Life has been busier than ever for us – and there’s nothing like having a baby to confirm your true priorities. We’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately: what exactly are our goals? What are we working towards? Hoping to gain? The answer, we realized, was definitely not more blog hits or traffic or approval. Honestly we both feel unsettled by the idea of our blog growing any larger, and we look fondly back on the earlier days when we worked less, slept more, and spent more quality time with our family and friends. This little website of ours has already surpassed every expectation we ever could have had for it. So what are we chasing?
When Clara was born we were both blogging full time, but we had about a third of the traffic that we have now and we usually shared around one project a week amidst other home-related chitchat, family happenings, polls, reader makeovers, etc. It was one of the best times of our lives. We did less and had less, and we were completely comfortable. So in light of everything on our plates, this new baby boy, and a girl who’s growing up entirely too fast (cue the Armageddon music), we’ve decided to paddle back towards that.
We know this choice may directly correlate to fewer hits and therefore less income – and we’re ok with that. Sure, it’s a little scary not knowing where we’ll be in a few months or years (but we’ve never known that as professional bloggers anyway). We’ve made “risky” career choices before in the name of life quality – like leaving the NYC rat race and giving up steady salaries for blogging – but they’ve also been some of our best decisions.
Just like we did when we made those leaps, we’ve saved enough to help us sleep at night. We’ve also both left the door open in our previous professions, so even if this choice means we’ll eventually be taking on freelance advertising work again (which I did to make a living before we started this blog, and which John has dabbled with over the last few years) it’s a risk we’re willing to take in the name of bringing some balance back into our lives.
The good news is that our love of home improvement and blogging is burned deep into our hearts, and our to-do list is still a mile long. We have no plans to stop blogging anytime soon. We’ll still be posting our projects, planning, shopping, and other usual fare here regularly. But things will be noticeably different as we recalibrate our priorities (we think we’ll end up in the 3-5 posts per week range).
We’ll also be going back to sharing all of our family posts on Young House Love (sorry Young House Life). We’ve always had family stuff here – in fact some of our favorite (and most popular) posts are the personal ones about things like breastfeeding, Clara’s birth story, her photo project, this ridiculousness, and random facts about me and John. Between those types of posts always existing on our main site, and Instagram taking the place of the smaller family updates, Young House Life has felt less necessary lately, so we won’t be posting over there anymore.
We know some people will be relieved by this change of pace (many of you have encouraged us to slow down) or excited about the new looser style of posting, while others might decide to tune out – and we’re ok with that too.
We feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to make this choice. It’s not a decision that we’ve made lightly, and we realized that if we don’t seize it now, we may never have the chance to again. Teddy is our last baby and Clara is just a year away from kindergarten (how did that happen?!), so we want to enjoy this time with them instead of working our nights, weekends, and vacations away chasing some business goal we don’t even want.
We have no idea what the future holds, but even if the internet exploded tomorrow, we’re already so grateful for this amazing and completely unexpected journey of ours. This blog has surprised us in the most major of ways, and has led to some unbelievable experiences and opportunities, many of which we can’t quite wrap our minds around.
We still have big dreams for this house of ours and can’t wait to share how it evolves with you guys. But if you’ll excuse us, I have an almost impossibly tiny diaper to change and John’s off to buy some lumber again…
Danielle Purtle says
It is such a noble/refreshing/weep-worthy thing to see that ya’ll have your priorities in line. I love the rejoining of the home and life posts. Because what is a home without the life?! Ya’ll are the best! I will keep reading as long as you keep writing — no matter how often that is! And if you should one day stop writing…well, then I am going to need to be e-mail pals or something. Just kidding. But really. :)
Paige says
I’ve read and kept up with this blog (rather quietly) since almost it’s conception… and I’ll continue to read it. Your blog is inspiring, regardless of how many posts per week there are.
In the past year I’ve redirected my goals in life. I focused far to much on my job, and was unwilling to do anything to risk it (like take a WHOLE WEEK for vacation). That’s no longer the case. I live my life for my love, my family, and even my dogs… No matter how much you enjoy a job it does not have to be your priority!
So cheers to you all. Enjoy your babies.
Thais says
Brilliant decision, guys. As a libg tine reader I have been a bit uneasy about the frantic pace you guys have had in the past months and we – readers who love you – really don’t want you to burn out. Posting less and a mix of Home improvement and other stuff makes most sense. After all, a home life is not just DIY. Making a home in the DIY/decirating sense is irrevocably intertwined with family updates and the beatiful daily and mundane stuff. So I am looking forward to this new old phase to come!
PS: I particularly love posts like house crash and readers redesign. I understand they still take a ton of your time, but may be one way to lift a bit of your burden to post so often???
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Thais! We love those too, so when we get something that we can’t wait to share, we definitely would love to keep those in the mix!
xo
s
Dawn says
Good for you. I felt bad commenting on the post announcing Teddy’s birth, because I knew in order for it to get published, you two would have to do something other than snuggling your newborn.
Of course we’ve never met, but I have a very certain feeling that all will be fine and well with you.
Meggan says
It’s inspiring to see people following their hearts, whatever that may be. Your priorities are spot on and it’s great to realize it now, instead of looking back with regret. The lovely thing about being bloggers is the flexibility and ability to literally design your own life, in many ways. You are doing the best thing for your precious family. I, for one, will look forward to the new/old format of bringing the family posts and slower pace back to Young House Love. It’s an example, really, for everyone to take a step back and evaluate what is most important. Kudos. xo
Lisa OK says
Thank you for this post. I am a new mommy and am trying to evaluate whether I should go part time. It’s hard to figure out true priorities sometimes and it does seem like this is a forever choice. Will I be mommy-tracked for life? Is it more important to spend time with my baby now or save plenty of money for his college fund? Can I somehow do both?
What you are doing takes a lot of courage, and I’m happy for your family. I love you guys!
Alisa says
Long time, first time.
I’m actually really happy about your changes. I could never understand why you split the posts between Love and Life and I rarely checked out Life. It just seemed like it was just making way more work for you guys to try to manage two sites like that. Throw it all together and people will like the posts they like, and if occasionally you hit one that’s a ‘meh’, come back tomorrow. I’m also glad you’re slowing down on the projects. You mentioned when you moved into this house that you were going to do the projects more slowly because you hoped to live in this house longer but it’s felt like you’ve actually been going faster over the last year and as a reader it’s been hard to keep up. So slow down, breath more, maybe break your projects into multiple smaller posts, and maybe do some posts that are less taxing on you guys. Like those Reader Dilemma posts were great. I wish you’d bring those back.
Best of luck to you and the growing family. My youngest will be starting kindergarten in the fall and I’m completely unmoored that the time flew by so fast. It goes even faster with the second than it did with the first, if you can believe it.
Elizabeth F says
For some reason, your post is making me cry (happy-cry, that is). I resonate so deeply with your desire to prioritize your family and to enjoy life rather than just strive to be successful/make money. It feels like a very counter-cultural decision to make these days, and I’m so proud of you for making it, especially when you’re as much in the spotlight as you are.
I will always be a reader too. I’ve been following your blog since Clara was born, and have enjoyed it so much over the years. Thank you for sharing your lives and creativity with us. Blessings to you!
Emily says
Thank you for being such good examples of what it means to live a balanced family life. I think this is something which a lot of people forget. In the meantime, you two are superheroes with what you have accomplished. Congrats!
Reenie says
Good for you guys…. you and your babies are the most important. xo
Rachel says
Moments before reading this post, I was thinking about a deep rooted dream of starting my own blog. I have toyed with the idea for years, written countless posts, and never actually made the jump. My thoughts before opening up my reader were “I don’t want this to BECOME my life, I want it to REFLECT my life.
And then I read your post. Talk about signs.
Bravo! Your creativity and love will always allow you to prosper. (And I highly doubt you’ll lose readership).
xoxo
Adrienne says
YAY. I’m so happy for you all!! You’ve been struggling for that balance for so long now, I’m glad you’ve figured it out. P.S. That last image KILLS me. So dang cute.
Chandra says
Good for you guys! Chasing the right goals is never the wrong the decision :)
DB says
Kudos to you! You haven’t lost a reader here.
Samantha says
I don’t know how you guys feel about people sharing links in comments, but your post today reminds me of this excellent article that I have bookmarked and re-read every time I need a reminder that how I earn my income is not how I define my life.
It is the best description of and case for work/life balance I have ever read, and I think applies to men as well although it is directed a women. I wish more people understood and embraced the value of a “good enough” life.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the link Samantha! So interesting!
xo
s
Marie says
I was initially turned off from this article because of the title….but now its bookmarked!!! Thanks for sharing Samantha!
Bethany says
Loved that article, thanks for the link.
Jennifer C. says
Good for you all! Thanks for letting me share in your journey and I look forward to seeing it continue in whatever format/time frame fits for you and your family! Hugs!
Jennifer C. says
Oh and I completely agree about the Oreos… addictive!
Jen @ Migonis Home says
SO PROUD OF YOU for making this choice!!!! You have accomplished incredible things and are being great role models in this decision as well!
Claire says
YHL continues to be my most fave blog because you inject humor, light and beauty where you’d normally find the small, cold and unfeeling that is pervasive on the internet. Heck no, I ain’t leaving!
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
Good for you guys!!! Enjoy your family and I know I will be right here waiting to see what you do next. I know what you are feeling right now with my 9-5 job and my 9 month old. I don’t want to miss all those moments either. Taking time for family is #1. You are really making me think about my own path right now. Things might just be changing. ;)
And on a fun note…I thought of you this morning {not in a weird way or anything LOL}…The song “My Name is” by Eminem came on the radio and I completely thought of $herdog. ;)
Crystal says
I’m in the same boat Jen. Just telling my hubby last night that I’ve been thinking more and more about staying home when #3 comes along. The problem is that I don’t want to just be a stay at home mom. I want to have things to do and side jobs.
Sherry (or John too), I know we have different backgrounds but got any tips/thoughts on how to feel fulfilled in a career way while getting to spend tons of time with the fam/kids?
P.s. Enimem ALWAYS makes me think of Sherry!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a toughie. I think some sort of freelance or part time work might be the best of both worlds for you. Maybe see if there’s a local business or organization that might be interested in hiring someone for 10 hours a week? Or checking out sites like Creative Hotlist or Linked In to see if any freelance jobs in a field that you have experience in might be something you can pursue?
xo
s
Shannon says
You guys are awesome! Another supportive fan here of your decision to scale back. Do you think you will work on folding the blog posts of YHLife into YHLove?
YoungHouseLove says
It would be awesome to somehow shift those into the archives of Young House Love so they’re all here in one place, although we’re not sure how simple that will be. Otherwise we’ll just leave that site up as a reference for people, but just won’t update it anymore.
xo
s
Elizabeth says
Such a great post today and I couldn’t agree with you more about it. Time goes so quickly and I’m also working on a better balance for myself and my daughter. Congratulations to you guys and your family! And totally agree about Oreos.
Hilary says
i think this is a great step. i always thought it was nice of you to comment on nearly every comment, even if it’s ‘thanks!’ but i always thought it was unnecessary. i hope you scale back commenting on your blog comments, because that’s just time taken out of your life. of course, i know you won’t be completely absent (which is not what i’m suggesting either).
i’m glad to see you slow down. all the best!
Bethany says
Way to go! I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m not here just for DIY/home related stuff. I’m here, and I read daily because of that stuff, but also because I enjoy following your family’s journey. I like hearing about parenting and family life, and all that comes with it. I also really enjoy your frequent Instagraming! So if less posts per week translates into a happier family, and a longer shelf life of the blog, then I’m all for it.
Hannah says
I think you’re making a wonderful choice to shift focus a little (not that you need anyone’s approval to do so :) and I will continue to be a dedicated reader!!
Beck says
You’ll have me as a reader for as long as you keep sharing! I love how intentional you guys are and the way you continue to pause and reflect, adjusting to what is right for you. Congratulations on cute little Teddy and the new path ahead!
Heather says
Congratulations! I think it is wonderful you guys have made such a great choice for your family. While I love all of your posts, I know that balance is super important, and if that means fewer posts then I fully support that. I feel like this post is really a tipping point for myself, it seems like everything in my life right now, from the book I’m currently reading, to all of my favorite blogs (not just yours) is screaming “slow down and enjoy life.” Kudos for your decision, and thanks for unknowingly reinforcing my personal life reevaluation.
Shauna says
Really wise decision. Enjoy your life as a young family, and revel in its goodness. Even if you posted once every 2 months I would still tune in, just because you guys are one of the most endearing blog stories on earth.
Beautfiful photos–thanks again for so generously sharing.
Amanda Sheren says
I LOVED the photo of Mama baby and clara laughing in the hospital bed, so cute. And all of the other pics as well. Nothing like a new baby, especially one so darn cute. I love the idea that you’ll be posting everything here, makes it easier to follow (I also follow your instagram)and I’m excited that you guys will be enjoying your home life more and worrying less over the blog. In my humble opinion blogs are meant to be fun and I think it comes across to your readers when it’s more about life and fun and less about having to get a blog post out. So congratulations and I can’t wait to see what’s in store! I will still be regularly checking you guys out since you’re one of my favorite blogs to look at and read.
Olivia says
Totally respect your decision – I think it makes a lot of sense, especially now that you have two little kiddos! No need to maintain two separate blogs, for example. And you were posting soooo much content and so often – I kept thinking that you could easily cut back and not lose much of your audience. Plus you have a ton of content in the archives for people to check out. I’m so glad you’re cutting back on the intense pace – you deserve some r&r (not that taking care of an infant is relaxing!)
Linda says
Bravo! Firmly behind you and will remain a loyal reader who will happily check in daily no matter what. Best wishes for continued success in all spheres – personal and business!
Sara says
Good for you guys!!!! I have been a loyal fan from the beginning, and will continue to be no matter how many/often posts come along. Take the time to enjoy your beautiful kiddos! Love you guys!!
Heather {A Fire Pole in the Dining Room} says
Per usual, thanks for keeping it real on here. I know a lot of us (or maybe it’s just me, but I doubt it) aspire to have an awesome blog and a following like you do. It’s easy to wish for that when I don’t have to live it. I love that you have the confidence and courage to do what is right for your family. I’d be surprised if you lose any readers over it. I’ll certainly keep coming back to read whatever you post – 1, 3, 5 times a week. It doesn’t matter :)
Jenna says
Congratulations to you guys! Family is the most important thing in life. What could is a beautifully decorated home if you don’t get to spend time with the people in it? I for one will definitely stick around and see what the future holds for your family and your home. Best of luck!
Sheena says
Good for you! My husband and I have just made some major changes to bring back the balance. It’s scary (the uncertainty of it all), but we think it will be incredibly rewarding in the long run. After all, who gets to the end of their life and wishes they’d worked more?
Wishing you all good things.
Erica says
Integrity. That is what you have in spades, and that is why your readers are fiercely loyal. It shines through in everything that you do. I am not much of a DIY-er, though I have been avidly following you for several years, and my favorite part of my morning is taking a break to click over on YHL. I will continue to check daily, and will be happy whenever there is something new posted. Kudos, and as always, thank you for sharing your thought process and your lives with us!
Andrea says
I love your blog, and I will miss more frequent posts, of course, but I applaud your decision! You have always inspired me with your focus on your family in addition to your mad DIY skills. ;-) Way to live your priorities in order. I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for you!
Michelle says
I am not your average reader (I am 43 with 4 kids, ages 7-18), so I thought I could add some perspective. I have done everything from completely stay-at-home-mom to working full-time outside the home, and darn near everything in between (you can read more here).
Each season has its own requirements and you are so right to evaluate and adjust as you feel called to do so. Enjoy this time – it does go so fast!
You might find later that you are ready to ramp up again, or you might not – I swear, those cute peanuts need you just as much when they are in high school! My kids come home from school and are like puppies at my feet – wanting to talk about their day and visit and looking for decent food to eat. Even the 18 year old! And I love it.
You never want to look back with regret. We love you and will take whatever we can get – so enjoy your family and enjoy your projects when the time is right.
God bless your whole family! Teddy is so sweet and Clara looks like the best big sister.
clodia says
I’m so glad that you’ve figured out what it is you want to do and that you’re going for it whole-heartedly. I will be here for the ride, and I look forward to hearing more about your journey.
Crystal says
Anytime I see someone making decisions that lead to the most happiness it always makes me so happy! (Seriously this makes my day and makes me want to appreciate life even more exactly as I have it…even if I don’t think it is my perfect, ideal life yet.) Good for you and I think bringing simple back to the blog will be so nice for you and your readers.
I’m glad you finally got a chance to crash and are already up to your usual antics and buying wood. You bounce back fast!
Jenna says
“good” not could. ugh! :)
Jacqueline says
Congrats on Teddy! I’ve been a loyal reader for some time and while I look forward to your daily posts, I love that you guys are doing exactly what you need to do for your family, taking a step back. It totally makes sense. Isn’t life about enjoying the people you love and the time you have with them. I’m 20wks pregnant with our first and have been freelancing since losing my job at the end of 2013. The idea of a full-time 9-5 gig and a new baby just doesn’t make sense to me right now either. I love the flexibility of working from home as long as I have work:) Soon enough, I’ll be busier than I know.
Britt Fisher says
So happy for you guys as you take time to enjoy this lovely little phase of life. Your authenticity (like this post) is what brings us readers back to the blog again and again (not the insane amount of posts, lol). Excited to continue to follow your journey, and super pumped for the combo style of posting family/DIY stuff… sometimes I would forget to check Young House Life and then realize that I had missed an AWESOME Clara Convo ;)
Covering your sweet family in prayer as you continue to settle into the “new baby” life and relish in God’s sweetest blessings over you :)
Kate says
Thank you for speaking so honestly about this and everything you do. Setting and sticking to priorities is important work in life. All the best for you and your family!
Karen T. says
I made the choice to be a SAHM to my boys (11 and 7) and although it meant giving up a VP position in investment banking and seemed such a difficult decision at the time, it was the BEST thing I ever did for my little family. So happy for you guys that you are putting your family first. The readers will still be here (I know I will be!) Congratulations on your successes!! (Oh and I LOVE the shot of the three of you in the hospital bed–such bliss!)
Tracy says
Sherry & John – I am a bit of a “lurker” when it comes to commenting, but I have been reading since your first house and had to comment today. This is probably the best thing I’ve read all week!! Good for your guys!! I’ve always wondered how you “do it all” particularly being the primary caregivers for Clara, responding to every blog comment, and documenting time-intensive DIY projects. I know this is both of your full time jobs, but still – I read a lot of blogs that are smaller and less popular than yours that have help with childcare/mother’s helpers, assistants for emails/comments, etc. I think you will find continued success with “less is more.” I will be excited to read fewer posts a week from you because I know you will be able to spend more time on them – not just filler posts documenting minuscule “tweaks.” I applaud you! You have worked so hard and it has paid off! I know so many families where both parents work full time (and more) and they would kill to find a way to be able to spend more time with their babies, but it just isn’t possible. You guys are so blessed you have found a way. I will most definitely continue reading! Give those babies extra hugs today!
Sarah says
I’m so happy for you guys! I’ve actually been having the same types of thoughts about “side jobs” i’m doing in addition to my full time job, while raising our amazing 3 year old. It’s nice to hear that other families are sitting back and reflecting on those same things. If I take less side jobs, we can’t go to Busch Gardens as much, or buy cute outfits at Target, but we’ll have more time to play in free neighborhood parks, and go on bike rides, and REALLY, which one does my 3 year old care more about??? :) Congrats!!!
Cali says
Good for you, guys! At the end of the day, family is what matters most. Although I’ll miss checking in every day at 10 o’clock, I’ll be that much more excited when I see a new blog post. Hope you enjoy your time with your beautiful family!
Aimee says
I have often wondered how on earth you both functioned with the crazy schedules you were following. I would wonder when you slept! And now with sweet Teddy in your home, I think this is a fabulous choice, and I honestly doubt you will lose much traffic. You are popular for a reason – you are just like any one of us, only with a job that is highly visible and coveted, and you’re fun to boot. I hope you enjoy the extra family – and sleep – time!
Jessica says
AMEN! As a fellow business owner I can only applaud your choice to set some boundaries and to choose your family first! It’s a hard balance when your work and life bleed into one another and the only way life will win is if you do it on purpose.
Happy for you! :)
Meghan P M says
You kids have always done YOU – and that is why you are so LOVED! The love for your family, curiousity and eagerness to know about house projects and anticipation for blogiversaries will ALWAYS be here – so post when it works for YOU! Enjoy every second with those little nuggets! <3