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.
Jenni Shaver says
We will be here when (I’m saying when and not if with fingers crossed) you get back. Enjoy your break and come back soon!
Jenni
Chris says
As a much older reader, I want you to know that this post broke my heart. I am retired and the best part of it is NOT having to go through yearly reviews and meeting daily deadlines. You, it seems, have thousands and thousands of people reviewing each post and giving evaluations. Seriously? Even when you go on a vacation or on a long weekend, everyone expects you to take us along and give us details. What if our bosses asked that of us? After doing our daily work, including raising our families, what if WE had to write about it and include pictures (in detail) of what we did and how we did it… day after day after day, and then cc: everyone on all vacations and days off. Wow!You need some time off to regroup and recharge and re-evaluate where you are going next. I really can’t imagine a month ~ let alone longer ~ without knowing how the kitchen counters are working, if you make a clock for Teddy, reading about what Clara is doing…but it is your life and your family, and you deserve to call the shots and make the determination regarding what will work for all of you. I wondered if people realized that you do NOT take freebies for what you do. So many blogs talk about saving money and paying off their debts in 3 years, and then showing all of the redecorating and construction they are doing with free stuff from companies who want to be mentioned in their blogs. Or saying they had a baby and only spent $100 on the nursery and clothing, but in tiny print telling us that all of the furniture, car seats, swings, strollers, and clothing were paid for by sponsors. You are the different bloggers. You are the real deal. As you can tell, we all are hoping you come back, but want you to do what you need to do for your family. We will be here.
Sara says
Chris,
You stated very nicely what I was feeling today, thank you for summarizing it so well!
vicky s says
You guys have done an amazing job. I will miss my regular morning ritual of sit down at computer, login, check yhl! Bravo for being courageous and going through with your next phase. I’ll be here if you guys come back! Sniff Sniff…
Kirstin says
I didn’t read all the comments, but I agree with what Sonnel said on page 1 – having a second child changes throws things off. I had my second (my lovely Lena) shortly after Teddy was born and our family is struggling to find our groove again.
You guys have the flexibility to take a step back and you should take advantage of that to figure out what is going to work well for the blog and for your new family of four. I have confidence that however you decide to move forward, it will be with pizzazz and dedication. And whatever you choose to do, I believe you will be successful.
Enjoy your break, enjoy your family, and I look forward to running into you again.
Olivia says
Dear Sherry & John,
I just wanted to say that I’ve been addicted to your blog for at least five years now and I look forward to every post. I didn’t really notice that anything was “off” but I can totally see how you would want to step back and reevaluate after having Teddy and after doing this for so long. From what I can tell, you only have about one week of vacation per year which is barely anything. And when you work at home, on the computer, and blog about your life, I can see how it could all get intertwined and you could sort of feel like you are working all the time! Not to mention that you are passionate and driven, so it seems like it’s always been difficult not to work too much. I don’t think people realize how much behind-the-scenes work it takes to keep all of this going, not to mention all of your side projects and raising two kids as well!!! I’m so appreciative of all the amazing, lengthy, fun, entertaining and useful content you’ve posted over the years. I can completely understand that you may be a little burned out after all that you’ve accomplished. It really makes me upset to see comments implying that it’s easy to be a blogger and you should just keep powering through. Why? You need to do what makes you happy and inspired and if that means taking a break, so be it. I will miss you sooooo much (man, I need to get a life) but I think some time for reflection and a step back from the internets may be a wonderful thing for your family! I can’t wait to see what you decide, although of course, I hope the blog doesn’t go away completely. Enjoy the break. Get some extra sleep. Do nothing but goof off and relax for an entire evening. Have fun!!! xo
Lauren L says
Once again, thank you for your transparency and candidness. You two most definitely deserve a break and I think it serves as a model for how people should approach balancing their jobs, family and personal lives. Sometimes you just need a break. I think the idea of “never having to work a day of your life” is kind of a bunch of hooey. You can loooove ice cream but too much of it and you’ll get a tummy ache.
It would be unrealistic to expect you guys to continue to churn out fresh and original content non-stop (ahem, especially after doubling the amount of kids you have in the house!) for years and years on end. Your break is well-deserved and I hope it serves as a refreshing one that brings the whole family closer together. That’s the whole point of the blog in the first place: make a beautiful home to be filled with family and love!
I was saddened to read a comment from another reader who complained that there was a disconnect between you and many readers because she works full time and has kids and she isn’t taking time off. I think that it’s so important for those readers to understand that writing blog posts (especially ones that are very wordy and chock full of edited photos) takes a LONG TIME. And this is after actually finishing whatever project you were writing about in the first place!
Anyway I digress. All that to say, I fully support your break and I love the message that it conveys. And I felt very defensive of you guys when I read the negative comments insinuating that you have it too good and you don’t actually work that hard compared to a “normal” full-time working parent! Ok I’m gonna stop now bc you won’t ever get to that break if you have to read all of our epically long comments!
<3 <3 <3 Have fun!
Cathie says
Yikes, I cannot begin to say how much I will miss your blog. I seldom submit a comment, but I never miss a post. I use your blog every afternoon to unwind from my long, but rewarding, days work in a local high school. I have immensely enjoyed the last few years journey with you, your family, and your home makeovers. I have cherished the many Clara moments, conversations, videos, and photos you and John have so generously shared with all of us. Whatever you decide to do career wise, know that I wish you and your family all the best that life has to offer. Fondest best wishes to Clara and Teddy!
Joan Klein says
I am so grateful to you for inspiring me to take a fresh look at my home to find ways to make it feel new again. I look forward to hearing about your next adventures!
Amy says
My first comment in 5 years. Good for you guys for staying true to yourselves. Please do come back, refreshed, revitalized, with your creativity and sanity in tact. I have replicated at least five of your projects. I get excited for your family with each endeavor. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Sarah says
Little late to the party…love your blog. Especially the consistency. I know at 10am, there will be a nice distraction from work where I can learn something new. My husband is not handy AT ALL. Neither am I. So your long posts for DIY projects, although awesome and frankly better than any tutorial I have ever seen, are not what I like best. I like the short and sweet anyone can do it type stuff. But keeping both is important for the other half that likes that. You all do a consistent good job. You are nice people and I feel like I know you. Kudos to you for making this work. Looking forward to seeing you back.
Kelly says
I’ve been with you guys since the beginning – the very beginning – the “this young house” beginning! And honestly I have always wondered when you would finally step away. I can’t imagine what it must feel like after sharing & giving & doing so much for your fans every. single. day. You need this, you deserve this. make no apologies for this! you were a part of the initial blog movement – before blogs were what they are now – and change is to be expected. i’ve never met you – but you’ve been a part of my life for 7 years – it’s crazy, and i wish you the best of luck. breathe that huge sigh of relief i am sure you have been waiting on. it’s yours. you’ve earned it and now you move on. xoxo. EXHALE. you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. thank you for the effort & best off luck to you all!
Lynn says
Awww… love you guys and am really hoping this is only a temporary break. Please don’t be so hard on yourself or let the comments bring you down too much. Your blog is still awesome and, dudes, you have a newborn baby! You deserve some slack. The excitement and energy will come back :)
Angela Kintner says
You are LOVED. Peace on all the Petersik heads.
Sam says
If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, its suppose to be.
Best wishes
Sherri says
Just wanna say you are the best blog out there. No one can take your place. I love you, will miss you, and wish you countless blessings in the future. Amen!
Jen says
I didn’t post on Thursday, or read the comments.
I just wanted to tell you both to enjoy taking a deep breath, and don’t worry. I’ll still be here when you are back, recharged, and refreshed.
It’s fine line between a hobby and a business, hence why my business is currently on an extended break. It because it became too much “work” instead of “joy”. However, I am playing with paint again. So your joy will return as well.
For now, just breath. Hug Clara, Teddy, and Burger.
Kerry says
Boo! I love everything that you guys do . I am sad to see the blog slow down for a bit, I just found you guys recently and have been really enjoying the reads, but I have the second book to look forward to. You never want to regret anything related to family, enjoy your break. I’ll miss you guys!
Ginny H. says
YHL is my favorite blog and has been since I started reading it when you all were in your first house and the blog had its first name. I have admired your home projects, your humor, and character in love for family and discipline in saving for projects. Wishing you rest, clarity, wisdom, and inspiration, and I hope to see you all again in the next chapter! In the meantime, I have a brick fireplace that needs painting, and I will tackle it in honor of YHL!
Joanne says
A book I’ve been reading is called ‘Necessary Endngs’ by Henry Cloud. He makes many good points. I’m not saying you should completely end the blog, but taking time away will help in priorizing what is best for YOU! All the best, in whatever you decide!
EmilyH says
I don’t think I’ve ever commented, and I honestly don’t know if you’ll actually see this, but I just had to comment. I’ve been reading your blog for six years now, and have to say I probably like it more now than I ever have before. I’m really glad to see you guys still doing tons of DIY projects and decorating on a budget. Pretty much all the other decorating blogs I read (and used to read) have gone from a budget-friendly, DIY blog to a super sponsored, everything is paid for by their sponsors, and feeling just as out-of-reach as a magazine for me. I greatly admire and respect that you don’t do sponsored posts and take handouts from companies. I am so glad you guys are still grounded and relate-able.
I hope you enjoy your time off and are able to find what works best for your family. But you will be greatly missed, and I hope beyond all hopes that you guys carry on this blog, even if it’s as a hobby instead of a business.
Nicole says
A friend of mine sent this my way today:
Promise me
you will not spend
so much time
treading water
and trying to keep your
head above the waves
that you forget,
truly forget,
how much you have
always loved
to swim.
-Tyler Knott Gregson
Enjoy the water… and thanks for the example of being able to make a change to regain joy and what is truly important
Sharon says
I think it is awesome that you are doing this, for your own sanity. I honestly wonder all the time how you guys have time for a “normal” life with all the comments and projects you have to keep up on! :) And honestly, ever since you did the show house I’ve felt really disconnected with you. It was no longer DIY, but more “we have lots of money to spend on things for this amazing custom house that we designed” and I kinda tuned out. Good luck and enjoy your little baby boy!
Jen says
OK, it will probably be a month (or hopefully more) before you get to comment #2,152, but I felt compelled to write.
Don’t forget that you are your own harshest critic. Not too long ago, I got some negative feedback at work, from a very senior staff person. Even though a large part of the problem he was addressing was due to circumstances beyond my control– the kernel of truth in his criticism made me take it very much to heart. After I was able to step back a bit, I realized that, while the constructive criticism was still true and helpful, it didn’t mean that I was the worst person ever. I was able to use the criticism constructively, put that day behind me, and move on.
Anyway, after some time and space, I hope you guys are able to dust yourselves off, and get back to doing–whatever you want to do (no pressure!). But do realize, even if you’ve felt a “lack of spark”, in my mind– and in that of many– you’ve still managing to put out a pretty good product. Just a bit less of it, really.
I wish I could give you guys a hug through the computer. Seriously.
Eve says
I waited in line outside in the cold for hours so I could meet you at your Minneapolis signing in 2012 and I would do it again now in 2014. I loved how often and regularly you used to post but understood when you needed to slow down. I never felt you owed me anything and simply enjoyed everything you were willing to share about your home, your family, your lives. Because of your blog I learned that I can take control of my home and create something I want on my own terms. This is a gift I truly don’t believe I ever would have found without stumbling upon your corner of cyberspace.
I wish your whole family all the best while you decide where you want your journey to go next. I selfishly hope you will come back and keep posting but it at the end of the day you must find what will make you excited to wake up each morning and follow that path no matter what the implications are for any of the rest of us.
Thank you for your blog, good luck, I don’t know how to end this comment so bye!
Emily says
Selfishly, I’m so sorry to see you take a break, but congrats for having the courage to take some time to yourselves for a bit. We’ll be here when you get back — rejuvenated and excited for what lies ahead!
Janette says
I never noticed anything was off. You guys do a great job and I enjoy reading but I completely understand if you take a break or change your family plan. I would be a little sad, I feel like I know you guys but really only you guys know your family, do the blog for yourself, if it benefits others then great, but let it ring true to you guys and do what you love!
My husband started a great webcomic and it really took off, but he ran out of time and it became too much to keep up with. I think he looks back on it with joy still because it was good while it lasted, not saying it is the same with you guys at all, but I get it.
Chrissy says
Honestly, you need to stop caring about what people think and do what you want. That’s the true spirit of a blog.
Enjoy the break and good luck!
Laura H says
So sorry to see you go. You’ve lived in a nice spot on my bookmark list for a long time.
Hope you can get the magic back!
Kay says
Love you guys. Not only are you a part of my daily blog routine (I save the best for last!) but I feel like you all are a part of my life as well. I find myself thinking sometimes, “What would Sherry think of this curtain?” or, John could TOTALLY fix this broken front step that I’ve been ignoring for months!” I too have noticed something amiss for a whole, but you know what? Everyone needs to be rejuvenated after a long stretch on the job. 7 years is absolutely commendable. Like another commenter said, I hope you’re not breaking up with us. I would be so sad, and as silly as it sounds, something would be missing from my life for the first time in years. But I’d get it. Nothing ever lasts forever, and even if your first priority WASNT your family, or your sanity, or your marriage…you can’t be stagnant and you can’t do what doesn’t make you happy. We’ll miss you. Please come back. If you don’t, it’s okay too. But know you’ve made a difference and we love you as if we knew you personally.
Courtney says
I’ve been reading since your very first kitchen and I tip my hat to you guys. You stay classy, do what you need to do, and I’ll catch you on the flip side – wherever it happens to be!
Jess says
$herdog & J-boom, you take care of you (get on that!). My days will be emptier sans Petersik family, but I know you’ll do what’s best for you five. Here’s a HUGE virtual hug. I’ve been reading since 2010, so I think maybe a month off will make me more productive, haha!!
Candie says
I’ll miss you and will be eagerly waiting for your return.
Taya says
Sherry & John- I’ve always appreciated how real you are here on your blog. Getting to meet you on your book tour was grand. Thank you again for keepin’ it real. If/when you return to the blog, I will read along… I’ve so enjoyed the snippets of life that you’ve shared. Thanks for taking so many of us along for the ride.
With much love, gratitude, and peace,
Taya
Laurel says
Awwww, I hope we see you back soon, John and Sherry. I found your blog about two years ago when googling images of some crate and barrel jars I loved, and you were my introduction to the design/DIY blogosphere. I think I have read every post of yours since then and have found them to be so inspiring, humorous, and engaging. Your blog has been my absolute favorite because of the fresh and fun-loving tone and positivity (let alone your amazing work). I truly hope you decide to come back (!!!!!), but I would applaud you doing whatever is best for your family. But really, please do come back :).
Laura B. says
I will miss your blog but glad you are making the best decision for your family. Thank you for keeping the archives going. I love referencing things on it. It gives me courage to try things. Btw, love our Savvy mattress. Thanks for the advice. Woot.
Hannahhenning says
I’ve followed your blog since your first wee home, and even before Clara, and I’ve loved every minute of it! Don’t stay away too long . . .
P.S. Ignore the haters, they’re just jealous
Felicia says
2 more words – Come. Back.
xo
Ali says
I love the two of you !! Enjoy your transition !
Looking forward to buying your new book !! :)
– Ali
Melanie Shaw says
I love your blog, you have such a traffic style of writing and out of the many blogs I subscribe to via rss yours is the first one I check in on. Sad to see you go, but hope you take your time to get your mojo back (although I don’t think you lost it).
Andi says
:(
NOOOOOOO!!!! Say it isn’t so! Waaaaaa!!
Enjoy your family. You’ll be greatly missed!
Erin says
I think that bloggers, and in this case, you, forget that the majority of readers aren’t bloggers and the majority of ppl aren’t bloggers. What may feel like a HUGE deal for you, likely seems like nothing for the average reader. I’m not a blogger. I read a handful of blogs as a treat to myself for prob 20 minutes a day. (I’m a professional, mom, wife, home owner, normal person). Blogs are my smoke break/US Magazine/sitcom–it’s how I unwind and I do not overthink it. Blogs don’t owe me anything. Just like I stop watching a TV show if I dislike where it’s going (Downton Abbey)–I do not take it personally. DA didn’t owe it to me to not become a Spanish novella. I just stop watching and don’t think anything of it. Blogs are MY entertainment. I expect them to make money–why would something entertain me for free?! Beyoncé doesn’t exist just so I can dance for free to her music. I’ve never understood bloggers apologizing for making money. Finally, I’ve been reading since your first house and I have NO idea what you are talking about. I don’t think you handled anything poorly/changed/etc and I don’t notice these blogosphere changes. I’m glad that you are taking a break if you need it, but please don’t overthink it. You are making money doing something you enjoy 80% of the time–that’s what we all aim for. And I recently heard about GOMI–haters going to hate. Mindy Kaling doesn’t sit around worrying about haters and you shouldn’t either. There is nothing wrong w making money on something you mostly enjoy and are good at. Keep rocking YHL
Jessica says
Thanks for opening your doors and sharing your lives and inspiring us for so many years! Many posts have added a perk to my day, best of luck to you!
Leah J says
and we love YOU! I’ve loved following your blog for at least 6 years, and in fact, you are my favourite bloggers by far. It was so fun to see you guys in Tacoma, and my kids love your rap video. I am sorry you won’t be blogging for a while, but completely understand! Do what’s best for you and your family, not for us readers :) all the best!!!
Farah says
Lots of love to the entire Petersik clan! You guys are truly amazing. Peace.
Dawn S says
For some years now, you guys have been friends I turn to unwind with a glass of tea or wine. You have always started a lively conversation in my head and given me so many ideas for my next project and even the guts to do them. Anyhoo, It sounds like you need to have a time where you put your feet up to unwind with two sweet munchkins and see where now your heart takes you. I thank you for leaving the blog up, because I am only caught up to 2010 and with as many projects as I have started, it will take a while to read the rest of the years I have missed. Thank you for all of the inspiration and showing us that having the guts to live your dream is always worth it. I know this is not the end and look forward to my next chance to unwind while enjoying your writing.
Karen says
Please come back. Reading your blog is a bright spot in my day. You are so positive and upbeat and watching you turn your surroundings into something more attractive in such a real way is so inspiring. I know this sounds weird, but your blog is a comfort on rough days. I appreciate how you’ve “put yourselves out there.” It can’t be easy, and the world will always criticize, but you are like characters in a book that I have come to care about, except better because you are real, and I don’t want the story to end. :-)
Dalenna says
I think this post just shows why we love this blog so much. You really want the best for your family. You’ll definitely be missed but as you do what is right, we will all be here for you when you return!
Michelle says
So sad, but understandable. Most authors do not write as much as you without breaks. You need a break! Maybe a short one, maybe forever…. just see how it goes. Who knows maybe this is the beginning of the end of blogs in general. It feels like a lot of bloggers are kind of losing their steam and passion. I hope you guys find other creative outlets and ways to share your passions!
Melissa says
I’ve been reading your blog since you were offering room redesigns on the cheap and called This Young House, and have loved watching your family grow and your lives change over these 3 houses. I’ve never been big on commenting (so we’ve been in a quite one-sided relationship this whole time. oops!) and while I agree with many readers about the changes that have happened with the blog after moving into your current house, you’re still that reliable friend that entertains me and makes me laugh or feel inspired EVERY weekday morning (well not Friday anymore which has been sad). As you’ve moved onto other projects, I can see how busy you’ve been to be really personal and share those details of your life that made us feel like we were doing friend activities together (shopping, house crashing, or laughing over a baby and a poop sprayer etc). However, I feel like we’re already really good friends, so it’s ok when friends get busy sometimes. look at me: i never write call or write.
But after today’s post, I wanted to write. What I really want to tell you is “Don’t go!!!”
It would be really sad and a big loss if you didn’t return after this month. This is the only blog that I read. My life also got busier with 2 kids and work and my own house-but you are the bright spot in my morning. You always have something positive going on in your lives and house.
I respect all the decisions you’ve made for your family and your life as it relates to this. I also hope you find something that works for you all as you take a step back and think about your life. Thank you for sharing your life with us over these last 7 years. I really hope we see and hear more from you.
Megan says
I’m really happy for your family, and I’ve always loved your stuff. I think a break sounds perfect and I hope you get to spend lots and lots of time with your children!