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.
Danielle says
Best of luck! Hope you return!
Karen - Dorset Girl says
John and Sherry
long time reader, and like many, first time commenter. I’m not sure you’ll get here after nearly 3.5 thousand comments, especially as what I would like to say has been said many times before (a thousand or two perhaps??!).
You’ve made me laugh (out loud, a lot), you’ve made me tear-up (like just now, and the hospital waiting room make over), you’ve made me clearer about what I want – and need – in my home and my life (like more throw cushions, creativity, beauty and a little dog – actually already have one of those!); you’ve inspired me, you’ve kept me company, you’ve shown me how to do things, how to make things and how it’s ok if it doesn’t work out first time! Oh and you totally got me on every April Fools
Your blog is an evolution. It has grown with you, as a couple, family and professionals. It’s great, you’re great. I do hope you come back and share more and I totally understand and respect your decision to re-evaluate. You are in the fortunate situation to be able to do that, so go for it.
Enjoy. Take care of one another.
(Okay, so maybe that was more therapeutic for me than for you ;o))
Loves ya!
xxx
Christina says
Your blog has inspired me…truly. We are just about to begin our own adventure of building our home. And your blog along with the show house made me SCREAM “This is how I want my house to FEEL and LOOK like” For that, I thank you. As Taylor Swift says “Shake it off, Shake it off!” Good luck to you and your family! That’s what matters in life.
Katie says
Dear John and Sherry,
I already commented on here once but I can’t stay away. I just wanted you to know that when I got home from work and my husband asked me how my day was…I actually teared up a little bit. He asked me what was wrong and I told him about your break/sabbatical. He chuckled (as he should, I admit I am a little dramatic) and I explained that I felt like a close friend had moved to an internet-less country and I wasn’t sure when they would return. I don’t say this to guilt you. I say it because that is the impact you have had on me…you became so much a part of my life that you were the first thing I told my husband about when I went home. Please know that I so appreciate you sharing your life with me all of these years. You are my friend. And I am so thankful for you.
With love, Katie
Brittany M says
Couldn’t have said it better. I’ve already commented, thousands of comments ago, but I just can’t seem to stay away. Almost as if I come back enough there will be a new post and everything will resume as it was before. It’s like the series finale of Friends…..okay maybe now I’m being overly dramatic. But seriously, I can’t believe how the Petersik family has impacted my life and I’ve never even met them.
<3 Brittany
Jill says
was on vaca last week so didn’t get in on all the drama or feedback. Just MHO…your blog is great for ideas and design inspiration as you both have a good eye for style. It seems as tho some of your followers have become a bit too attached and obtained stalker status. Perhaps this can be avoided by not providing as much personal family info. Personally I look at design blogs for ideas, not to see how cute someone’s kids are. Thanks and enjoy your break :)
gigi says
i guess i wish you could go back to a simpler time. i don’t feel that every post needed to have a 10 picture tutorial and a 3000 word essay. i enjoy reading about the simple improvements. you could tell that your income had increased greatly (not a bad thing) , but it was hard to relate to as a single, older woman on a very limited budget.
Gina says
Wishing you all the best.
Alisha says
I am so happy you guys have figured out what you want. I am so sad you won’t be here but know that you really haven’t been here for awhile. When you did the laundry room reveal It felt as though you were coming back and I expressed how happy I was and how much I love you two. Hopefully your time off will get you where you need to be. I am much awaiting your next book to have my little prices of the beloved YHL.
Brooke says
Thank you for the many years of blog posts. I hope you will return soon. Good luck & best wishes in the next stage of your lives, whatever you decide to do.
Marin says
I keep checking back with the hopes of finding a “just kidding!” post.
Ashleigh Pettett says
Me too! I’m happy for them, but I’m really wishing it was April right about now.
Alison says
Any chance you might bring on a guest blogger who can at least plug in some house tours, etc. in your absence?
We’ll miss you guys and can’t wait for you to come back to the blog world!
tracy says
I have read your blog for almost five years. I have enjoyed it daily as a break at work. It has been something I look forward to, have truly enjoyed, and been inspired by countless times. I was shocked when I logged on and saw this post. I have never left a comment before (i now wish I had) and never read others comments. I really hope you come back, and I wish you all the best during this break and in whatever the future holds for you two and your family. I will continue to use your archives as an “idea book.” Myself and my home thank you for everything!
SamRI says
I am a regular reader but a very infrequent commenter and this post makes me really sad. Not only will I miss reading my favorite blog but I am appauled by how incredibly rude people can be in the comments.
As someone who just shipped off her youngest two children to kindergarten, you should never have to make apologies or excuses for choosing to put your family first. Time goes so quickly and many, many of us will welcome you back when the time is right for you.
Best of luck.
Gnome Lover says
“WOW!” Pause. “WOW!” Pause. “Whoa…” Those are the sounds I am making in my car right now as I read this post, waiting for kids to get out of school. My heart is heavy having read this. I hope you ultimately make the decision that is best for your family. I never felt you lost your groove, but I recognize anyone can feel burnt out no matter what job they have. I think all of your readers are hoping you keep the blog going. Me being one of them. I have loved reading your life journey throughout the years…
Deep breaths. Lots of hugs and encouraging thoughts sent your way.
Jenni
Jasmin says
Dear Sherry, dear John,
I found your blog 4 month ago and i love your spirit that you transport with every post.
I wish you a good time with freetime and inspiration and of course with your kids.
I understand your decision from the bottom of my heart. To be creative needs freetime as a source of energy.
Please enjoy your time!
Excuse to my english, it is not the best.
Many greetings from Germany
Hope you Return
Hayley says
I’m so sad to see you guys are taking a break! I understand the desire to step away for a bit and recollect the lust you once had for what you love. Get back to the basics.
I have been following you guys for about three years now, I started reading when I was 22 and on the market to buy my first home. You have always been so inspirational to me! Taking us all through the step by step motions of every project (weather it turned out to be a “bust” or not). I feel like I have learned so much from you guys, and I truly believe all of your opinions have been unbiased. I respect what you do, and I’m excited for you guys to spend some quality time with that new baby! Breathe… you’ll get your mojo back ;)
As for all of us faithful YHL followers… We’re going to miss the hell out of you! Honestly, what the heck am I going to do to kill time at work now?! lol
Kelly says
I really hope you will come back in whatever capacity you want, refreshed and feeling great. If for some reason you decide not to keep blogging, or to take a longer break, please please please can you keep the archives up? There are so many posts I would refer back to when it comes time for me to do a related project. I would like to think, and hope, that the residual income from ads when people read old post would pay for the upkeep of the site in static form. Seriously, if the site ever became inaccessible, I’d be more upset than if I lost my entire back collection of This Old House magazine (which is excellent). I love you guys for real too. Best wishes.
Marie says
You are inspiring (and intimidating – my stuff is never that smooth…) but you have no obligation to us readers. You provide information and entertainment, but since we don’t pay you for any of it, it is beyond how any of your readers would make you feel guilty to hit publish. We have no obligation to read the content, and you have no obligation to write it and I think it is so bizarre that some readers feel so entitled. The fact that we like reading it and you liked writing it meant that the relationship was symbiotic – hopefully you regain your obvious love for sharing your knowledge by taking a break.
danielle says
Enjoy your break and focus on the fact that you have inspired a TON of people. I am deeply upset that I can no longer live vicariously through you and may have to actually do something with my OWN house. Sigh. But honestly, I don’t know how you’ve done ANY of it with two kids (a newborn! good lord we were out of service for months! I still only vacuum once a month and he’s a year old!). You guys are the best, whether you’re blogging about it or not.
sharon says
Good call, it doesn’t seem like you’ve been into it for a long time.
I’m sure you’ll find something else to inspire yourselves.
Maybe blogging full time just isn’t what you are supposed to be doing to
support your growing family.
Jessica says
I love you guys so much! Your blog is a highlight in my day. Know that we all support you 110% and I will be here if/when you return! You guys are the best!
Bridget Whitted says
Be true to yourselves – it’s all anyone really has. Thanks for leaving the blog public – I’m gonna want to go back in your archives for projects
Christina says
Good for you. Family is of the utmost importance.
Samantha says
I’ve always thought of your blog as the one with integrity because I knew you weren’t just blogging for free stuff or making every post a sponsored post. There are blogs out there that make me feel used… like my only value as a reader comes from the revenue I generate for them. I have sensed a difference recently but really I thought it was due to your rush to get the show house done before Tedays arrival and the fact that you didn’t take any maternity break. We can be patient until you catch your breath again. Don’t worry about us! I hope the break will do you good and that you can come back with new energy. Love you guys!
Sarah says
I want nothing but the best for the Petersik family!
I also want you to know that there are fans out here who completely understand the pressures and stresses that come with your job. (And anyone who suggests that your blog isn’t a full-time job clearly has no idea what it is that you do.) As readers, we are consumers. We consume all of the wonderful details and extremely honest posts you produce. We check your blog daily to consume all of the hard work, time, creative energy, younameit that you put into it. CORRECTION: that you put into the blog, your marriage, your children, and your home. The “product” that you provide takes so much time and talent to create. I wish people could understand how long it takes to 1) envision a project, 2) execute the project, 3) type a clear tutorial for others to follow, 4) document the process with edited photos, 5) publish the material on a very well-managed publication, 6) respond to questions/comments on said publication, and 7) ignore the haters who want nothing more than to drag you down. (I fear that the last one may be your weakness, because you are clearly acing the rest.)
I’m a loyal reader. I love both the “quick-and-dirty” (read: short) posts and the über-long, super-detailed posts. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve referred back to your detailed posts so that I could complete a project. I’m really hoping you take this as a compliment: I go to your blog and This Old House whenever I’m starting a project. Seriously, your detailed posts for big projects are amazing!
Love you guys to the moon. I’ll say it again: I want nothing but the best for the Petersik family!
(Selfish me wants to add that I need you back in my daily life somewhat soonish.)
Brittany says
Finding a new normal with 2 little ones is hard. I am about 9 months ahead of you and we are still attempting to find the new normal. Take sometime breath and enjoy your little ones, this will not be the same when you return but you might like what you return to a lot more.
Martine says
I understand and acknowledge that the blog has changed over the years and I’m totally fine with that.
If tv shows or magazines did not evolve they would be cancelled or go out of business really quickly. But then they are not as personal as your blog and I understand that all the comments must get to you after a while. You want to please everyone and by doing so, you are not pleasing the most important persons: yourselves.
Remember that you will NEVER please everyone no matter what you do. You just gotta to learn to live with fame and everything that comes along with it. It’s a lot of pressure for you guys to carry this big of a blog on your shoulders, maybe you should cut yourselves some slack especially with all the comments that you keep responding to.
Enjoy the break and any other projects you guys chose forward with but please remember that if you chose to leave public’s eyes forever you will be missed a lot (and frankly I think the world would be missing out 2 on talented folks). Too bad I ain’t a big tv producer, I would offer you a fabulous show on my network.
((Hugs))
Martine from Montreal Canada
Colleen L. says
Good for you!!!!!! Take this time to spend it just the 4 of you!!! Enjoy all the little and Big moments in everyday life!!! You have inspired me and I am so grateful to you for that. God has a plan for all of us and right now he is sending you on a different path! Listen to it and God Bless:)
Sarah MC says
Sherry and John,
I have commented only a handful of times on your posts since I started reading in the fall of 2010, and you have always responded kindly and sweetly.
I think that the stats tell you everything: there are more than twice as many comments on this post as last week’s requesting feedback. The vast majority of them are supportive. We love y’all.
WAHOOWAH–
Sarah Morrow Cerniglia (CLAS ’03)
Bonnie says
I love the site and often check here for DIY info before google. I have to say, based on the sheer number of projects you completed in the last 18 months – and the level of attention you give to all your projects, I’ve been waiting for this announcement. That is – I assumed you two are actual human beings and not cyborgs. Based on your previous careers at Manhattan ad agencies, I’m sure this isn’t your first go-round with burnout. I applaud you for taking everything as far as you have and recognizing when its time to step back – not an easy thing to do!
Vikki says
Yours was the first blog I ever added to my reader and it’s the only one that I read every single word of every post. I’ll miss you guys but you’ve got to do what is right for you. If you come back refreshed/restyled/ or not at all we will deal with it. Good luck xxx
Jenny says
I continue to be impressed by the graciousness, honesty, and vulnerability you demonstrate. And I have to say that I was incredibly put-off by the tone of the criticism that rolled over the course of this past week. While you asked for readers’ perspectives and opinions, I was bothered by the attitude of entitlement and the patronizing “disappointment” some expressed.
You don’t owe us anything. And I have never once been charged for reading a post. You have simply offered a glimpse into your world, sharing your insights, challenges, successes, and ongoing learning in the world of DIY and home ownership/improvement. We are all constantly evolving and you should be given the freedom to as well. We don’t own you and you have every right to take your blog down the path of your choosing. If dissatisfied, people can mosey on over to whichever other sites most meet their needs/interests.
And of course you must find a way to make money from this. I find it ridiculous that readers expect their pet bloggers to continue to deliver fresh, quality content on a regular schedule without giving time and energy to actually making a living as well.
That being said, I applaud you for stepping back and taking time to consider what you want of this and what’s working or not working for you and your family. Yours is the first blog I read each day – and I look forward each week to the new project you completed over the weekend! I will miss you on these interwebs ;) but am eager to see you when you come back {and in whatever form you choose}. In the meantime, know you are so appreciated and enjoy time with your beautiful kiddos in your lovely little nest!
All the best! xo
Jennifer says
Man. I have to admit I’m bummed. I completely get it, but I’m still bummed. I hope you enjoy re-finding yourselves. :o)
Vicki says
Simply said, thank you. I will miss your posts. Enjoy your family and any new endeavors that come your way. But do come back, please.
Marissa H says
Thank you for everything! You guys have been my absolute favorite blog for years! The only blog I read anymore in fact because you’re the best! Sending love and hopes of a return! Best wishes! ??
Keri says
Wishing you a guilt-free and enlightening break! You could come back in a month and say you’ll be back in another month, then return in that other month and say you’re going to start writing about baseball or licorice ( two things I cannot stand ) but I’d still read every word and come back for more. Love you too and thank YOU.
Chaucea says
Good!
Thank you for owning your current state! That’s paramount to any positive forward momentum, whatever that may ultimately be. :-)
Just, please, remain brutally honest with yourselves as to the *best* course of action in your life, and own that completely, and all will be well.
(I’ve had a gut feeling for awhile now that its been time for John to get back to a full-time 8-5 job, Sherry to focus on raising the kids full-time, and the blog to either end altogether or completely change to a small, low-key, low-maintenance design blog that is posted to infrequently.)
christine says
I can’t even comprehend what makes you think you are qualified to say such a thing.
Val says
Yep, what Christine said.
Tabitha Watson says
I will miss you guys greatly during your break. I have been a reader for years and years and feel like you are a part of my extended family. While I will miss you, I totally see where you are coming from, my husband and I are expecting our first baby in Feb. and we are slowly coming to terms with how our lives will be changing. It is of course my greedy hope that you guys will return, but if not, I wish you all the best of luck!
Willa says
Good Call; you didn’t ask for advice, but here are a few random thoughts–rather than go blogless, without your great design sense and your common sense about house stuff, I would be willing to do without Instagram photos (much as I enjoy them) and some of your family details, including party info–one thing I really appreciate are the Halloween costume posts and Christmas decorating posts, since I tend to not be smart about either one. Also, maybe you could split up some posts in order to spread them out over more days (most of us aren’t going to go out and do our laundry rooms over instantly as you do, and need to hear what the next step is, this second
;-)
That said, do it as you feel you should. And take at least 3 week vacations–we can live that long each year without you, as long as we have the archives!
Thanks for the richness and energy and inspiration you have added to my life.
cori roberts says
I feel like you guys are family and that I personally know you. So just as I would tell my sister or brother, we love you and support you! I love how open and honest you guys are! I will still be a follower 100% when you get back to your roots. I just hope its not so long that the blog will be called “Old House Love” hahaha!! :) But even then, I will still be reading with my thick granny glasses.
Love you guys! Focus on your beautiful family and house. Do what is best of you, not anyone else. God has a plan! Jeremiah 29:11 <3
Cori
Christina K. says
You are the blog I look most forward to reading, and I follow a lot of blogs. Refresh. Enjoy your family. And corm back to us when you’re ready.
Andrea says
Not going to lie… this is the only blog I continue to read consistently, as I have been for the past 5 years or so. I’m going to miss you guys, and I hope you come back. I understand and appreciate the introspection, but I think you should give yourselves a little more credit. You just had a baby, and you can’t discount just how much that completely changes a family dynamic. All of you are adjusting, and anyone that’s been in your shoes gets that.
That being said, John and Sherry… nobody does this DIY blog bit as well as you do. Period. You are real people, even behind all that commercial success, and as a reader I really REALLY appreciate that. It’s what keeps me coming back.
Anyway, like I said, I’ll miss you. And even though you are taking a break, it won’t stop me from coming here and checking in, just in case. I’ll be awaiting your return!
Dara says
Some people are so rude and should keep their mouths shut. Honestly, I used to read TONS of blogs all day and now I only read yours, that’s it, Yours!!!! I will be so sad that y’all are taking a break for selfish reasons, but I completely understand your reason and support you 100%. However, I am about to take maternity leave and I don’t know what I am going to do to fill my time (when I’m not adoring the babe). There’s always the archives right?! Miss you already ;=)
christine says
Hey, you guys are great, more power to you for doing what is right for your family, your life. I’ll always have enjoyed this blog, whether you come back or not, great to see we can access the archives. There’s a lot of good stuff in there! Enjoy your wonderful family and best of luck in whatever you choose to do. You have such great integrity, you’ll do great no matter what. Thanks for sharing all of your wonderful projects and family journeys with your readers.
Susan (A Canada Fan) says
So sorry to read your post. I looked forward to receiving it and seeing “1 new item” :)
Best wishes and best of luck in whatever you decide. Life is short and your children are only young once (cliches, I know, but very true). Enjoy, relax, and have some fun.
Cathy says
I literally teared up!! I’ll miss you till you decide you want to come back!!
Holly says
I’m a long time reader but never comment. Just wanted to thank you for keeping your blog going as long as you have. It’s always the first one I check and I love seeing your progress. Hope you’re back soon!
Rob says
Like another reader, I only found you about a year ago and yours is the only blog I read. As for your getting paid for it, you do great work and deserve it. Multiple times each week, I click ALL your advertisers on the side in hopes you’ll get more. Your inspirational, on-trend, modern / transitional design, cost consciousness and diy advice / how-to’s have moved my wife and I to get our own house finally going in a direction we really always wanted but didn’t know it – we were in limbo.
I admit that I hunger for fresh content and when I don’t see something other than a freebie every 2-3 days, I get disappointed. But I realize the blog is not your only gig, nor should it be, you have every right to support your (now bigger) family with the best possible blend of financial security AND happiness.
Like all your other big fans, I hope my favorite (only) blog won’t go away, but support you guys with ANY decision you make.
Angel says
I am sad to see this break. While I have noticed that things seemed different, different is not always a bad thing. There has been a lot of change in your life – big projects, new baby – don’t be so hard on yourselves. No matter what you do, someone is going to be disappointed, or not like it, or whatever. However, that is true in almost any job or any part of life really. It is impossible to please everyone. Maybe a break will help you find your spark again.
I hope you will be back in some form – it will feel like a friend has suddenly disappeared with no means of communication. I have seen so much of your life to this point.
Know that you have thousands wishing you well.
Peg says
I can’t imagine doing what you two do! Of course, I’m a lot older than you, but you are always so busy. Good for you on deciding to further rein things in. One day you’ll look up, and Clara and Teddy will be teenagers, and you’ll regret the missed opportunities. Do it now while you can. I think you’re awesome for being honest…