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.
Andrea says
Oh my WORD am I going to miss you guys when you’re gone. You’ve been a part of my life and a major inspiration for a long time now. I’m so glad you’re doing what you feel is best, though. Thank you for all you’ve done to make this an amazing blog! ????
Ruth says
I’ve read your posts everyday for a few years now. I love your humor, genuineness, and originality. I’m always saying “John and Sherry did this..” as if I know you personally! I was really looking forward to seeing Teddy grow up as much as I’ve enjoyed Clara. Please come back when you’re ready! It can’t be easy running such a popular blog and working so hard behind the scenes even with a young family and “life” thrown in. I will miss you guys. Lots of love and best wishes xxx
Amme says
AWW! So sad. I must admit I often still check the blog twice a day even though I know it has been a loooong time since you scaled back. “Hello, my name is Amme and I am a YHL addict!” Like people said last week you have been heavy on the laundry room posts, but that was your focus this last month or so!! It is what you were doing, so that is what you shared! I think you are great at keeping it real to life. If we are ever contemplating house projects I say to my husband, “John and Sherry did it this way…” But, I agree you have to take time for you. You just had a baby for goodness sake! My baby #5 is 9 mos and I still don’t have it all back together….not sure how you do it all. Enjoy your time off.
Molly says
Traditionally a sabbatical takes place every seven years! I hope it helps refresh you guys. I’ll miss you though! :-/
Elaine says
Nooooooooooo!!! I admit that was my first thought when I read this, but at the same time I completely understand and respect your decision. I’ve been reading your blog since long before Clara was born and you are by far my favorite. I wish you all the best and hope sincerely that you find a way to come back. I’ll be here reading when you do!
Cathie says
Good for you, recognizing there is a problem and then taking the time to find a solution. Bring back the fun to your lives!
Tanya says
-HUGS- Sometimes a break is what is needed, because being publicly fun and graceful on schedule and as a brand is not the same thing at all as just doing it when you feel like it.
You guys rock, and will continue to rock no matter what venue you choose. I did not think you guys were overly defensive (I don’t believe that rudeness should masquerade as honesty, and with so many judgemental and vocal peeps, it’s always been an inspiration how gracefully you’ve handled it) but I can’t imagine you guys not being tapped out with everything on your plate.
Hope the break is temporary, but wishing you lots of love, luck, and peace either way!
Cathy M. says
Sort of sad, but I totally understand and hope the break does wonders for you and gives you a longer opportunity to talk, think, seek advice, and pray about what’s best for the future of your family.
Yours is the only blog I read daily, so I guess I’ll be getting more accomplished. Of course, there are the archives. . . :-)
If you decide to keep on blogging, I’ll be here waiting. Look forward to an update in a month or so.
Joelle says
i think this is great for you, bad for us! :(
you never really took a maternity leave, and i like to think of this as your maternity leave, and hopefully you will come back revived…or maybe it’s time for something new for you. 7 years is a long time at any job!
Good luck! (though if you could still share how you find artists, i’d appreciate it!! haha)
Tara says
I’m so sad! I hope to see you back soon! Love YHL!!! I have your Target knobs in two of our bathrooms for towels to hang. SOOO SAD!! Get your groove back and enjoy your break (but, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH MY BREAKS AT WORK NOW???) XO
Kristin says
Good for you. You may be back. You may not. Honestly what I see is that you’ve actually gotten too good at a lot of DIY, hence the technical posts. You’ve lost some of your ability to connect because most people don’t have a full complement of tools and the skills to go with, etc. Whatever you do, don’t try and go back though. Maybe it’s time for Petersik Custom Homes or YHL Magazine. That blogging voice you used to have came with inexperience and it was genuine. You’re not inexperienced anymore. You’re experts. In DIY, in blogging and in many other things. Embrace it and you’ll be authentic again.
Susan says
I have enjoyed your blog since the early days. You keep it real. However, you have to do what is best for your family. I am hoping that your time off will give you a better perspective on what your future endeavors are. Please let us know what you decide. Don’t leave us hanging. Good luck and God Bless!
Amanda says
I think a break is well deserved. I hope this gives you time to recharge and/or find a new direction. We’ll be here when you get back :)
Laurie says
We do. Godspeed. Love, gratitude, and total faith. Rock on, Petersiks …
Melissa says
Oh big hug Petersiks! Rest, recharge. We can’t wait to see what’s next for you, no matter what it is. FTR I, too, have been enjoying the recent posts. I’m always impressed how you all try out new things in your projects as I had no idea there existed a machine that holds dry wall for you. The laundry room is dreamy! You’re inspiring. Now go rest.
Shunta says
Very sad. I truly hope the negative comments didn’t cause this, I know you said they didn’t, but they hurt me so I can imagine they may have been hurtful to you. Also, PLEASE PLEASE do not feel the need to apologize for telling us about the 3rd house. That’s your right. I loved the surprise and was like “whoa! how cool!” No apologies needed. Seriously. Enjoy this break and know that my 10:00 mornings will be just a bit sadder now that I can’t come here for my daily dose of YHL. Much love to you all!
Jennifer S says
Thank you for many years of inspiration and entertainment. I hope you return, but if not–may you find what you are looking for! I recently left a “dream job” as well because it was no longer what was best for my family or myself. I have found much happiness in new part-time work and my family is more balanced. God Bless!
Janet says
I say “Good on ya!”. I know I’ll miss checking in with your family, but if this is what’s right for your family then it’s an easy decision in the end.
I hope you come back! this is by far my FAVORITE blog. The content, the family, the consistency made it head and shoulders above others I read.
Find your passion again…even if it’s not here.
Barbara H. says
Sad for us but change and dynamics happen. Adjusting to the next stage after the “golden years” is not easy. Sending you good thoughts as you step back and take a well-deserved break. It’s always important to re-charge – sometimes we forget that or beat ourselves up during those down times. You’ve experienced several of those life changing events that are stressful, even if it’s good stress, so be well, enjoy life, and get your groove back.
Kate C says
Is this a “we’re going on a break” because it’s easier than saying, “we’re beaking up”? If so, do not fault yourselves for that. I’ve been reading you guys for six years and while I would (will) miss you like crazy, it is completely understandable that you need to walk away. There is an end to everything (even Friends, which I’m still boo hooing over). You guys have helped me more than you’ve known over the years! I’ve grown from a single 22 year old living in a small rented condo, to a married woman, mother of a fourth month old, and the owner of a beautiful place I hope to call home for a very long time. Thank you for everything. And if you don’t decide to come back, “Good Afternoon, Good Evening, and Goodnight!”
Whitney says
I don’t really know what people think they’re owed. Reading your blog posts are always a joy, even when they say very little. I hope you guys come back.
Grace says
I have so much respect for your decision to take time off from the blog. I agreed with a lot of the comments on the Thursday post, and I am really impressed with your response. I think that you received a lot of really valuable constructive criticism, and I’m glad you are evaluating what you want to do with your lives. No one ever learned anything by only listening to praise.
The voice in this post sounds real. Enjoy your break!
Elizabeth G says
I read last week a few of the comments regarding the blog and I must say that I too felt like a lot of those folks. I was excited each day to see your post at 10am and sometimes would hit refresh multiple times when it didn’t show up exactly at 10am. So when you changed the format earlier this summer I was very disappointed and was more disappointed during the posts recently. I come here to be inspired and to enjoy the updates to your home and hope that I can incorporate some of that same list checking on this side of the internet.
There is a certain responsibility to your readers when you turn something like this into a business and those readers rely on you and appreciate your expertise and failures. Consistency is what got you where you are today, that’s what keeps restaurants alive, stores popular. It has been inconsistent lately. However, this was and should always be from your heart but you have created expectation with your readers which is a good thing. You get paid from our readership and the popularity of your blog with its reader. Ultimately your content is what brings us back each time but there is a responsibility to your readers not to put the biggest and best out there but be consistent and honest with your posts.
While I understand that this was a love that became a business, I hope that over the next month or so this can return to a business that is a love. There is a time when you own your own business and you don’t feel that you are congruent. That you don’t put into it what you need to put into it and you feel that from your very being. I own my own business and am at that very spot so I am also taking a step back to evaluate. Just know that your readers love and enjoy the time and effort that you put into your blog, we want you to come back but return to what got you here and you will find that it’s easier than ever before.
Laura says
John and Sherry. Long time reader (tiny Clara – first house not yet done – days) and occasional poster. Lives change, schedules change. Your life IS your job and that can be very demanding. I tried blogging for a bit – it’s a little like letting millions of people sit on your couch with you. You literally invite people to see you and your home and your family every day. I don’t think you “lost your groove” you are just on house three, and going about things differently than you did on previous houses. With the change in your life comes a change in your blog – the two are synonymous. So I have no problem with the direction you are going, you are just trying to find a “new groove” if you will. Just know that you have given so many people a ton of inspiration for their own homes, and made many of us feel like you were a friend. I myself referring to you guys about lots of things – in conversations about cloth diapering, penny tile backsplash, tree removal… as though I had heard it from a friend of mine. I wish you both the best of luck on your life and your business. I wish you all the happiness with your family, and will continue to check in to see if you have returned. HUGS.
Shunta says
Very sad. I truly hope the negative comments didn’t cause this, I know you said they didn’t, but they hurt me so I can imagine they may have been hurtful to you. Also, PLEASE PLEASE do not feel the need to apologize for not telling us about the 3rd house. That’s your right. I loved the surprise and was like “whoa! how cool!” No apologies needed. Seriously. Enjoy this break and know that my 10:00 mornings will be just a bit sadder now that I can’t come here for my daily dose of YHL. Much love to you all!
Amber says
*hugs*
I hope you are able to “tune out” for the next month and recharge. When you come back, I’ll still be here. Whether it’s for 5 posts a week or 1 post a month.
Love you guys!
Vanessa says
So sad. I’m going to miss you guys. However, I completely understand. I think you should be worried about what makes you happy. It’s your life and you guys should feel fulfilled and happy. I hope this is just a break since we will miss catching up on the latest with Clara and Teddy. We love you guys and understand though.Good luck and smile!
Sofia says
I have never commented before, but like so many readers have been saying, I think you guys are brave for taking this step. I must say that after the ‘updates’ you posted last week, I had a feeling this was the path you would be taking. All the best!
Kim says
I hope you have a great break! I have always appreciated the professional quality of your blog. I have read it “cover to cover” twice now. I know it takes a lot of time to get posts to your level of quality. I appreciate not finding typos or vague descriptions or sentences that reference things we don’t know about you. I consider us lucky that you have shared a window into your DIY life. I also think you have done a good job drawing a line between public and personal even though it is difficult. Thank your for sharing with us!
Angela says
I like the idea of calling it a sabbatical. I hope you will come back, renewed and revitalized. If not, thank you. Thank you for the years of wonderful posts, of relatable experiences, of sharing your space and parts of your life with us. I have loved reading this blog for half a decade (I was a bit late for the party, naturally). I wish you four all the best, love, and, especially, peace.
Nikki H says
Enjoy this time off. I look forward to your return.
Jennifer A says
I read a few of the comments and agree with the other posters. You will be missed, but you totally deserve a break. I have no idea how you kept up with projects with a new baby in the house…. I can barely make dinner or do laundry with my little one around. Good luck with your decisions. I love your blog and hope to see you back soon.
Janette says
Aw you guys! Good luck! I’ve loved your blog over the years, and I still will love it in whatever capacity it continues on in! (Even if it doesn’t continue at all. Although I would cry, probably for reals.)
Dani says
Congratulations to you all for deciding what is right for you, your family, your blog and your business. I will very much miss my morning break with John and Sherry but I will be happy to see the changes when you come back. It only works if it works for you guys, and as a fellow business owner I know that when it is a slog, it is a SLOG. I hope your time off lets you think, refresh, and find the love again. Thanks for all you do!
Brittany says
Sounds like that is just what you need! Hope this gives you time to focus on family, figure out working life, and how to make this blog something you love and look forward to again.
You guys are great–seriously! We’d miss not having your presence in each and every one of our lives, but I think everyone would understand that whatever the changes that need to be made are, are totally necessary for you and your family–whom we love!
Just a thought, I know I expect a post every morning at 10 am. And somewhere deep down if I don’t see that post up within like 10 minutes of that, I’m irritated. One because I love you so much and just can’t wait to see your information, but two, it’s almost like the business aspect of Young House Love has made me grow to expect something–something I completely get for free! I feel our gratitude for y’all providing something completely free of charge to us, has dwindled. It’s something we now expect and demand! And I hate that. I hope having a month away from y’all too will help each one of us to reflect on maybe some of our own unrealistic expectations and gain some gratitude!
Paige says
Sad to hear this because of how it will effect ME – haha – but so glad to hear this because of how it will effect YOU :-)
Totally understand everything you said, and I hope you guys find a way to love your work again.
My husband and I are both self-employed and while neither of us have a blog that thousands of people read, we both still feel the pressure of making money doing what we love (I’m a photographer, and my husband runs an online school teaching motion graphics) – both started as a hobby and now it’s our full-time job.
Being self-employed is a lonely business and even though you guys are constantly getting feedback from your readers, the decisions are still totally on you guys and you have to decide what’s best – sometimes that pressure is tooooo much. So glad to hear that you are stepping back and taking a breath. Life is too short to run through the trenches. I know this break will allow you both to gain some perspective on your blog baby, and figure out where you go from here.
I’ll be here when you come back! xoxo
Erin says
As much as I enjoy reading your blog, I’m happy to hear you’re taking a break and reevaluating. It must take a toll over time to expose your home, marriage, family, personal taste, and business decisions in such a personal way to the internet at large, great though the rewards may be.
You will be missed and I wish you peace of mind, lighter hearts, a fresh start, and the very best for the future of your family and careers!
Danielle says
What will I do at work all day? I’ve struggled to fill the void when you cut back to one post a day. I will have to rely more heavily on Bower Power and Katie’s long blog roll. This is truly sad as many of my favorite blogs have closed up shop recently. I’m still holding out hope that they will come back to life one day. I hope the same for you.
Jenn says
A few months back, I wrote a comment that was really mean. It wasn’t meant to be, but it came out that way, and I was embarrassed, mortified, and I apologized profusely. And you guys graciously accepted my apology. I had said at the end of that apology that I wouldn’t comment again. And I haven’t. But my heart hurt for you in this post, and so I’m breaking my “no comment” promise just this once, and then I’ll disappear again.
I was frustrated back then, because I sensed everything you just admitted to in this post. I have felt this way myself, in a different job (web design), but in a similar, all-consuming type of situation. I had to step back completely and quit. Which was very difficult because it was a job for the business my husband and I own; a business which is all hours, all the time, in our house. In other words, there is no true escape. It was, and still is, hard.
All this to say, I applaud your decision to really and truly step back. I know that can’t be easy. And I know it’s probably scary as well. I pray that this time is a blessing to you and your family. I pray that you use the time well, to rest, to figure out your next steps, to figure out your priorities and what is truly best for you, your family, and your business, should you choose to continue to pursue it. I pray for wisdom, for grace, for peace, patience, and clear, sound minds. I pray you find what you’re looking for, whatever that may be.
I wish you nothing but good thoughts. If you return, I look forward to reading again. And if you don’t, I wish you and your family well on your new path.
Best wishes always.
Morgan Lewis says
Good for you. For what it’s worth, this blog is hands down my favorite of all that I follow. With that said, I completely respect the two of you for being able to recognize when something is off, and stepping back to figure out what is best for your family. I’ll be praying that y’all can find your path, wherever that leads.
Ashley says
I’m so bummed to hear that!!! And boo to all your haters!! You guys are awesome. Out of all the DIY blogs I follow you guys are my still my absolute favorite. Over the years, I have stopped following many blogs due to their willingness to take in sponsors and be paid for posts. It’s annoying to see “This post is brought to you by . . . . all my opinions are my own.” It’s a bunch of crock, cause even with those posts, I’ve never felt like they’re the bloggers actual opinion. Which is why I love you all so much. Yes you take sponsors, let’s be real, you have to pay your bills somehow. But you never take products/money and write a post about them. I know all posts that you do are 100% real and untainted. You pay for it out of pocket. You attack a project just like any of us at home would, with your own $$$. It’s authentic and genuine. Every side project (the book, lighting, show house, etc.) has never felt like a business venture. It’s like seeing something good and exiting happen to friends. And you take us through the process right there with you. You all have always been honest in everything that you do. It is a blessing how much you share. You constantly put yourself out there, and it’s okay if you don’t going forward. You have yourselves and your children to protect. I’m sad that y’all are taking a break, but understand. I hope that this is a welcomed breath of fresh air for you and you can come back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. You’ll still have people waiting cheering for you when you get back. We’ll miss you, but enjoy your time!
Barbara says
Sorry to hear about your struggle and break, but can also completely understand your decision – it always seems like you guys are working non-stop. And its no fun bracing yourself every time you post. I hope all goes well and you find your groove, even if it’s no longer here on the blog.
Good luck!
Heather H says
Good for you! I’ll miss you, but I think it’s great that you all are listening to your inner voice and taking the time to decide what’s right for you and your family!
Brittany D says
While I’m selfishly sad and will miss your posts during the break, I am glad you are taking the time to reflect and get regroup. Your blog was the very first one I read, back in 2010, and the only one that I check every day. I use a reader for the rest of the blogs and get to them when I have time. I sincerely hope that you guys stick around, because I feel like we are friends. And, yes, I have met you (at the Atlanta book signing). Therefore, I feel justified in calling you friends :) Your posts are genuine and packed with so much useful DIY and general household information. The blog is a constant source of inspiration for many…I feel blogland would not be the same without you two! Take all the time you need, but please come back to us!!
Gillian says
Good Luck! I have totally been there. I had a hobby that I loved and had passion for. But once it was my “job” it became almost a burden. Knowing i was doing it not just bc I enjoyed it, but rather – because it was the way I was supporting myself, it became stressful and the spark was gone. Although it was my dream “job” I lost my love for it. It is now a hobby again, and I am much happier. I will enjoy your past posts until you return :)
Clare says
We love you too! No matter what. That’s what love it really….warts and all. You’ve given me so much inspiration over the years and I know you’ll find your muse again. Peace, love and happy home,
Clare
Jenny says
I got tears in my eyes as I read this. I totally understand your needing to take a break and I hope that you will be back some day. Take care of yourselves. Oh, and can someone please tell me what I’m supposed to do now for my mid-morning work break? :-)
Emily says
Sometimes the best thing to gain perspective is to completely step away. I can imagine how terrifying it is for you to take this step, and I admire your ability to make a difficult decision and to communicate it to your followers so gracefully. It’s hard to make us all smile and feel your passion for what you do every day if you aren’t smiling yourselves. Best of luck – enjoy those two sweet kiddos of yours and release any guilt you are feeling about your decision!
Amanda says
(Sorry if this is a duplicate post – internet is acting wonky.)
I think that this break is well deserved. I hope that it allows you to refresh and/or find your new apporach to how you choose to pursue your goals (whatever they may be). We’ll be here when you get back :)
Danielle C says
Good on you. Take care of yourselves first (kind of like putting your own oxygen mask first), the rest will come.
I LOVE your blog and truly hope you’ll be back. Take care.
Katherine @ Grass Stains says
I totally get it. I’ve been blogging for seven years, and although I work full-time outside the home and blog only as a hobby, it does tend to feel like a chore a good bit of the time. You’re certainly due a break to recalibrate and decide what’s best for your family, and I do hope you come back. YHL is one of the best sites on the Internet, hands-down, and just like everything else, IT’S AN OPTIONAL READ. Anyone who doesn’t care to continue is free to leave. :-) But so many of us love what you do here and hope you come back. Best of luck with your growing pains. :-)