design content blogs like Apartment Therapy or Design sponge that have taken that on, and even they run out of stuff to talk about.
But really how many times can you buy a new house? Or create stuff for Target? At some point it loses it’s luster and it just becomes too hard I’m sure. I give this couple a lot of credit to create something from nothing and make an actual living doing this, but it can’t last forever.
If you want a create a little space to show of projects you have to ask yourself when you create a blog, do I want a hobby or a business? If you want a business, be prepared to re-hash content, manage syndicate ad networks and always be hustling for the next story, the next angle, no different than running any content business.
Best of luck, really enjoyed this site and I completely understand phasing it out.
wendy w says
Aw man! Ya know how much of a bummer it is when you’ve just watched the season finale of Game of Thrones? Ugh.
I’m a little frustrated, because I can’t help feel that the public scrutiny and constant barrage of criticisms seriously helped push you off kilter. Even when it’s just a small percentage of your readership, it still must’ve taken a toll. Most of us understood that life-changes would surely bring about blog-changes, and still, we were happy to take that journey with you also.
You guys are beautiful people, entertaining writers, crazy-talented DIYers and full of inspiration. Thank you. It has been my pleasure. I’ve learned so much and laughed so often. Wishing you peace and much happiness.
Jenn says
As someone who is also self-employed and works from home, I understand the difficulty in finding balance between work and home.
But I have a little something else to say, so here goes.
Beef with readers who are upset with you for taking time off: People forget that this is your job, it isn’t just a fun thing you do on weekends. Being self-employed means vacation time isn’t paid, and is harder to come by than for 9-5ers. Taking time away is a conscious decision, not one meant to ruin your 10am internet surfing schedule.
I admire you for BOTH taking the time off to regroup together, because that’s a really hard fiscal/business/personal decision to make. I just hope people (and you guys) realize that as much as we are “loyal readers”, at the end of the day, truly, you owe us nothing. We may read and click on things that generate income, but your accountability is to yourselves, your business and your family, not your virtual-we-feel-like-we-know-you-family.
Anybody see the movie Julie and Julia? When her husband is super blunt and says “your readers will somehow get on with their lives”… We will too. And if/when you come back, we might too.
Best of luck in life and business!
Niamh says
Nooooooo! I will miss your blog so much! It’s the first one I read every evening after our children have gone to bed. I love your light hearted writing style not to mention how often you knock out new projects to such a high standard. I completely understand you needing to take a break, blogging is pretty intensive, particularly when it centres around DIY. Enjoy the rest and your beautiful children and I hope to see you all back again in time.
Barbara says
I will miss reading your posts~ great ideas, style, and humor. I always laugh about something one of you writes. I really, really hope you enjoy your time off and come back to us!
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
All of us bloggers struggle with this I think. And I hope you find your spark again during your break because this blogosphere wouldn’t be the same without you guys in it. Good luck!
Katrina says
Oh my gosh…. I am so shocked and so sad!!! Have been with you guys from the beginning. I’m going to miss reading and can’t wait to see what you have in store for us when you’re ready to come back. Sending lots of love from Cali!!
Sarah Ramirez says
So does this mean you ARE coming to my house to help me a decorate?? ;) I’m sad you are taking a break, but only sad for me,, I’m happy for you. I will always be a loyal reader, whether it’s daily, monthly or only a memory. Now go take a vacation or do something fun!!
Michelle says
Well said from the heart. Focus on your family! Spend time with each other. Enjoy! And I truly hope you will be back.
Betsy says
First of all, congrats on making this decision. It’s not an easy one! Second, I want to tell you something silly. I am getting married next friday and instead of table numbers, we are using ceramic animals. So instead of being at table 3, you might be at the turtle table.
Just thought you would enjoy hearing that, Sherry, since I know you have a soft spot for ceramic animals.
Good luck!
Kristin says
Sending love to you as you find your new groove. <3
Sarah @ Just The Bees Knees says
Sometimes the best way to get perspective is to do just what you guys are doing: step back, then revisit when it feels right. And PLEASE don’t apologize!! I’m amazed at the dedication to this blog you two have shown over the years, even with all the other HUGE things happening in your lives! You deserve a break! And if people don’t understand that, well, too bad for them. Enjoy this time to reconnect with the things that matter, and we’ll see you on the flip side:)
Heidi says
I applaud you guys for knowing you need a break. Not an easy decision to make I’m sure! I can understand the feelings you have been feeling, and I feel for you guys. (All the feels lol) I will miss you while you’re gone but I know it’ll be that much better when you get back!
Jennie Stewart says
I have followed the two of you since your first house. I was so excited to meet the two of you on your book tour that I was just silent, smiley, and a touch creepy. Thank you for sharing your lives with us to the point I feel like I know you. I applaud your decision to take a break rather than just pushing through while it doesn’t feel right. I feel it takes an amazing leap of faith to do what your doing. It only adds to your awesomeness. I’ll be here if/when y’all decide to come back. Enjoy!!!
Lisa says
I’ve been reading since house #1 after discovering you through an article in The Nest. I have always loved the blog! Not just the DIY posts; but the family posts as well. How gracious of you to let us get a glimpse into your private lives. You know YOU better than any of us do! Best wishes to you no matter what you decide is best for your family and future!
asha says
Oh irony of irony….i finally get to read you blog after nearly a year (I kid you not!) and I’m feeling so many feelings now. But above all I fully understand what it takes to raise two kids and keep your passion up for what you do. I stepped away from my job to take care of my boys full time. It’s scary and strange but awesome and amazing ( I like alliteration too). Whilst I will miss your posts and sharing in your life I respect and admire you for this decision. All the best! Enjoy the time away!!! xoxo
André-Anne says
Thank you so much. It was a joy to read you every night. You were an inspiration to us, thanks for sharing. Hope your next project will bring you happiness.
Allison says
I feel as if I have just been broken up with ;) I LOVE reading your blog, I read several but I have always saved yours until last so I had something to look forward to. As sad as I am I get it, the most important thing in all of this is the four of you and putting your family first is something I ALAWYS do. Take the time you need and I anxiously await your return, even if it is scaled back!!!
Susan in Colorado says
WOW.. didn’t see that coming.. I was still enjoying your blog.. not everything means the same to everyone reading so if there was a post about how to install a door frame, when I know I will probably never do that.. someone else out there is. I LOVED yesterday’s post about the finished laundry room.. now that was for me.. lol…
I am sorry to see you go.. (this is the second time in a month that a website left.. so I HOPE you guys will be back).. I can’t handle the TRUTH….. err I can’t handle the loss…
Could you please maybe just post a quickie picture here and there to at least let us know you are all okay… and the kiddos…. and Burger.
Julia says
You continue to be such an inspiring couple by facing up something scary and being brave enough to take a step back. Take a step back, a deep breath, and as much time as you need. Enjoy a cup of tea too :)
Major respect to you guys!
Sarah King says
I cried reading this. Not just because you’re taking a break (which I am sad about but understand), but because I’ve been where you are re: needing to take some time off. Pouring yourself into a job that you don’t love is incredibly draining. And your day-to-day life is your job….so there’s no escape. I’m sure you came to this decision after lots of thoughtful discussion, and I totally respect it. I think there’s something to be said about the difficulty of having two kids to take care of while working from home, one of which is an infant. You are juggling an incredible amount of things in your life. My hope is that you are able to return with a new love for your job, and some balance in your life. You are so loved!
PAOLA SHOTWELL says
Sad, sad, sad but happy to have read this letter from you!
I had thought of this moment before. I like you guys so much that once I asked myself what would I do when you were not writing this blog anymore, or posting pictures of your home and hearing your personal experiences with your kids.
and I am glad I did otherwise I would have been calling the therapist as I write.
I really hope we get the pleasure of coming back to your blog.
You all are so greatly miss!!!!
Please come back soon!
Love
Paola
Lauren says
Sigh. So sorry to hear you guys are struggling with how to continue with something you loved for so long.
But mostly, I’m sorry the Internet sucks. I’m sorry you have to “brace yourselves” every time a new post goes up. People can be so mean when they can hide behind a wall of anonymity, and so many people have misguided views about how many freebies you must get and how much money you’re making. (Which really means, they’re just jealous).
I honestly don’t think you guys have been slipping. Your posts are so detailed and often funny. If you want to write 10 posts about your laundry room, you should! And I’m willing bet the bulk of your readers found it interesting.
I say, treat this blog however you want. But! Maybe pull back on the commercial aspects. Readers do end up feeling like you owe them something when you’re making money off their eyeballs, and I think that claim is valid. But I say let the haters leave via natural selection. Stop responding to their comments saying you value their negative feedback. Stop apologizing for what you want to write about. And then, the business side will just fall where it may. Your readers will be the happy ones who want to stick around, and then you can decide how to adjust your non-blog work life so you can make money.
It’s really hard to turn a blog into a business without losing some authentic connection with your readers. I wonder if Deb Perleman of Smitten Kitchen might be a good resource for you guys. She never does sponsored posts and seems to run a healthy business that works for her readers, too. I have to assume you guys are a popular as she is.
Anyway, I know you didn’t ask for my advice. But I’d be sorry to see you get beaten down by the haters.
Erin says
You know what I’ve always admired about you both? I feel like you two are really great at making decisions. Most times you don’t rush into things; you think about them. Sometimes you test it out, and then you jump. Other times you use your gut. Either way I think it works. Y’all do this with choosing a paint color, ripping out a wall, and making big life decisions like this. I hope I can model team Petersik by trusting my gut and weighing the big decisions carefully – in life and in remodeling. I have enjoyed following you over the years. Enjoy this break. Much love and respect!
Molly says
Taking a break is healthy. I will be here when you get back. Perhaps you could hire an assistant or intern to help with the workload when you return? Dibs, if so :) Seriously :)
Priscilla says
I am soooooo sad I won’t be able to check in here every morning – I may go through withdrawal without my daily YHL fix ;)
At the same time, I am sooooo happy for you guys. I never would have guessed you were feeling this way – but I appreciate you sharing your heart & I completely understand.
I just resigned from my full time job teaching elementary art & took a part time job at my school in order to spend more time with my 15 month old daughter. It was such a hard decision – I almost felt like I was throwing away my career…But at the end of the day, our families are what matter the most. I know I won’t regret this decision down the road. I can always revisit my career teaching art, but I will never be able to revisit my daughter’s childhood…
I really do hope you guys find your way back here (for my sake ;) ) but whatever you do I’m sure I will be a fan. :)
Best Wishes,
Priscilla
hilary says
I’ll be sad tomorrow when I dont have my go-to blog and my fav url family to check in on, but I’m proud of the integrity you are showing (thats reason #473 why we like you) and for putting family happiness first.
Kayla says
Glad you are doing what is best for you. You will be missed. This is something I look forward to reading on a regular basis. I’ve been a bit swamped, so I missed the post where you asked for feedback.
I think you guys are terrific, blog, book and all. I love your work, advice and tips and your writing style. I particularly like your blog because it feels less business-like to me than most of the other blogs out there.
Many of us will be anxiously awaiting your return:)
Jakki says
Noooooooo!! I hope you enjoy your break and come back loving the blog again
Genevieve says
It hurts us to think that you have in any way let us down. We love you and hope that you enjoy your well earned break.
LJ Jasper says
Courageous words. Beautifully spoken. We will miss you terribly but admire your honesty which is so RARE in the age of “branding”.
You’re an inspiration. Hope to see you again soon!
Tanya says
I will definitely miss your updates over your break, but completely understand & support your decision!!!!!! And just for the record, I have never ever ever ever felt like you pushed a product or were ‘schemey’ in any of your posts! When I found your blog 4 years ago, I went back to the beginning and read my way straight on through!!! I’ve really come to appreciate your fresh approach and take on what and how to decorate and remodel a home. Your nearly 100% DIY attitude is really awesome (but also exhausting on your part!). Whatever, the future holds for your family, I know we’ll be seeing your creative & artistic influences somewhere in the world and I look forward to seeing it!!!! Best, best, best wishes for all five of you!!!
Carol says
I will really miss reading your blog. I sure hope that you will be back. Have a good break.
Allison says
I have been following your blog consistently, meaning every post :) since Clara was born I think! I don’t generally post , but thought I would take this chance to say thank you for everything that you do. You guys have given me inspiration for my home and family on so many occasions. I have laughed and cried reading your blog. I feel like I know you, when I actually don’t! I wanted to write to say thank you, because all that you have given, you have given freely at no cost to me or any other reader, but at a high cost to you. Sure, this has given you an outlet and for some time a living, but it has required great sacrifice from you. Thank you for that sacrifice. I’m sorry to see that others are frustrated with you or insulted or any other negative feeling towards you. You owe us nothing and no one should make you feel bad for how much or what you post. It is your blog after all. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you. I hope that you will return, but totally understand any decision that you make will be for the benefit of your family. May God bless you in all that you do. Allison
Randi says
I love what you do on your blog – it was the first one I started reading lo these many years ago – I even linked to The Bloggess through you guys (the giant rooster – Beyoncé – OMG) which opened up a new world for me. But yours is still the first one I open every day. You NEVER disappointed me, ever, and I think a whole lot of folks agree.
Take all the time you need. Enjoy your time off, and we’ll be here when you get back. xoxo Petersiks
Laura says
I never comment on your blog, but I have to say I will miss your posts so much. It never bothered me when your posts decreased. I find your blog so real. It inspires me in my own DIY adventures. That being said I totally understand your need to take a step back. Just wanted you to know you’ll be missed. Xoxo
Teresa says
You will be sorely missed! I check your blog daily and I always LOVE your posts! Absolutely take the break you need and I hope that you come back refreshed and re-inspired.
Warmest wishes to you and your family!
Jlmp says
I think everything has been said but just want to add that in Ontario where I live we get 1 YEAR maternity leave! I don’t think you took even a day. Of course you need a break. I have 3 kids and so loved that time when your only responsibility was to feed and care for that baby. I have no idea how you americans return to work a month after giving birth. It’s crazy! Take all the time you deserve and I’ll wait patiently for what’s next:)
Jess A. says
you guys have been an inspiration. i think what makes you especially lovely to follow in the blogworld is exactly this- that at the core, you are just a normal little family. i have loved your work since you were making prints and selling them (have a couple on my walls still, including a darling outline of my late-puppy which i cherish). i think you’re still the same john & sherry. but the social media part of this has made it something else, and people can be so harsh about a life that isn’t theirs when they have the privilege of sitting behind a screen. for those of us who don’t play that way, i’ve always just skipped a post if it wasn’t my thing. i don’t need you to perform a certain way for me! i look forward to your return if you make a comeback but completely wish you ALL the best if you decide to live your life, home, family & relationship privately. you guys are the real deal. xo
Christy says
You guys are great and like many others have stated the BEST DIY blog out there. That said I’m mad that some readers’ feedback made you feel otherwise. You provide free content, awesome giveaways and have the most transparent and straight forward sponsor policy. So bottom line, you don’t owe us anything (not more “fun” “short” style posts or whatever). You guys do you for awhile. You certainly deserve it. Post when you feel inspired. I don’t care if it’s once a week or once a month. I’ll still be a reader.
Nora says
This bums me out. I will admit I didn’t love everything you guys did, but I didn’t want to see you go away. I don’t understand all the criticism. I wasn’t particularly interested in the book tour or the showhouse, so I just didn’t read much during those times. No biggie. When you didn’t have a post last week, I was like, oh well. Geez, people take it so personally and are so demanding. I feel like you were damned if you did and damned if you didn’t. (Also, I don’t really understand why some people were upset about the way you bought House #3). I’m sorry to see you go; I do want to see how the rest of the house comes together.
Patty says
I have been teaching for 30 years (ahh! That sounds soooo long) there were exciting years and years that were dry as dust. I even took a break and worked as an autism consultant. However just when I was ready to pack it in, something caught me and ignited my passion again. I know something will catch you guys too. It might not be a blog….it might be something you haven’t even thought of. When it does happen, could you post it? You two really were pioneers of this thing called blogging. I am with you, blogging has changed very much and I am not sure where it is going to end up, but you have my deepest gratitude for what you did to the medium. Enjoy this time …but you better get some rest because I just can’t see you not doing something creative so you are going to need your energy.
Ashley W says
Love your blog, usually never comment. Hope you guys end up figuring out what is best for your family. I will miss reading, but thanks for leaving up the archives. It’s the first place I go when doing our home renovation projects.
Mia says
Checking y’all’s blog has been a part of my daily routine for last four years. I will miss it and y’all during your month away. (Although I totally understand and respect y’all’s decision to take some time away.)
Cate says
Aw, I will miss you guys. Good for you for following your hearts. Life is both very short and very long: too short to waste it on things that aren’t satisfying, and long enough to follow many different paths. Best wishes!
Shannon says
Nooooo! I respect a much needed and well deserved break but please come back. I look forward to checking for and reading new blog posts. You guys are so awesome!!!
Jennifer N. says
Love you guys.Love the blog, been following since Clara was a little bean in your tummy and have loved every minute of watching your hard work turn into many blessings. You have inspired me, made me laugh and at times made me cry! Never felt let down or disappointed, always have understood your life comes first! Enjoy your time off, you will be missed(not going to lie, I am going to miss seeing Teddy’s weekly pics).Can’t wait to see what new adventures lie ahead for your family.As long as you keep writing, I’ll keep showing up to read <3 God Bless your family :)
Christine says
I’ve been a faithful reader since your early years (first house) and will continue to be when you return. I tried to see you during your book tour in DC, but the line was crazy long. I had no idea how popular you had become!
You both deserve a break. Having young children is a lot of work. I can’t imagine how you do it all. Follow your heart and your instincts as to what is best for your family (and your future) and you will do great.
Lots of love and best wishes to you.
Gail says
Your blog has been part of my daily routine for many years now. I get so much pleasure reading your posts. I never felt something was missing. But, YOU will certainly be missed and I hope that we will hear from you again soon. Hugs to the Petersiks!