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.
Yulia says
I miss you already!
You guys have been “friends in my head” for so many years now. I had no idea that you guys felt off or lost any sort of passion. (This must be like when one spouse says they want a divorce and the other one had no idea the marriage was even in trouble.)
I know you said not to blame the negative people, but I am mad at them. I read only some of the comments last week and couldn’t believe how mean some people could be. For goodness sakes, if they harbor so much negativity towards you, why do they continue to read your blog? I never thought you owed any of us any more than you could or wanted to give.
As one commenter previously said, ” when google reader died, your blog was the only one that I kept reading.” So true!!! It’s because the blog is a fun upbeat place to visit. I hope you guys come back to renewed and refreshed. In the meanwhile maybe you’ve inspired me to finally do something about the passion that I lost years ago for my job.
Thanks for everything! I will miss you.
Andrea says
Enjoy your sabbatical, folks. Well-earned. Sending you all sorts of good karma and thankful vibes, and hoping it helps you reorient yourself and feel better in your world. Hugs to all of you.
Biz says
I just started reading your blog about 4 months ago and really like it. I never thought I’d be interested in how sheet rock was hung but I always read everything in your posts and love the pictures! I wrote a travel blog for about 5 months and also felt that pressure to perform. Can I give some advice from one human to another human? Take a deep breath. Let go of the negativity from others. Smile. It’s just life and “jobs” are never going to be more important than love for your family and friends. There is nothing wrong in any work, financial, or family decision you make. It is what it is. Don’t fret stepping away from the blog/work for however long you need. I don’t know why people would get offended if you lower the number of blogs you write. Why should they care how you make your money. It’s not our business and you are not obligated to tell us anything. Do what you love. As Joseph Campbell said, “follow your bliss.” If you move on to other jobs or continue working from home, make sure it’s YOUR decision. Do what you want and what you LOVE! Do not do not do not let bad/horrible comments make your decisions.
Jen says
Nooooooo! I was afraid this day would come- I hope you’ll be back-reading your blog is part of my daily routine and
your blog comes to mind during certain DIY projects (ok, that probably sounds creepy) ie using my kreg jig and various painting projects….. Anyway, I’ll miss your blog and I sincerely hope you return **hugs**
jrh says
One night when everything in my life was impossible and I was about to go into the hospital, I spent two hours reading your blog. I couldn’t find joy in my life and activities, but I felt better reading here because I knew you found joy in your activities and your authenticity was evident in your words. I was always grateful this place was here, even if you had off days or off weeks. I don’t think we have much in common as people, but the beauty of the internet is that for a few hours when I was too ill to do anything else, I could find some peace and quiet and happiness through two people doing what they love.
And! You’ve inspired me to tackle bigger and scarier projects in my own house. It never mattered to me that we have different personal aesthetics, or that you’re parents and I’m not, or you did things one way when people had suggested another way, or all the other differences between you and your readers… this blog helped me cheer up, and helped me figure out my projects, and made for the best possible tea break in the morning between projects at work. Thank you! Best of luck, whatever you do now and in the future.
Angela Maniaci says
I’ve loved reading your blog for the last 3 years. It got me through lots of crazy days in a too small condo with a toddler, and helped me make my space lovable. I love how you’ve taken your jobs and passions, and done this really cool thing with your life. Whatever content you choose to share or follow, I’ll keep reading. Hope you enjoy your time off.
Jessica says
Is this like a Ross and Rachel “break” where it’s actually a “break-up” or are you really coming back? Because this sucks. : (
Melanie says
Dang I wish this was another April Fool’s Day joke! I am surprised to hear this like many other people. I too am a regular reader since the first house and never felt like you had lost your spark. But I also feel like at the end of the day we don’t know (and don’t have a right to know) all of the ins and outs of your personal lives. I pray you and your entire extended family is doing well and I personally will look forward to your return. Wishing you all the best no matter what!
Vanessa says
With all sincerity, good for you! Take care!
Mimi says
Wow, you really owned your ish. Congrats for speaking the truth. I hope the old inspiring john and sherry will make a return, when you are ready of course.
Janelle says
In the 5 years I’ve been reading your blog (when you were still living in your first house) I have never commented but I just wanted to let you know how much you’ve touched my life. You and your family have served as an inspiration and friends (at least in my head). Reading your blog has always been one of the highlights of my day.
Please know that whatever you ultimately decide you are loved!
kbb says
7 year itch, glad its the blog and not your marriage!
I have been reading for about 6.5 years found you when I was about to repaint my old kitchen cabinets and you had just done the ones in your first house. I have enjoyed reading your blog, and applaud you for the freedom of speech you have allowed your readers in the comment section.
take a break or stop altogether but I will always wonder how the big kitchen Reno went! Would love to see before and after posts of your future work
Sue says
I don’t think the decrease on postings has disappointed the majority of your followers. Most people don’t stay in the same job in the same capacity forever. I hope to read postings after your break but if you move on to new arenas I wish you the best!
lise says
ooooooooooh…snif snif! sorry to hear that we wont be able to read you (at least for a while) But its definitely the opportunity to thank you for what you gave us for so long :-)
Thanks for being you and I wish you the best! bisous de France
Meghan C. says
I’ve only commented a couple of times but here’s my two cents….
Enjoy your break! My little guy was born days after Teddy and I had a full 3 months off from work. I love my job, but while I was on leave, I was able to brainstorm new, fun ideas to motivate myself once I went back. When I went back to work I had that energy and I wanted to be there to get things done. So, maybe consider this a little maternity/paternity break since you didn’t take one once Teddy was born. Hopefully, you’ll find that this break will renew and reenergize you all.
I wanted to comment on the post last week about your posting schedule too. I don’t know how you manage to get these things done. My son doesn’t really like to nap so I can barely find time to clean! I hope when you do come back you’ll consider a schedule like this:
Major project Monday – once a week post an update on your bigger projects.
Tiny project Tuesday – a project that only takes an hour or two of the average persons time to complete
Wednesday – giveaway – break day
Anything can happen Thursday – this could be your reader renovataions, house crashing, window shopping, etc. type posts
Family Friday – just a little update on how everyone is doing. I like the little glimpses into your personal life.
There you have it. I think a schedule like this would make everyone all around happy, including you. Enjoy your time off! Love the laundry room!
Michelle M says
This is actually great! Everything we want to know, and not too terribly taxing, and predictable!
I’d add that Wednesday could have a tiny post with the giveaway, just for fun. Or you could reinstate questions for readers to reply! I always loved that.
Kateri says
:( You all are my favorite blog! Hope you find your happiness! You are both great and I love your blog. I’ll definitely be waiting when/if you come back.
Patricia says
I’ll miss you. Come back refreshed and ready with some fun stuff.
Nora says
Wow. I hope you guys have a good break. Don’t give up on this venture. You have done very well and I think the quality was still there. There were some boundaries crossed that you’d be wise to establish when you come back. I am surprised that people felt they could comment on your LIFE when they know nothing about what you do ALL the time. No need to explain anything. Your missed posts could be because you are sick, the thing you were doing didn’t work or, heck, you didn’t feel like posting that day. Whatevs. Your blog, your call. Please comeback – I want to see that kitchen floor, and the bunk room, and….so much goodness. Miss you already.
Alin says
totally understanding … you know that the next few months and years are big in your family. This is Clara’s last year home (my son started waldorf kindergarten and it is just not the same anymore. we get up earlier, we have a school routine and he is becoming bigger and bigger every day) … you also just had a baby and that is really special. I am amazed that you guys are doing the laundry room project at this time and also still have time to blog about it. Taking a break will give you more time to spend time with the family and you will find out what you wanna do. Love your life again :) … I remember when I found your site years ago from writting about Hawaii … that was really special and since then I check in often. You are an inspiration and thats what you have wanted and achieved. Be proud of yourself! Hugs
Lindsay says
I am so sorry that people can be horrid and have torn you to pieces. I have really enjoyed following your blog over the years and I will miss sharing your project and life updates with my own family, as if I knew you and was reporting on a friend’s life. Best of luck. Thank you for not only being incredible people, but for sharing your lives with us. You two have been working your butt off and I am impressed with your motivation and dedication to your blog and business. All the well wishes in the world.
beebea says
My heart actually clenched when I read you’ll be taking a break. I started reading right after I got married (6 years ago) and had no clue how to decorate a house and you’ve sort of been on my marriage journey with me. Of course you absolutely must do what is right for your family and your life, but do know that most of us never got tired of reading. I will support you in any future endeavors!
Kaye says
I totally understand—sometimes you just need to step back and see where you are and where you are going. You live in your office so it is very difficult to ever get away from it. I have always enjoyed reading your blog, whatever you were writing about—although I have been known to skip some of the really in depth building things but were glad that they were there in case my hubby needs to follow them. I hope that you all come to a decision that you will be happy with for yourselves. I am sure that your longtime followers will check to see if you are back. Ultimately, you need to do whatever is best for your family. I still might scream when I finally run in to you somewhere!
Amy says
This is the first time I’ve ever commented, but I’m called to action by this post. I want you two to understand that you have real talent as writers. If you do go back to advertising, you are not nurturing the best part about you. I hope you find something that encourages that part of you. IMO its what brings us back.
Julie says
Bravo and enjoy! Now I double dog dare you during this month NOT to do one more home improvement project unless it is something you are inspired to do for yourselves – when or IF you do a project, do NOT document it in anyway. No pictures, no “how will I present this to the public” thinking – no audience awareness at all. Just do it for the love. God bless your family and enjoy each other well.
Pam says
I will miss your blog. I am an avid reader from the Philippines but living in Dubai and your blog has inspired me so much not just artistically but also emotionally. Your family is an inspiration. Hope you guys enjoy your break but hope you will decide to come back real soon!
Alexis says
Waaaahhhhhhhhh! This is a sad day for me – I will miss you guys so much, but as a parent I totally understand your need to step back and take a well-deserved break. You have been working so hard to keep us happy for the last 7 years…just work on making happy memories with your family and selves.
I hope that you find the happiness that you’re looking for on your break and write for us again soon! Best of luck!
Amanda S. says
Hi Sherry and John!
I have been a long time Avid reader since the first house… sometime around Clara’s weekly photos…
I have to say first and foremost.. Your blog is my Go-to for anything DYI. I reference your first two houses monthly for ideas for my home, and have written some comments over the last few years (we also have a brick ranch, a Chihuahua we call “bean” ect.) My kitchen is painted the Grellow color from your second house kitchen.. and we are working on a carport project from your inspirations too.
I feel like the last year I haven’t been reading as much. I returned to work full time, and that’s been a huge change but when I have a few minutes I usually skim the content and try to catch up weekly.
I am so upset because I haven’t been to the blog in 2 weeks and I noticed you kept posting about the laundry room… from FB updates- and while I am extremely jealous about it, I couldn’t help but be sad. So I have a bunch of mixed emotions while reading this post. It’s like stages of Greif or that we are breaking up…. thinking back to your glory days… Remember when you posted that you used a potato in Clara’s closet as a stencil?!? That was awesome. I hope you guys get your mojo back. I love you and in some kind of creepy way, I used to feel like we were besties. I referred to your blog and talked about you with your first names. And I secretly hoped I’d run into on the beaches in Delaware one time where I could tell you how awesome you guys are… but alas that time has not come yet, so I suppose this strange comment will have to do.
I hope you continue to soul search and I hope it leads back to this amazing blog you both have created. Best of luck.
Your biggest fan(then and now),
Amanda S.
Abbey says
By the way, I think it is time for you guys to have that mojito in the egg chair… Perhaps in Hawaii!
Destiny says
I’ve read this blog for years. I can’t remember how I started or what brought me here, but I know it was before Sherry got pregnant with Clara. Among other things, this blog has inspired me to buy a fixer-upper that was a great deal, because you guys made me feel like maybe I really could DIY-and it turns out that I could! From helping me stretch my dollars at the grocery store to inspiring me to live a greener, more earth-friendly lifestyle, to say YHL has had an impact on my life in some way would be an understatement. I won’t try to convince you to stay or go, but I couldn’t let go the of the opportunity to simply say…thank you.
Nancy B says
Awww. I love you guys. As a mom of 6 kids, I understand. The spark will be back. You will definitely be missed!
Kristy says
Nothing but love and support for you guys!
You’ve been such an inspiration to me and I pray that you will love the time away, soak up life, and either come back reinvigorated or choose an exciting new direction! We love you either way. This choice is something to feel GOOD about!!!
Donna H. says
You two have absolutely made the right decision…(and, as always, expressed it so well!)
Blessings —
Jayne says
I think it’s a wonderful decision for your family. I’ve checked in every day for a few years now and will miss you all but that’s no issue. Hope you have a nice break and enjoy some family time. Xx
Annelise in Edmonds says
What is it about that 7 year mark? I am coming up on that with my current employer, too. A change does sounds nice…
It feels like my favorite neighbors are moving away. I will totally miss you guys. I will miss watching your kiddos grow. You were my cup of coffee in the morning when I got to work (don’t tell). I do hope you decide to come back soon! You are such a great inspiration and I’m happy to report my boyfriend has finally painted a few walls in his home! I’m sure all the “Well, on YHL, they suggest…” helped a little bit. :)
Wishing you all the best and hoping the best means you find joy in blogging again!! :) Cheers!
Susan says
Thank you so much for all the inspiration you’ve provided over the years! Best of luck in your time off! Enjoy your family and hopefully you’ll be back with a new lease on life. If that’s not the road you choose – you two will be wonderful and successful in whatever you decide to do. Take care!
Nat @ This Littel yellow house says
Sniff,sniff. It feels like a part of me just died today. :(
I am going to miss you and your house heaps. Please don’t be gone for too long.
Love you guys,
Nat
xx
Amanda says
John and Sherry,
This is my first-ever comment on your blog, but I’ve actually been one of those lurkers who reads every post you write and loves it all. I just wanted to add my two cents and hope it doesn’t get lost in the thousands of comments already on here :)
You guys are awesome, and definitely my favorite bloggers out there. I appreciate the details and step-by-steps and pictures and, well, everything. I can tell you’re totally genuine and truly care about making your blog a great place for your readers. I also totally get why you guys need a break. Sometimes you just need those in life, especially from relationships…and your blog is like having tons and tons of relationships…good AND bad.
I appreciate that you’re stepping back to evaluate things. That shows maturity and sincerity. That being said, I truly wish you guys wouldn’t worry SO much about what others think. Your blog grows with your lives, changing and flowing with life’s ups and downs. Let it take you where you feel it should go. Let it be natural. Honestly? If those readers don’t want to stick around, that’s their problem. You’ll probably gain other readers in the meantime who like the new stuff.
It irritates me that some readers were so annoyed at the way you guys announced your new house–it’s YOUR lives, and you handled it the way YOU felt best. That is totally your call to make. Those readers that were upset have no right to tell you what to do or how best to live your lives and write your blog. This is your space. It’s a place for you to express yourselves, and the readers that want to read about your lives will stick around. Don’t worry about those who don’t.
I realize you need readers in order to make a living, but I would hate for you to feel like you “have” to post about certain things and can’t post about others because of us. Do what you feel. Be natural. Have fun. You guys are great at what you do, and don’t let others try and tell you otherwise.
Take this time to relax, relieve stress, and be creative. You will have lots of loyal readers waiting for you when you come back who enjoy your blog because of YOU.
robin says
I wish your family all the best! I hope that one day, as I am most certainly going to be reading through the archives, I will log on and see a new, renewed, exciting post! Thank you for sharing YOU with us. Thank you for being forthcoming and honest and real and for making it easy to believe that I, too, can conquer my own home improvements and to do so while balancing a family :)I honestly feel I’m losing a friend and I’ve only been (daily!) invested in your blog for a year. But, what a year it’s been. My deepest, deepest thank you! best to your family! hope to read from you soon xxx
Sarah says
Awww! I wanna stomp my foot and whine and cry! I haven’t been reading your blog for much more than 6 months… but I do enjoy what you’ve posted. I have gone through your older posts, and you guys have inspired me for my new home.
As much as I want you guys to keep up with the blog, (and never ever stop… :) ) a break is so beyond important. We can all feel burnt out and exhausted after a while of anything. What you love can easily become a chore and it turns into this cloud over your head that you start to resent. Hopefully this break will refresh you guys and rejuvenate your minds for new and great ideas that have you passionate for the blog again.
Melissa says
Oh wow. Best wishes to you all in wherever the break leads!
Krissy says
When I started reading, I had this awful feeling that it the post was going to end this way. I am bummed that you are going on a break, but I totally understand. I am going to miss seeing all your posts and your instagrams! But I will excitedly await the return and will probably be impressed with how much Teddy grows in that time. Enjoy the break and have fun with the kiddos – and Burger!
Meghann says
Everyone needs a break! I have also noticed the change but like with anything in life…change happens. I check in daily and you guys have influenced some major design desisions and even have us looking at basic things so differently (ie pages from magazines…haha). I really do hope that you guys come back. You are honestly my favorite blog and would miss you terribly. (Totally started tearing up reading this post). You also will never be able to please everyone…you just can’t.
heather says
LOVE YOU GUYS!!!! I look forward to your posts and am always inspired! Take your time, do what you need to do and we will be here:)
Julia says
I love your blog. I have been following for years and love reading all your posts. I I’ll miss your updates whether you are on a month break, or don’t come back! {please come back!}. Regardless, this is your life we are talking about here… You do the blog for many reasons, but your family is what’s most important here right now. If you want to be with your family and manage around both kids the way you did with Clara, it will be very hard to manage to do all you were doing before. Honestly, it’s ok, and if you can make it work and still be happy then hip hip hooray, but others expectations of you are never going to be enough to provide the energy and passion required to do both! So, whatever the end result looks like, it will be the best thing for you all and that is truly all that matters. I would be happy with semi regular posts and short bursts of activity which would be more sustainable. Hugs to you all….
Elisa Simpson says
With a tear in my eye I say much love to you and your family & hope to see you soon when you’ve had a break xx
Catherine @ Happily Ever Crafter says
Take all the time you need! We’ll be here when you get back :) Do what you have to do for YOU and your beautiful family :)
Meg says
Oh, this makes me sad. I’m sad for us in not getting to share in your lives and hear your witty expertise, but I’m also sad for you that you’ve had such an internal struggle with this. We will miss you — dearly — and will be anxiously awaiting your return when you are ready. Hugs!
erin says
Look forward to your next post in a month titled “How the Petersik’s got their groove back” :) Though, I don’t think you ever lost it. Enjoy the break.
Kate says
I am a fairly new reader on your blog and I love it! I also have a lot of respect for this decision you are making to take a time out. Let’s face it..you’ve had a busy year! I hope you come back..I’ll be missing your posts. Thanks for the smiles, information, inspiration and laughs!
Belinda says
I will miss you! I look forward to and read every single post, and have for years. But, I can’t imagine trying to do everything you do and keep the spark alive. I love my job, but I’m more than happy to leave it at the office everyday, so I don’t know how you’ve kept up the pace that you have. Have a GREAT break, and just love on those babies and enjoy life for awhile. But….please come back….?? :-D