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.
Karen says
Sending lots of support and well wishes from Miami!
Jo Shontz says
I can completely understand the desire to take a step back and figure out what you guys really want in this space. I hope you know how much I enjoy reading your blog, and while I will support whatever decision you guys make, I hope you come back!
Patrick says
Sounds like you are searching. A few things I have learned that I hope can help.
1) You can’t please all of the people all of the time.
2) All business/brands must evolve to continue to grow
3) If you are passionate about your job, it isn’t really work.
4) The goal of work is to enable better opportunities for those around us.
Hope we cross paths, I am a neighbor in the “corridor” and our second son is also 5 months.
Best of luck!
Liz Harvatine says
I totally get it, completely understand but…….I’ll miss you sooooooooo much!!!!!!!! Wah!!!!!!!!!!
I hope the break serves you well and you can come back refreshed and inspired with projects to share! I’ll be here with my coffee when you do!
MJ says
I started reading your blog two years ago when I was searching for DIY help for renovating my bathroom. Yours was the only blog with the detailed technical info, pictures, and honest advice that gave me the courage to tackle the project myself. I love your technical posts and big construction projects, there’s no other resource like it! The crafting and decorating projects are interesting, but that’s not what I look forward to. I hope you find what makes you happy, but you’ll be sorely missed!!
Heather says
Why do I feel like this is a “its not you, its me” break up talk? aaaannndd… now I’m crying at work. If you won’t be blogging, can we at least be friends in real life?
xoxo
Heather
Danielle Ferretti says
Completely understand your side, and I think that nobody but yourselves are the best ones to identify what is needed to bring balance and happiness back to your family…
Will I miss you…. ? YESYESYES on a daily basis. You have been so generous in opening up your life and family to us, that I almost (almost, please so I do not look creepy) feel like we ARE a part of your family. Like cousins. Or something not creep at all.
Yours is the only blog that I read on a daily basis, faithfully – the first one I read, and sit here waiting to pop up.
So – go take your break ! Hopefully you will come back. And I will sit here, anxiously awaiting till then. Countdown has commenced…. :)
Take care, enjoy your time off !! xoxoxoxoxoxox
Anne says
While I did notice a shift in content, I was never “disappointed” in the site — in fact, in the Laundry Room project I thought I was seeing the fruits of all your years of practice — despite your modesty, you guys have become real experts in this stuff, and I thought that the content you were creating on that project had real value and longevity for others looking to do something similar. I also want to tell you that I think of all the DIY bloggers out there — you two have the best perspective on the whole thing. You are eminently relateable because while you’re participating in the industry – you also see it from an outsider’s perspective. I never got the sense that you guys were so wrapped up in it you didn’t see the bigger picture. This post demonstrates that. Good for you for taking some time to figure out what is next. I have no doubt that whatever it is (and I hope you come back!) it will be great.
Megan says
I have to agree, and even posted as much Thursday, that I have never once thought “Wow, they’ve lost their style” or whatever! You have such a fun balance that reflects your life and real life, but maybe the original comment struck a cord with you guys more because it was something you had been battling with behind the scenes. At the end of the day, every one, every job, every business, every person needs a break to some degree to kind of get their groove back. I hope you feel so supported and loved and missed! And that if an amazing opportunity comes that lets you get back to an “office” type environment then that’d make for amazing blog posts in your spare time. ;) God bless you both. Oh and for the record, and for what it’s worth, where you said you had been defensive, I think the exact opposite is true and you’re almost too nice!!! You both are so gracious in your replies to comments and so kind … more than anything I was shocked to read you felt you have been defensive in the past. You have never once come across as anything but gracious to me.
Jessica says
This legit made me ugly cry, I am ashamed to say. I love you guys, and whether you know it or not, you lift me up and make me happy every day when I read your blog. It’s part of the morning routine while my daughter watches Daniel Tiger haha. Mommy needs her blog reading time!
I am seriously going to miss you so much. There is going to be a little hole in my day until you come back! I don’t say this to make you feel guilty (you DESERVE this break!!), but just so you know there are people out here who will wait for your return and will miss you.
Also, I am sorry for how people have treated you lately. You two don’t owe us anything. We read because we like you and who you are. That does not entitle us to treat you like our employees (or worse). I hope you will be able to heal during this time and get back to feeling like yourselves again, whether you return to blogging or not.
<3
Fara says
We all need a break from time to time. That said, I always love your posts. This is your life, and you seem to share what/how/when you deem appropriate. I am one of the ones who wondered how you kept up with it all with Clara in the mix even before Teddy came along, and was always in awe. If I could achieve in one year what you guys get done in a month, it would be my own personal lifetime achievement.
Life is an evolution, and a blog about life will be that, too. You write about and share what is going on. I hope your break does each of you and your family good, and you come back refreshed and renewed. If you don’t come back, I, probably along with many others, will miss you terribly. But, understand that it was the best decision for your family.
Nothing but love for you guys. I think you’re awesome all around.
Paige says
You guys. You are amazing. You will surely be missed by so many of us. I wish you all the best. I hope this time off will be a great time for reflection and I hope it helps you guys make some future decisions moving forward. YHL FOREVER!!!!! xo
Dana says
I commented on the thread last week and I’ll say the same thing now. I’ve been a reader since 2008 and no matter what you share, or how often you share it, I’ll be a reader until you stop this blog thing altogether. Much love to you, Petersiks. And thank YOU for all the inspiration. Xoxo!
maria says
wow. i really hope you realize how lucky you are. there’s many times i wish i could step away from my job as i am a designer and work in an office over 9 hours a day, and a lot of the time i do not feel inspired to do anything and i feel very off but i have NO choice but to keep on going and keep being creative even when i just don’t want to because i need to put food on the table. and i have been at this for 11 years, plus my own design job on the side. you are very fortunate for everything, but this right here takes the cake. to be able to walk away and not work anymore for a month?? i literally mean this in every way possible, you two more than won the lottery 2 times over with YHL. i would really hate to see you blow this amazing opportunity to have a successful career fixing up your home. yeah its going to get tough sometimes but who’s career and job doesn’t?
you get to spend time with your children watching them grow while doing something you love. how many people can say that? i really hope your intended break is only for a month, or that you do have something YHL related in the works that doesn’t include much blogging because it would be heartbreaking to see this opportunity flushed down the toilet and for you to go back to office jobs.
a VERY long time reader
Maria
lori says
wow…wasnt expecting that! Totally totally bummed! Its so automatic for me to open my MAC and click on my bookmark for your site each morning..ok…like 5 times a day (habit)….and you know…old habits die hard! Tis a sad day ….
Ewa says
Nooooo! Please don’t leave, stay!..
Now seriously… This is totally understandable, even if it’s hard to read and to accept… For the past couple of years, I have been reading you every single day, and loved each one of your posts. You are so inspirational, and over time I felt so attached to you. I really hope you will come back when you are ready. Will be missing you :(
Sara says
We all hit funks. Personal, professional, spiritual… we all hit them. It’s okay. I wish I could give you both a big ol’ hug and tell you it’s going to be okay…
because it will.
I’m proud of you both!
Ellen says
You mill be missed. Enjoy the time focusing inward on yourselves and your family, you deserve it!
Ellen says
That’s supposed to be “will” …oops!
Christine S says
Best wishes for you all! You are two very talented and blessed people. I will miss following your posts but completely understand. Sometimes you need to re-prioritize things because life is constantly changing (meaning your families needs change). Family should always come first, don’t second guess yourselves…..we’ll be just fine :)Thank you for inspiring us and sharing your lives with us.
Mikaela says
I just recently stepped into the world of DIY, Home Improvement, Design blogs when we decided to have a house built. Your blog was one of the ones I stumbled across and have really enjoyed. Selfishly, I’m bummed that you’re taking a break as we are getting ready to move into our first home and was inspired by many of your ideas and projects. However, I truly understand your reasoning and hope some time away is just what you need to find your groove again or to motivate you to move in a totally different direction. Thanks for all you’ve shared and I hope you’re back soon!
Cassidi says
Wow!! I am so sad by this!!! Checking your blog has become such a daily routine for me for so long I don’t know what I will do now… Your blog is by far my favorite and I’ve used a lot of your tutorials and ideas in my own home. You explain your projects such detail that it makes me feel like I can do any of them myself. And even if a post wasn’t something that I would be able to do in my home or was ready to do, I still always read them. I’ve learned so much from this blog and you have been amazing teachers, thank you for always sharing your knowledge. I love this blog and I love all that you’ve chosen to share with us over the years, but I totally understand the need for a vacation. In all the years I’ve been reading, I can’t remember you ever taking one. Having a new little one come into the picture I’m sure changed the dynamic of how you do things and I’ve often wondered how you were able to do everything you do. I hope you enjoy your break from blogland and focus on your beautiful family. I hope you find your spark soon and I can’t wait to see you back here!
PS-Thank you for keeping the blog public, this is definitely my number one resource for house inspiration and I will be checking the archives frequently I’m sure.
Jill says
I’ve been thinking since Thurs– I think a change in terminology might be helpful. “Blog” harkens too much to a personal thing you do for fun. I think a better choice would be “website” or “online presence”. It gives the professionalism it deserves. It also does NOT distract from a personal connection w readers, if you frame the question as “how do we want to connect w people on our website?” Or “what is important to us in our online presence?” These are more grown-up questions for a business than you may have asked 7 yrs ago! But that’s okay – it’s allowable to be successful & grown up!
By all means, take sabbatical & think about things. I look forward to when you come back.
Amy says
Good for you for making this decision. It sounds like the right one. I’m excited for the next book. If you have any say in the matter, can you put Portland, Oregon, on your book tour? :) Bye for now.
Joyce says
Awww! It is surely sad for us as readers (because we love you guys) but ultimately, “you gotta do what you gotta do” – as they say! Best wishes, enjoy your time with Clara and Teddy, and we’ll be standing by if you do end up coming back :)
Alisa says
You guys have great style, enthusiasm and heart! Thanks for sharing so much with us and for inspiring me with EVERY post. I hope you find the joy again…I’ll be waiting :)
Cara says
AHHH, I am so sad! You are such an inspiration, the reason I started reading blogs, the reason my home has any style at all really. This is such a devastating post to read (on a purely personal level)!! That being said, I admire you for doing what you need to do and being so honest with us and yourselves about what you are going through. I wish you happiness and relaxation during this break and selfishly hope you return with renewed vigor and finally tackle that kitchen and dining room!
Ashley says
I don’t usually post, but I’ve always enjoyed reading the blog (and was strangely excited when I saw your stuff in Target when shopping with my girls, like I saw something a friend made ;)
Anyhow, this might be too personal, but I have felt that having a second kid just makes everything go into slump at some point. Yes, people do it, and their families survive and thrive at some point but it’s a real thing that happens for everybody. I think this break is awesome for you. Perhaps it’s a real maternity/paternity leave, perhaps a sabbatical to get recharged (sabbaticals are typically in the 7th year, building off of biblical principles) … whatever it is, I hope it leaves you feeling renewed with a great sense of what should come next for your family!
Alice says
You guys are amazing. We love you and when it comes down to it, we only want the best for you. That is what a family wants and you have always treated us like a special blog family.
“Don’t quit your day dream.” <~ from another special blog.
Lauren says
You do what you guys need to do, take as long as you need and many of us will be right here waiting for your return. Enjoy this time away.
Ashley says
As a reader since the very early days, this is super sad news to me, but I completely understand. I enjoy reading just about anything that you both decide is worthy of your blog, and have enjoyed seeing the progression of the blog over time as your lives have changed. You have to first do what is right for you and your family though, and if that means taking time to clear your head and snuggle your babies, I say GO FOR IT! Those of us that are true fans of YHL will still be here when you get back.
Sandy says
Blogs are supposed to be fun, so if you are not feeling it anymore, exploring different opportunities is understandable. But if you do move on, please let it be because it is the right choice for your family, not because you feel you have let your readers down. I am grateful for your blog because I have learned lots and been entertained. All at no cost to me. So if you only post once a week, that’s ok. Not every reader is going to be interested in every post, so post what is important to you. And if someone is not interested, they do not have to read that post. But do not change who you are because some random people on the internet feel you owe them something. Know your posts and blog are appreciated.
Dawn says
This is the second blog I’ve read this morning with writers taking an indefinite break (Annapolis & Company is closing shop for now; I think I found them through you).
Bittersweet morning for sure.
My best to all of you. Enjoy the reprieve!
MIchelle says
I hope the time off does your soul some good — but, your posts will be missed!
I can honestly say that I don’t mind hearing about the business ventures you have gained through all of your hard work on this blog. In fact, I love it. That is a good thing! It means you are doing a job well done and people and companies noticed that.
It is always weird to me that some readers get upset if bloggers start to get endorsements or sponsors. Do they really think that you would have tons ‘o spare time on your hand to do nothing but blog for free??
I realize that while you do this blog, you also have a family to support. I love hearing about your outside projects and collaborations.
Best of luck with everything!
Andrea says
My daily home improvement – decorating “cup of coffee”! I will miss you on your break and many blessings in figuring the next steps out :) Faith, Family, then the Free world!! I hope we see you back soon, even if only two to three posts per week, and that you will still check your email. We are a couple months away from a complete home makeover and I will be sending pics as promised! Love from Texas
Rebecca M says
***Cue gnashing of teeth and writhing on the floor.***
So, so very sad that you will not be a part of my mornings – often even before coffee (and I couldn’t live without coffee). :)
You’ve continued to inspire me, and engage me (even as you were feeling off – I didn’t see it).
And now, honestly you inspire me again – because we all go through this season (sometimes too many times) of needing to step back and re-evaluate, and sometimes redirect. Not many of us have the courage to do that – we stay stuck. I am one of those – so “Thank You” – maybe I will find the courage to do the same.
I can’t imagine never reading your blog again, but will totally understand if that is the direction your time off takes you. **cue total withdrawal drama** :)
I am a newer reader (last few months of your second house) – and though I haven’t been with you from the beginning – have a deep love and respect for you, and wish you all the best and brightest things in the whole world.
Much love, respect, and admiration. ~RM
Sarah says
Good for you. I loved your blog in the beginning, middle and now (I won’t say end). I am in a very similar place in life – family and career wise and feel myself that it’s time to regroup. I truly felt bad for you guys reading all those comments last week. Most of us have 1 or 2 “bosses” that we get feed back from at work and here you had hundreds of comments. I imagine that must have been hard to read/process/etc…even if many of them came well intentioned. I wish you and your family nothing but the best! Thank you for all the inspiration!
Katie says
Sharing my thoughts…I found your blog a few months ago, and from my perspective nothing seems “off” at all. I love your posts and look forward to reading what you’re working on. And I’m NOT handy at all and live in an apartment! So none of the things you post really apply to me, yet I love reading about what you’re working on and how you create it. I hope you’re break isn’t a long one.
Elise says
John & Sherry – your blog has inspired and continues to do so. I’ll add my voice to the readers who will miss you tons, but understand that the decisions you make for your family’s happiness and your professional development are YOUR decisions! Looking forward good things to come for the Petersiks.
Nadine says
Good for you! Go do you!
Le says
Thanks for the heart to heart. As a long time reader (house #1, pre-Clara, under that “old house” name, I originally came for the wedding and then read all the archives) I saw all of those transitions, some were awesome and some were just another transition.
I hope this break helps you to find the joy again and I hope you do some crazy fun family things in your time off. (Visit Katie or visit NJ or secretly redo that dining room with no pressure!) Frankly, I think you should make this an annual tradition-radio silence for the month of your choice. (Write only if it makes you happy but hold it for another month.)
This is what I would consider one of the scariest decisions you have ever made. Will the readers come back? Will people still care? Those question would weigh heavy on my mind.
I fully support this-I will be patiently waiting to see what the next chapter in your life brings. My fingers are crossed in the hope that some version of Young House Love is part of that future.
Mari says
Bummer. Sorry that you all have been struggling to get your groove. Relax and enjoy the break and hopefully you will feel refreshed. Even dream jobs can become a drag if you loose track of the reason you love them. At least that would be my guess as I sit behind my desk in a windowless office preparing for a day of processing paperwork. ; )
Teri says
NOOOOOOOOOO! I’m going to miss YHL more than I really want to admit. You’re my 10 am coffee break reading. I wish you the best of everything. I hope the break gives you the insight you are seeking for you and the family. You guys are the bomb. I hope you’re back in blog land soon.
Rachael says
sweet John and Sherry, everyone, EVERYONE needs a break, even a sabbatical at some point. Your readers, all of us, care so much about all of this, because we just love you! You do something so few people in this world do–share openly and honestly and let yourselves be vulnerable on a national stage–heck, an INTERnational stage!
Take some time for yourselves and for your family to rest, recover, enjoy each other, and have some space. It’s ok. Your readers will all be here when you get back, welcoming you with open arms (keyboards??).
Other successful full time bloggers I love have done the same thing–taken a break. And it’s just ok.
Honestly, I’m so happy you’re taking a break, because with all of the projects you’ve had over the past few years, I’ve wondered how you’ve been able to manage it all without feeling over exhausted and stretched far too thin. Balance is important, so I’m so glad to see you embracing it.
Rachael
Katy Simms says
Oh man.. I was afraid that today’s post would be this =(
I am so sad that it has come to this! I know you said not to blame the people who posted negative input but it’s really hard not to!
I understand the need for a break. You have a new baby and a busy big girl and family and fun things to do and you should totally commit the next month to doing all those things.
I sincerely hope that you do come back though… I so do look forward to the daily posts! You guys are such great people and I think that is the main reason you have such a following. I know personally I love reading your unique perspectives on projects and family matters.
ARGH! I’m going to miss you guys! Come back soon and happier please =)
Love, your adoring fan(s)
Casey says
Sending lots of love your way, J & S! Thanks for being so honest and I’ll be here when you get back. :)
Janice says
Wow. and HUGS. !!
First and foremost – you’re two human beings. Not a brand, not a blog, not a business – you’re people. Navigating this world the same as the rest of us and NONE of us have it all together all the time, we learn, we grow, we succeed, we fail, we have mis-steps, etc. No shame in that.
I missed the kerfluffle last week, which brings me to this realization: I’ve all but stopped reading you over the past few months. And like you – I can’t put my finger on it. I’m not sure what is different or why.
What I know is this: I admire and respect you both from what I have gleaned from the blog. So be gentle with yourselves, you’re in a weird place right now. . .the best you can do is relax into that and be open to whatever direction seems right to you – you’ll know it when it comes.
GOD bless you and your little family. You’re amazeballs, uniquely and wonderfully made – don’t every forget that!
April says
Saaaad! I’m surprised by this because most of the comments the other day seemed to be “I miss you guys” and “I’d rather have a snippet of your personality in writing—regardless of type of content—than nothing,” and yet now it’s going to be a whole lot of nothing. :(
I totally get the need for a break and really hope you guys feel refreshed by it. But I will be devastated if you don’t come back. You guys have the best DIY blog out there, and one of the best blogs in general. Your projects are interesting and I love reading about what you guys create, but it’s you two (and your kids) that I really care about. We’re technically strangers but I feel like friends.
I’ll miss you more than you could know. Enjoy this break, but please come back eventually. Pretty please with a cherry on top!
Aoife says
Younghouselove is by far my favourite blog. I have been reading for about 4 years now and you two work sooo hard. I have often been in awe of all you manage to do. I wasn’t surprised when you decided to reduce the number of posts and I thought it was a great idea with a newborn. I think you’ve earned a break. You could always think of it as a late maternity/paternity leave! You say you would never be here without your readers. The readers come because we like the content. I understand it’s your income but you shouldn’t feel indebted to us for reading. Take your well earned break and breathing space. I will miss you two strangers (!) and I hope you decide to come back to blogging in whatever way suits you if that’s what you choose. Thanks for all you’ve shared and good luck with your decisions. You guys are great x
Jennifer says
I’m definitely bummed by this news, but I’m not surprised. Deep down I feel this is the beginning of the end though. Thank you for all the inspiration and I’ll still be coming back to the site to peruse the archives. Take some time for yourselves, enjoy your families and we’ll see you when we see you :)
Julia says
Is this what they’re talking about when they say the “7 year itch”? :-)
Enjoy your break, and may good things always come your way!