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.
Heather says
Awww this makes me sad. Not because you are taking a break, but because you think something is wrong with you. Nothing is wrong with you guys. I appreciate all the inspiration and knowledge you have provided me in the last few years, and if you completely quit right now, I would still be grateful (and would just use the archive’s extensively!) Please do what feels right for your beautiful family, and live the life you guys want. Love you and thank you both!
Lindsey says
good for you. you will never regret a choice that puts your family first, even if it results in a little financial pinching or stretching. you are both brilliant and creative, you will find a way. and thank you for setting an example for the rest of us to listen to our intuition and to prioritize what matters.
Marilu says
John, Sherry, Clara, Teddy and Burger…I will miss you guys! You guys were the best and I loved reading about your projects and growing family. Love and best wishes to you!
Richelle says
Sometimes it’s hard to walk away for a little bit, but you need the headspace to figure out what it is that you really need. I wish you guys the absolute best, and I will be checking back regularly to see if you’re here.
Thank you for so much amazing information and your honest, thoughtful, and fun blog. If it continues, that is fantastic. If it doesn’t, that’s ok, too.
Jess says
Not sure if you’ll see this since as of this writing there are 57 pages of comments, but just in case, I thought I’d say something. I don’t believe I’ve ever commented before and I came in a bit late to the blog- like late-2nd or early-3rd house late, I think.
YHL is hands down my favorite DIY blog. It’s the only one I read (and I follow a ton of them via Feedly, some more religiously than others, so that I always have something to read) where I love pretty much every single design decision and aspect. Your posts are great reads with tons of info and humor (I love the silly pics you guys take sometimes to illustrate absurd or humorous situations) and I’m always excited to see a new post from you guys.
That being said, I’ll really miss you guys! I hope you come back but I’m hoping even more that your break from the blog is beneficial for you. Good luck.
Carolyn says
I have enjoyed reading your blog not only for the projects but also for your writing…you have been happy, humble and honest…taking the leap to do this was huge and you have clearly worked so hard at it…and deserve all the opportunities that come with it… anyone with young children knows that working and parenting is difficult and tiring…it is truly hard to balance it all…soon you feel your head spinning…
anyone who has read your blog knows you carefully think through your decisions before you make them and you are passionate about what you do….
Follow your hearts
Samantha says
I must have missed when you asked for feedback.
I discovered your blog about a year ago and have loved checking in with it on the regular. There should be some grace for parents who just welcomed baby #2 into their lives while maintaining such a fast-paced and public-eye job.
Hope you guys come back, you’re a breath of fresh air. Enjoy your sabbatical and pour into those adorable little ones of yours! xoxo
Natalie says
Nooooooooo! So sad but completely support ya’ll! I will be waiting patiently (or impatiently) for your return. xoxo
Jess says
From far far away (France), I can say you have a bunch of fans here, waiting patiently for your return. I have always admired you for your guts and your heart. Your book is appreciated here, I will wait for the second one, and hope some long vacations will give you the energy and the spark you need. Take care of your two wonderful kids, and of yourselves.
lots and lots of love xxxxxxx
Jessica says
I have now read so many comments and i feel everything i was thinking has been said over and over again. I conclude by saying: i love you guys. I always have, i always will ( unconditionally at that).
AceMomof7 says
Everyone needs a break after a big project, and you’ve had several, back-to-back! I know from experience how draining big life changes can be, even if the changes are good & happy ones. We need time to recharge & reorient before launching into the next phase of life.
I just wish I could give you guys a hug! I have enjoyed your blog so much, but it’s the people behind the blog that are so special. Please enjoy your precious family & know that if you never return to blogging again, you have given the world a gift of laughter, encouragement, inspiration & beauty, from a place of humility & love. Your vulnerability is what makes Young House Love so special. Thank you for inviting me into your home & life. Bless you and your sweet babies!
Christi says
I hope you find a way to continue making a living and loving what you do. That is hard for everyone to figure out. I would miss your blog is you don’t come back, but so is life. If you do leave, when you do your kitchen and bunk room/bonus room I would love to see what you decide to do and how you do it. Enjoy your life!
Ofelia, from Mexico City says
I miss you already! but I completely understood this decision of yours. LEts call this a sabbatical, just like everybody else says. A loyal reader will be here, waiting thing happen! I’ll hope so. Enjoys this time and thanks for a such inspiration this seven years, for let us be a witness of your life like DIYers and those personal moments like your wedding and your babies births. Best wishes!
kristen says
I’ve read your blog for the past 5 years, you guys have inspired me to make my house a home and I have fallen in love with design. I truly appreciate you and your DIYs. Take care of your beautiful family because in the end that is all that really matters.
Jillian L says
Sherry and John, just know we all love you right back and are grateful for the awesome community you’ve created and all the work you’ve shared. We’ll be here whenever and however you choose to come back. Enjoy spending time with your family and recouping!!
Emily says
I have been following for about a year now and I have really enjoyed your blog and loved seeing your home and family change and grow. I also have never commented, but I thoroughly enjoyed all of the posts on this blog. This blog gave my husband and I the courage to paint the nasty cabinets in our rental house. Thank you for all you do! You will be missed, hope to hear from you guys soon!
Sherri says
I’m bummed too, even though I applaud you for doing what’s best for you and your family. Just my 2 cents here, but you’ve never felt boring or stale to me. I hope to see you back!
Heidi P. says
WoIwasnotexpectingthat. I almost cried! It totally feels like a break-up! Ha, silly, but true. I’m sorry it’s been a struggle lately and lost some joy for you :(. I’ll miss you guys. Shoot, I’m getting choked up. Better stop typing. Love you guys.
Wendy says
LOVE that you’re taking time for yourselves. I WILL be here when you get back!
Maggie R says
Literally crying. I hope you come back. :(
Dana says
Gasp…please…one last Instagram…the light coming through the new door at the end of your hallway…pleeeeez!
Melinda Martin says
So, I’ve actually never commented before… but I feel the need today. I’m torn between the NOOOOOOOOOOOO reaction and the GOOD FOR YOU!! reaction. Having just gone part time at work myself to be with my kids more I totally get it. Like, TOTALLY GET IT! But at the same time this will be a looooong ‘at least a month’ sabbatical. I wish you the absolute best and hope to goodness that you guys come back to us! I pray many blessings for you Petersiks. :)
Adrianne D says
While I’m bummed, I completely understand as I am in a career rut lately as well. I often find myself questioning my ability and my fit in my career. It’s not fun. I hope this break breathes new life into YHL and I’ll be waiting with bated breath for the Petersiks to come back. Enjoy your time off and don’t worry about us readers… the ones who truly love and appreciate you will be here when you come back. We’re kinda like that annoying family member that is at EVERY event who squeezes your cheeks and kisses you on the lips! ;-)
Love you guys! I’ll be sitting here… waiting.
Shan says
My second child drove me back to the office too!
As much as I’ll miss you and hope you continue to check in, I can imagine how you guys might need more outside time. Itty bitties at home can be so isolating for couples. They really suck the life out of us. it does get better…then much harder…then…dang roller coaster!
Remember, PPD sometimes takes a while to kick in. If that’s what your dealing with, I hope you’ll find some quality help. it’s not a DIY appropriate ailment. Those pros are worth every penny.
I regret that you feel guilty for not loving blog life. Its not for everyone. Maybe someday it will be a better fit. For now, I suspect some decent sleep and more adult interaction will be just the ticket.
Thanks for all the great inspiration and entertainment.
Best wishes for you all. <3
Stephanie says
Hi John and Sherry,
I am a long-time reader/first time commenter. This post felt very much like it came from the heart and it must have been difficult to write. I wanted to let you know that, never once, did I think either of you were unprofessional or out of sync with the original concept of this blog. Any details you willingly shared were a joy to read and I felt very fortunate to stumble onto your blog at all. I’m glad you are taking a break for your own sakes and hope you find peace with whatever decision(s) you choose to make in the future.
I will continue to check back and hope to see a new post from you soon. If not, thank you for sharing your lives with me.
Yours,
Stephanie
Emily says
I don’t normally post to the blogs I follow, but way back in the day when you did mood board consultations, I was on of your clients:) You did a great job and I have enjoyed reading your blog since then. What I really like about your blog is following your adventures and your creativity. Is it the same style you would find in my house? Not really, but I find that other places. Your blog reflects the choices you make around a house you actually live in and I appreciate that. I have recommended YHL to many friends that are buying houses for the first time or renovating with visions of DIY sugarplums dancing in their heads. You show the highs and the lows of DIY and I think that is very valuable.
So take a sabbatical, jump in some leaf piles and watch some reality TV…but not on HGTV:)
Jenny k says
Don’t take the web world too seriously ;) it’s all virtual. Sounds like you all need more balance. Websites/ blogs come and go. You guys rock no doubt but I’ve seen this played out often lately….. It’s all too much when you get to where you think you want to be.
Keep your eyes on Him and you can’t go wrong. ???? Be blessed!
Cathy says
I also have a stressful job in a changing (and not for the better) industry, but my home serves as my sanctuary from the stresses of my job. But when your home IS your job, I’m not sure you ever really get that? And everybody deserves a sanctuary. Especially you two, who have given so much joy to your readers for so long.
And the last thing you need is more unsolicited advice from total strangers!! — but I will just throw this out, as someone about 10 years older than you guys. There was a definite loss in overall happy-go-luckyness with both my husband and me once we hit our thirties and had kids. It’s not that we weren’t happy – in many ways we were happier than ever. It’s just that the stakes for EVERYTHING were suddenly so much higher. We just became more serious about things in general. I think (hope!) that’s normal! So maybe the “off” feeling you have been experiencing is nothing more than a transition into a different phase of life. I know you’ll figure it out, and you will be wildly successful in whatever comes next for you – whether it’s the blog or something entirely different! (please let it be the blog in at least some limited capacity <– no no, that was the selfish part of me talking; let it be whatever makes you happy. Thank you for seven great years!
Jenn B says
I’ve never left feedback on your site, but I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time. I discovered your wonderful world while looking for a stair runner idea, and fell in love. -In love with your site and the stair runner idea, that is…not fell in love in a creepy way. I understand you need a break, but am so sad. You’ve gotten me through many-a-project in my 1946 fixtastic casa. Your punny approach to very real tasks gave me that extra surge of energy…even in my ninth month of pregnancy…thank you, Sherry!!-You’re very inspiring.-Loved the dance / song combo you did when you were preg, btw. John, you helped me encourage my very busy, but very capable husband to join me on my grand quest to rejuvenate our nest to its former GLORY.-Imagine that in a Will Ferrell, Old School, ‘Blue you’re my boy’, voice.
I thank you both. I wish you the best. BTW: Your bee hook hangs on our baby’s bedroom door. Love it. You two bring wholesomeness, quirkiness, and good ‘ol fashioned family fun into people’s lives. – Cue Clark W. Griswold, please. I’m excited about your future…hope blogging still remains a part of it.
PS: I think you should do some sort of Christmas decorating ‘reveal’ type blog for the holidays. -Just a thought.
Warmest Regards,
Jenn
Sandra says
Just a(nother) quick note from a long-time reader (since the TYH days). I’m thrilled that you’re taking time to regroup and refocus. I have always admired your voice and your vision, and your graciousness when dealing with the myriad of opinions, expectations and demands from us all. I sat, mouth open, when reading through some of the comments from last Thursday’s post. All I could think was “Let John and Sherry live their lives, and get one of your own.” Far less charitable than you are, but I’m very happy you’re doing just that.
Looking forward to your book!
PS: I realize my comment might be considered provocative, and could be removed, which is totally fine :)
Kelly says
You sweet angels!!! While I will SORELY miss you guys, I completely understand, as I hope everyone else who reads this blog will too. If they don’t, good riddance! New readers might just be what you need as a “spark”. I have only been reading for a year, so I have lots of catching up to do in the meantime ;) There is no other blog out there that captures my style as closely as yours does. Oh, and if you need inspiration, my house is a clean slate, come on over ;) Maybe that’s something you could do in the meantime? We send you pictures, you give us suggestions/help for a nominal fee? Just thinking out loud. Smooches to you all!
Koliti says
Hey John & Sherry! One thing I have always loved about you is: You will tweak things when you need to tweak things.
I can perfectly relate – recently I’ve got the feeling that I need to do some tweaking myself :)
How about if your angle for YOUR blog is to go back to your roots? A “here’s what we’re doing and thanks for tuning in whether it’s your jam or not” approach? Maybe you were getting caught up in what the people wanted vs what you wanted and needed?
This is your piece of “cyber-paradise” and you get to make the rules and tweak the rules as needed.
I applaud you for taking some time to nourish your spirit.
Whatever you choose to do – I know it will be the right choice for you and your family. You guys ROCK!
Love you guys!
~Koliti
Lynn says
Thank you for being an inspiration and sharing wonderful ideas and your lives.
I am hoping that you will be back. Enjoy!
Rachel says
I’ll miss you guys! I love the blog so much and hope you will continue it in a way that works for you! Enjoy the break!
Xoxo, Rachel
Joy says
Incredibly sad. I felt like things were changing as a natural progression of your lives and did not for a second feel like it was a lack on your part. People, family, and yes even businesses change. Its life and if your blog is going to be genuine it will change too. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water, please come back.
Jessica says
I have been following you religiously since 2008. I have loved seeing you guys grow – your designs, your family, your success. I just love you guys. You’re funny, you’re inspiring.
I don’t know how you have been able to crank out all these posts over the years. Plus all the book ideas. You deserve a break. Take a break. I will be here when you return…..
Hugs
Annie says
John and Sherry – Thank you for sharing so much of your life, your family and yourselves for the last seven years!
I found your blog 5 years ago when I bought my first home and I will forever be grateful for your inspiration and sound advice!
Best of luck! And thank you, again!
Julie S. says
Your voice has been imitated all over the blogosphere, yet no one comes off quite as authentic. Enjoy your break.
Kelsey says
Bummed. I hope that you have a great break and come back to share again. I’ve got a new baby, just bought an older house… I need you! I appreciate even the highly technical posts, the giveaways, all of them. As I don’t pay you to post, I’ve never been offended by a dearth of posts that speak to me specifically… and I would say that you’re being overly hard on yourselves in thinking something was off. The negative (or constructive) commenters are usually the loudest — I wish I had posted sooner.
Cindy says
Wow, I have looked forward to reading your blog for the last couple of years. It has always brought sunshine into my worldAnd particularly on a cloudy day! :) You two are so creative, talented,and genuine and words just can’t express how glad I am that I stumbled unto your blog. I do understand the need to chose your family over your work and I commend you on your courage to step away from a successful endeavor. I will miss you guys and hope that you consider maybe returning to your blogging even on a part time basis! Lots of hugs!
Steve says
I enjoy the blog and think you guys do a great job with it. I do think you could grow the blog and still keep it personal by outsourcing (comments, editing, etc.) and simplifying how often you post, etc. How awesome would it be if you could do this (blog stuff) very part time and still see it grow. Just a thought.
susan says
“We feel like we’re letting you guys down repeatedly. It got to the point that every time we pressed “publish” we braced ourselves.”
This was so heartbreaking to hear… I hope you find a sense of relief and calmness with this break. You’ve had a LOT on your plate these past months. Relax, rejuvenate, reset and most of all enjoy each other and your whole family.
I’ll miss the blog… <3
Kelly H. says
I’ve been reading since the days of your first kitchen a looooong time ago when I was in MY first house doing MY first kitchen reno and before MY two kids were born and appreciate everything you’ve shared throughout the years.
I’m trying to see this in a positive light but I can’t understand AT. ALL. how anyone would complain about FREE info, inspiration and advice. To me it’s like someone giving away free delicious chocolate cupcakes for 7 years and, at some point, started giving away free delicious vanilla cupcakes. Then a few people, who don’t happen to love vanilla cupcakes as much as everyone else. Took the cupcake and rudely threw them on the ground and said “I don’t like the FREE vanilla cupcakes you’re giving me, I like chocolate.” Aaaaaand…ruineditforeveryone!
Where’s Roo with her stick figure drawings when I need her?
sharon bennett says
Who has said mean things? It’s usually people who are unhappy with their own lives. Please please come back soon. I love your blog and reading some of the comments already posted, so do lots and lots of others. Post daily, a couple of times a week, weekly or ramdonly, but please continue to post. Very demanding I know but if you love people they’re worthing fighting for xxx
pam says
I miss you already.
pam says
I miss you already…..I forgot and clicked on your blog in my favorite list. :(
Lena C. says
But, but… did we do something wrong? It feels like you are breaking up with us. My eyes teared up a bit about this news since as your lives changed and bloomed, we changed with you. It was because of your blog that I was inspired to make changes in my house, to buy power tools and was much more creative decorating my son’s room. Here is the thing, like a job, sometimes it’s just time to resign and switch gears or work in the same company in a different capacity. As an HR Director, I get it. If anything, I hope you will get back to mood boards and consider doing a show or consulting. You guys are so gifted and why you aren’t on HGTV yet is beyond me. Thank you, thank you and thank you.
Kelly says
They totally could be on HGTV if they wanted to! They mentioned it in a post a long time ago, that having a TV show was just not something that appealed to them, though I’m sure they’ve been approached several times. Knowing them the way we do :) I can understand why they feel that way. Not going after the big bucks in favor of staying true to what feels right to them is one of the reasons we all love J&S so much!
Mary says
I miss you already! I’ve been having morning coffee with you and your family for the last few months and will truly miss you. However, I will take the time to view the archives since I didn’t meet you 7 years ago. Looking forward to the next chapter in your lives (that is if it includes us!); if not best of luck.
Lia says
Here is hoping that a bit of a sabbatical helps you get you where you need to be! Or as I like to think of it “How John and Sherry got their groove back!”, only with less island and may December romance… I will miss you while you are gone.
Deb says
Mourning, but so grateful to have had the access of DIY learning through your blog. I loved your tutorials, troubleshooting, expertise, realness and wit that went along with all your posts! It has been a favorite. However, I am truly excited for whatever path lies before you both. Thank you!