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…
Chris D. says
I look forward to catching up with your posts and I will continue to do so. When you are happy and doing well, it will be reflected in your posts. Carry on!!
Sarah says
Congratulations on such an important decision :) Hope you enjoy your family time!
Karen C says
Good for you! Wisely chosen…you will never regret it! A great encouragement to those in similar life seasons wrestling with what’s most important. Well done, John and Sherry.
Carla says
I will join the chorus: I’m glad you guys are slowing down and taking care of yourselves, and those pictures are capital-A Adorable. Especially the one of Teddy with the bunny hat :)
Tessa says
Yes! I know you have already gotten 18 pages of comments. As we say in Vermont… Jeezum CROW! But I wholeheartedly agree with this post. Have you read “your money or your life” its an extreme take but it brings me back to reality when I need it. My husband and I run a small business ourselves and are expecting #2 in August and I have to remind him we work towards our personal goals. We will probably never be millionaires or have more than 3 employees (ya never know) but I do know that if we can meet our goals at home and life and be happy than we are doing enough right now. There is so much to not just trying to get BIG BIGGER BIGGEST! Its more realistic and more inspirational. So glad you are taking this step and I cant wait to continue to follow along. Thanks!
Brenda says
In a society that tells us to have and do more more more, big props to you for saying, “No, thanks.” I love that you’re reevaluating and deciding what’s best for you right now, because things change in different seasons of life. Can’t wait to journey through these changes with you!
Mari says
Yes. Yes. Yes! Congrats – on everything.
Teri says
Good for you! (and still good for us readers!) After all this re-prioritizing, you might just decide on another baby…after all the two you have are so darling!
Stephanie says
Great decision! People will still tune in if you only post once a month, though I know all of us hope it will be a little more frequent than that. You must be so proud of what you’ve created–both professionally and personally… now go enjoy it! Many opportunities will come your way, whenever and if ever you want to take advantage of them.
Karen says
Congrats and best wishes!
Jan says
Three cheers for work-life balance!!!! This post made me so happy! As a professor at a research institution with two young kids, I face this issue all the time. Priorities are everything!!!
Katie says
I absolutely love that you guys are so open and honest with us. I LOVE your blog and will continue to LOVE it, even with less posts. Your doing what’s right for your family and totally embrace (and envy) that decision. Definitely makes me think. :) Enjoy those newborn snuggles!!
Chatelaine says
Good. For. You!!! I always wondered how the heck you guys did all that you do all the time…… You were always so busy and talked about being attached to the internet all the time and well I didn’t want to see you guys burnout for the sake of a job. You obviously do love it, and that’s how your love has turned into a job, but that’s all that it is at the end of the day and well…… you need to do what’s best for your gosh darn adorable family! I’ll always be here to read what you share :)
Katie says
Three words: Good for you.
I’ll always be a reader, until you stop posting altogether! ;) (And even then, I’ll read the archives.)
Jeanna says
Lovely pics :) I’m so glad you are taking a step back, I know you must be exhausted with the pace you have set lately, and you deserve it! I know this subject has come up before in previous posts, and things have a way of creeping back, but with the addition of little Teddy I’m hoping it sticks this time! Didn’t we tell you before that two posts a day seemed like too much? LOL, :)
Keegan says
So happy that you’re taking the action to prioritize your happiness! You’re setting a good example for your children and readers that there’s more to life than work and money. Enjoy this change of pace!
Michelle says
Good for you guys! You’ll never get this time back with your kids and you’ve developed a fabulous foundation for your careers down the road. I’m sure it’s not going to hurt to step back a little right now and regain some sanity. Enjoy those precious children! You’ll continue to have me as a loyal reader, regardless of how often you post – your blog is the BEST! xo
Megan says
I’ve read you guys since house 1 when you were TYH and continue to enjoy seeing your houses evolve and family grow and I am fully on board with your new blog focus. So glad you’re prioritizing time with your kiddos, it really is the best.
Amanda says
So happy for you guys! These decisions aren’t easy, and you deserve to live the life you want. Congrats on yet another leap and on following your instincts!
Kate says
I rarely comment, but read all the time. But I just wanted to say Thank YOU. Thank you for inviting me and everyone else into your lives and your projects. I feel like such a welcome guest and could only be excited for this decision for your family.
No loss of support here-probably more. Thank you for everything you do share – please don’t ever feel guilty for doing less.
Michelle says
These photos! Love them! Clara’s expressions and reactions to her new brother are wonderful!
I’ll miss having a new YHL post to read almost every morning with my coffee, but that certainly won’t stop me from checking in at whatever speed you’re posting. Enjoy those little ones. My twins are turning 13 in a few months and boy, has time flown.
CALI says
I am so happy for you guys and to have been lucky enough to have watched you grow from little bloggers with a newborn to big time DIY’ers with 2 kids! This is a well deserved “slow-down” and please enjoy! i wish i were able to do the same <3
LW says
I absolutely loved this post! This was a bold decision and a great one! Our children grow up so fast, too fast, and I think that your choice is honorable. Enjoy your time with your precious family! You deserve it. :)
Anne G. says
Hi Sherry –
Once again, you guys blew it out of the ballpark with an honest, from-the-heart post that I think we can all relate to.
I landed what I thought was my “dream job” a year ago, but after 7 months of working 14 hour days, 7 days a week, and no end in sight, I knew it was time to examine my priorities. I gave my notice a month ago and am so scared but excited for what that means for my future. Less money, but more free time? I’ll take it!
Good for you guys for making this choice and for hopefully also leading the way for others to do the same. Our world needs more people spending quality time with family and friends, and more emphasis on the things that really matter, like LOVE, not money.
xox
Can’t wait to keep reading your lovely, inspiring blog, no matter what direction it takes.
Melissa says
Good for you! I know that I will always follow and support you guys and am certain I speak for your other readers too. Enjoy that beautiful family! I’m just so happy for you!
Jess Z. says
Yay for you! I’m glad you’re slowing down, I was wondering how you guys got it all done each day…
Christina says
Congrats! So happy for your family.
KyCat says
Beautiful! There’s nothing like a baby to help you see what matters and what doesn’t. Congratulations on realizing that more is not always the goal. Enjoy your beautiful family and thanks for sharing with us!
Stephanie says
First of all, you just had a baby a week ago. I don’t believe I did much of anything for the first month (after either child was born) other than feeding, changing diapers, trying to sleep for more than an hour at a time. You owe yourselves a nice long break, so kudos to you for already blogging. It’s true – it does go by quickly. My oldest is a year older than Clara, and she’s starting Kindergarten in less than four months! I work full-time, but it’s low stress, interesting and good money. If it were anything but, I’d highly question my motivations. I’m glad you’re doing the same soul searching.
Lydia says
Bravo to you. I’ve always wondered how you kept up the pace with all that you’ve got going on. Now you can truly enjoy the ride! Enjoy your new addition and Clara (and Burger). Now I’ll look forward to your posts even more than before! <3
Ashley says
Enjoy your slower pace. I will be a reader as long as you guys keep blogging :)
Priyanka says
Yes, Yes, Yes! I applaud you guys for taking the decision to slow down and yes, I will still be reading as long as you guys continue posting, at whatever schedule that works for YOU!
Heather says
I am happy for all four of you and I feel that you have absolutely made the right decision. That being said, I totally saw this coming so I am sure that it does not come as a surprise to all of your readers. I can’t help but say that I really think you, Sherry, should stay away from the comments as much as you can for the sake of focusing on your family. Maybe you can have a check box in the comment field that says -comment -question and such type choices. That would alert you to a question. I really think that it is so easy for us moms that are home all day to get so sucked into ‘wasting’ time on the internet.
Enjoy your time with baby Teddy, they grow far too fast. And make some special memories with Clara!
Carla B. says
I can totally relate to your decision to shift your focus to be more about family. I was a complete workaholic until almost 3 years ago when my first born came into our lives. It was then I decided that I realized my dying words were not going to be, “I wish I’d spent more time at work.” We only get one shot wth our children and spouses and family — no do overs — so we got to make it count.
I love your blog for many reasons, but your family-first attitude is definitely what keeps me reading. And I’ll be back whether you post once a day or once a month. :-)
Congrats again on your growing family! Can’t wait to see Teddy grow up, and I seriously cannot believe Clara starts kindergarten next year!
Megan says
Good for you!!! I think we should all focus more on family and less on what is out in the media, even those that have jobs and incomes that depend on it (this being said by a part time blogger who has never made a penny from it!). I love your blog and read it almost every day when my time allows, but as a mom to two young ones myself (almost 5 years, and a 6 month old), my time is limited too. And after losing my brother 3 years ago this May, I know just how important family can be and you need to enjoy every second.
YoungHouseLove says
I’m so sorry for your loss Megan.
xo
s
Bailey says
I’m excited for you guys! Sometimes I feel like I can’t even keep up with you as a READER, so I can’t imagine how overwhelming it must feel for you to be the creators of this consistent, incredible content. No matter how much or little you post – I will read it! All the best to your awesome family!! ENJOY!
Rachel says
I actually preferred the way it was before, before the family stuff was in young house life. I enjoy the home improvement stuff, but am just as interested in family stuff (since that’s the every day to day stuff in my life.)I also like the smaller DIY stuff too-like when you made the modge podge Campbell soup cans for Clara( I literally went out to target to copy you that day!) Not sure how anyone can expect you to keep up with big things every single day- I can’t even keep up with reading it ( even though I try!) Anyways good for you, and don’t worry about anything :)
Erin says
Happy to hear you are making the best decision for your family! I love you guys and while i’ll miss regular posts, i’m happier that you are keeping your family the priority, rather than try to take over the design-world! Will you guys continue to work on creating products, side projects, magazine photo shoots, etc if the opportunities arise? Sorry if that’s been addressed already- there are already 900+ comments in this post!
YoungHouseLove says
We’ll be slowing down our pace on those things as well, but obviously will still be working on projects we’ve committed to (like the book and future products, although they might come out later or be fewer & further between).
xo
s
Megan says
I always wondered how you guys kept up with everything. It made me a little tired realizing all the projects you did – almost everyday it seemed. So good for you!! I have an almost 2 year old and I give you both a lot of credit for all the work you put into your website/business. Enjoy your family! I will still be keeping up with you :)
Cherri says
I may be one of the few grandmothers who reads your blog but you are wise in the decisions you’ve made. I will miss seeing as much of you but will always be a faithful reader. As a mom of adult kids and Gammie to 4 little grandsons, I can assure you that you will never regret the time devoted to your family so enjoy every minute!
Heather says
I don’t often comment, but I read your site on a nearly religious level. :P
I’m really excited for you, and I just wanted to say that I’ll definitely be one of the many to stick with you through your changes.
Thanks for sharing your work, family, and life with us!
Anne says
Good for you!
Ang D says
Congrats on Teddy’s arrival and kudos to you guys! A family with the right priorities is so refreshing! Time does fly and you will never regret the time spent with your littles. Enjoy it and I look forward to your posts, even if they are fewer and further between!
Jenny says
I don’t comment often, but I just wanted to say that I love everything you share on the blog, personal, home improvement, all of it. I’ve enjoyed reading two posts most days (good distraction from work!), but totally understand how that pace must be crazy. However much you have time to post here in the future, there are tons of us who will still be reading and enjoying. Congrats again on Teddy, he’s adorable (and has such a great name!).
Cathy Ropiski says
You are very wise to make the changes you have chosen. You will have a much stronger family for it all. I applaud you! You all are my favorit blog and I will faithfully check you out every day no matter what. Young House Love is one of the tabs my Google account opens up with every day! Best wishes to your whole family!
Hannah B. says
This might sound silly, but it makes me smile that a major shift in your lives is coming at the same time as a major shift in mine. You two have been part of my weekday routine during the past four (yes, four!) years of grad school – and as I approach graduation next Saturday, and eventually start at a firm, I’m wondering how I’ll be able to fit in my blog reading time ;) I will probably be downsizing a bit as well! I love that you have decided “Yes, this is good. But family is better!” – your kids will appreciate that so much. Congrats on all the success, and know that your loyal readers will always be here :) now go enjoy those baby cuddles!
Nicole M. says
First of all, congrats on your newest addition!
I have been following you guys since you were This Young House, albeit rather quietly. I’ve always enjoyed just about everything you’ve thrown into bloggy land and have wondered how big/far you would go. I think you have made a truly brave decision in a world that tends to force ‘bigger is better’ down our throats. I will be sharing your post with my husband, too! He has his own home improvement business and has always had thoughts to be a big company with multiple trucks, several crews, yada, yada, yada. Just recently, after some serious soul-searching of his own and for us as a couple, he’s realized that we’re happy with where he is now, and if he were a bigger company, there’d be less time for the important stuff like family, enjoying down time, etc. So, thank you again so much for this post! You all truly are inspiring in so many different ways. Keep blazing your own trail! :-)
Harmony says
Wow! You don’t need my approval of course, but I am so impressed at how you guys thought about what you wanted and what was best for your family rather than getting sucked into the rat race and pressured by what everyone else does or has. How wonderful for both you and your kids to have this special time together :-)
Maria says
Congrats on the baby and on your decision!
I am a daily reader of your blog -so obviously I like it- but I liked it even more when it was not so “professional” and when you could post at your own pace. (btw, loved those post on ‘living with less’) Better one post with a whole DIY project than the same project pieced in little parts so… for sure I will be coming back! Good luck with everything!
Isabel says
Kudos to you guys for doing what’s best for you. It’s obvious you have dedicated yourself to this blog the past 7 years and we the readers love you for it but I hope I speak for the majority when I say we also fully support you making the hard choices and doing what’s right for you. No matter our “job” we all face these decisions many times throughout our life (I myself just faced that situation with a very positive outcome so feeling very blessed as well!). I will miss seeing you guys every day but I will continue to look forward to your posts and being inspired by all that you do as bloggers, DIYers, parents and individuals. All the best in your new chapter!