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…
Brenda Miller says
Hooray for all of you! Making time for family and taking a step back from your frantic pace is a courageous decision. You can’t get this time back, as I’m learning. Thank you for your blog, and I’ll definitely keep reading. Don’t worry–you’re taking a giant leap in the right direction.
Angie H says
I feel like I’ve learned a lot from this blog… about embracing your own style, about being patient to wait for the right solution to a problem, for living within your means… As someone who balances a demanding job and a family, I’m perfectly happy to see you try to work toward that balance. Maybe I’ll learn something yet again!
erin says
I love your blog so much, but being a full-time, working mom, it’s hard to continuously follow your blog since you post so often. I, personally, will appreciate the slower pace, that way I can actually keep up! I think what you do is awesome, but there is nothing I appreciate more than people who realize and act on the idea of “family first”!
KT says
As the mother of 2 almost-adults (18 and 20!!) I can tell you…those years fly by. I took quite a bit of family time and made career choices that gave me more time with my kids and have never regretted a single second.
Congrats!!
Elisabeth says
I’ve got tears in my eyes reading your “epiphany” post. Scaling back has never been something I’m good at, but I try to work towards that all the time. I am SO happy y’all are able to move in the direction of your real dreams. Congrats!!
Crystal says
Good for you. I haven’t been a follower long but I always felt you guys were too busy. Glad you are taking some time for your family and for you!
Mckayla says
I think it sounds awesome! I just had my 3rd little girl this past February and made the hard decision to quit my job and stay home. I feel so much less stressed and I’m a better mom and wife because of it.We as your readers will do fine with the change and I’m sure you won’t notice all that much less traffic ;-)
Hannah says
Kudos for such a brave and important decision!
Chenell Tannure says
Let me add my voice in the endless echo here…yes, yes and YES! Especially in the comments arena. Most other blogs don’t respond to most comments, and I think you could save MASSIVE amounts of time by cutting that way back. We are all grown-ups and shouldn’t have life-changing separation anxiety for toooo long.
My first-born is off to college this fall. All the cliches are true. Slow down while you can.
Congrats. : )
Justine says
Good for you guys! I’ve always told my husband that while making money is important (I do have a shopping habit, after all), if there was a choice between traveling a lot and more money & being home more for less money, I’d choose the latter. Thankfully he hasn’t had to make that decision yet. The first photo and the one of the three on the bed are the cutest!!! Clara looks like she loves being a big sister.
Laura says
Great decision! We all love you and support your beautiful family! Thank you for keeping it real and honest with us–it’s why you have so many fans!
Daniela says
THIS IS THE BEST DECISION EVER – DO IT!!! I love coming here on my lunch break every day to read something new but you should seize the moment and scale back to a place where you are happiest. I’d much rather you scale back than burn out and then no YHL (cue sad music). Plus, I guess this encourages me to go back through the archives?
Lina says
I never understood how you guys managed to blog, write a book, renovate/decorate a house, move (twice!), and raise a charming and incredibly well-adjusted daughter all (seemingly) at the same time. I totally get your need to step back, and I can tell you that I will look forward to your posts, whether they’re every day or every week. Feedly will catch them, and I’ll love every minute of my time reading them no matter when they come in. :)
Amy says
I love your blog and all that you do, and I will continue to support it. And I think your decision to scale back is wonderful- all that you do seems quite overwhelming sometimes. I love that you have decided to put your family first. Hooray!
Zoe says
Good for you guys! That is awesome. I will keep tuning it for sure, but I am really happy for you all that you can cut back and enjoy your family more. :)
Amie says
We’ll still be here! I was always amazed at the everyday posting anyway. You have high quality writing and projects so people will keep reading-we’re all hooked on this story (your life). I’ll make sure to click on a few sidebar ads to help make up for the lower number of posts ;)
eva says
Best decision ever, you won’t regret.
As a mother and business owner I understand every single word.
We will be here!
Meredith OBannion says
So happy for ya’ll. The quality of life is so much better than the quantity of money. Big decision, but will not be one you will ever regret. Enjoy your family, they do grow up so fast. We can all make more money when we are empty nesters. We will have to do something to fill our time!!!!
Jessica says
An older, very wise friend once said that when her husband was offered a raise or more time off, they always chose time. You can always find more money or adjust your lifestyle, but you can never get the time back. Words we should all strive to follow, myself included. Time is everything.
Mary says
I’ve loved your blog since the first day I came upon it, which was a little before Clara was born. Love the DIY stuff, but also love the family stuff, the house crashing, shopping adventures, Pinterest challenges, Q & A videos, etc. You guys always have interesting things to say. I’m so happy for you making this decision. So wise. Wishing your little family all the best. Thank you so much for all that you’ve given us. I’ll always be a huge fan.
rebekah says
Good for you….I’ll still be reading. Sounds like a good plan. Congratulations on your sweet little son.
Kim says
So happy for you. I just went back to work after being off for one full year, and I can’t imagine having gone back any sooner. Those first few months were a blur and I can’t imagine having tried to go back to work any sooner. I feel so privileged to live in Canada where I was paid to be home with my baby for a full year. Hope we don’t see you around for a while, Sherry, as much as I love reading you. ;)
Cara says
Happy for you guys! I work full time with a little one and feel pulled in two directions a lot so I completely get your shift in priorities. Cheers to you and to your lovely little ones!!
Leatitia says
This post makes teary, I’m SO glad to read this. I’m so happy you’re taking this decision for your family and I’m sure most of your readership is here to stay. We love you and want the best for you. I’ve always loved your posts on YHL, I’ll be happy to read them over here instead.
You are great people, I wish you the best in the months/years to come.
As Sherry says;
xo
L
Kim says
So happy for you. I just went back to work after being off for one full year, and I can’t imagine having gone back any sooner. Those first few months were a blur. I feel so privileged to live in Canada where I was paid to be home with my baby for a full year. Hope we don’t see you around for a while, Sherry, as much as I love reading you. ;)
Cheyenne says
A wise decision indeed. Good for you!
Alexandra says
Congratulations, you guys! You have taken a courageous step towards what’s most important in life and you’ve inspired me to look at what I’m pursuing.
I’m a newlywed and we keep talking about moving away from a place-we-love-but-is-WAAAY-too-expensive (SoCal) to save and be able to live more aligned to our values and prepare for our future family. It’s a hard decision to make especially when you don’t know the outcome or repercussions.
You took the risk and I KNOW your blog and this community will continue to support you. Thanks for inspiring me to do the same. It’s like spring cleaning your whole life!
Analise says
S&J, you two are so level-headed and filled with passion and love for your job and your family. Know that we support you! Do I love new posts? Abso-tively, post-lutely. But what I really love and admire is your vision for your family and your commitment to doing what’s right for you, your kids (all 3 of them!) and your life together. We’ll all be here, ready and waiting for any new post that comes this way. :)
Nic D. says
Good for you!!! There is nothing more important than family!
kelly.r says
No matter what changes you make I will still be a reader! I don’t know how often I say to The Boyfriend “My favorite bloggers did [fill in the blank]” ;)
Mollee says
Oh, thank goodness! I was seriously starting to worry for your health, Sherry. I don’t know how you did it all for so long — especially uncaffeinated! Enjoy this precious time with your little ones, and the rest will work itself out. All you need is love, right?
Molly says
Just this morning on my run in the stroller with my two boys, we stopped for 30 minutes at a home under construction to watch a bobcat load a dump truck with junk. I am so grateful to stay home with them, and I wish you both the same sweet, serendipitous moments that come from slowing down.
Best of luck!
Marlayna says
I’ve wondered how even the most inspired DIY enthusiast could enjoy the pace you guys have been running at. I love creative stuff but I feel like the fun and whimsy and adventure of creative projects gets squelched out when I go too fast and try to get stuff done quickly. I bet I’m not alone. So, I’m glad you guys will have more time to love and live in your life rather than race through it. :) I really love the “love” part of YHL…whether it was newlywed love of life & home, or young family love of life together. You’re so inspiring. You guys DIY life in love-filled, exciting and meaningful ways and you have cute, colorful style while doing it. So, I just feel grateful you share your awesomeness for my inspiration :) Blog as often as makes you happy.
Plus, this is your forever home so it should be SUPER FUN to decorate and live in, not hurried or forced!
Stephanie W says
Good for you lovely Petersik family! As a long time reader (since 2008, whoa!) who had the pleasure of meeting you guys at your book-signing in Portland last year (on my birthday no less!) I admire the things that you have created and will continue to tune in online & on Instagram to read/see what adventures you’re having. You should be so proud that your combined love of design and DIY has lead to such awesome projects (Hello TARGET!) over the years – I am personally so excited for your second book and can’t wait to see the finished street of dreams home. But time moves so fast and the older I get the more I realize that time spent with friends and family is the most amazing part of life, almost the whole point of it really – so enjoy your beautiful family and work as little or as much as you need to – you won’t disappoint me!
Carrie says
Amen!
Bravo for being aware of your priorities AND actually doing something about it! That is courageous and honorable!
I reiterate what some people have said about preferring the “old days” too. I agree that a big part of the draw here is how real you guys are… And honestly, I had started to feel out of touch with your super human productivity. It wasn’t feeling as relatable…. Not trying to be insulting, just affirming that I think you guys are making a great decision. I think readers are drawn to the “real life” essence of the blog.
Take care!!!!
Cora says
I’ve been a loyal reader for about oh three houses. Though I am saddened by my friends (you guys are so my friends in my head) not posting as much, I am very happy that you are taking care of yourselves and your family. You guys have meant the world to me and I will look forward to your posts anytime. Sending you love and energy for keeping up with those two beautiful kids!
xoxo
Meghann. says
I’m soooooooo glad that you guys are taking time for your family. As much as I will selfishly miss all your posts, as a full time mom of one daughter and a son soon to be born…. I totally get it!!!! Will be following you no matter how many posts you do. Enjoy your children. Time is precious! Xo
Joni says
Yeah for you guys! You’ll stay on my favorites list. Loved the pictures too
Jen says
This is exciting news! Congratulations! Having the courage to look closely at your life and decide how you want to spend it – that’s a goal we all should strive for. I’ll still look forward to your posts and to sharing your journey. Well done!
Ashli says
I have never commented before but I had to today. I think you guys have made such an amazing decision. It couldn’t have been easy but seriously so impressed!!! You don’t just talk the family talk but you walk the family walk. ;) haha
Couldn’t love it more.
Ashli
Laura says
Good for you guys! I of course love reading your posts, but I also completely understand wanting to live a balanced life! I will continue to read and follow you guys in whichever direction you head!
Jillian says
If I could simply “like” a post I would but congratulations on baby Teddy and slowing down. You deserve it! I’ve been a faithful fan since This Young House and will always check in on the Petersiks – even if its one post a week. :)
xoxo
Sam says
Good for you! I have two young ones and 100% understand. You won’t lose me as a reader. :)
Kathy says
Good, you guys have been worrying me. Its just to much and your little ones won’t be little for long. Enjoy!
Kelly says
So happy for you to change things to fit your lifestyle more! I will still be reading and actually(with a toddler, working full time, house, etc!) I oftentimes found myself behind on the blog reading so this will be better anyways. :) Teddy is so adorable, sleep when you can and hopefully the bleary days will be over soon. :)
PS Bought a white octopus hanger at Target and it is so cute, hung in our dark blue master bedroom!
Ofelia, from Mexico City says
Enjoy quality family time is a best decision ever, time goes by so quickly right now and sometimes is needed taking slow pace and thinking about your priorities, just like your are doing now. I always love and enjoy your DIY posts as much as your family posts. Whatever changes are coming I ‘ll be here reading about them, about you, about baby Teddy and lovely Clara. Congratulations!
Julianne says
Will always look forward to your great updates, no matter the amount! Congrats on the decision to keep the fam first! ;O)
Christina Latham says
I am so happy for your little family!! You need a break, we all support you. You are the first blog I have EVER read and I fell in love with your decorating style!! I was surprised that you kept the pace at the end of your pregnancy. Good for you for making this decision and we will still be here to peer into the craziness :)
Sharon says
Honestly, with the pace you’ve progressively picked up the last few years, I’ve felt like you guys were such go-getters and I could never keep up! I feel like a slower pace is more natural and might make some of us readers feel like DIY is more feasible, even if we have 4 kids and the husband works FT and goes to school! I honestly have wondered how you were managing everything with just one kid, adding another (especially when they are a baby) just gets so complicated. Once I had my twins last year, I finally decided to cut back on my freelance design work and just focus more on the things that matter. It can be stressful financially, but I’m not juggling so much and it makes it much better for me and in the end is actually less stressful. I’m happy that you’ve made a decision that you think will work for you!
Alicia says
As a multi-year reader and DIY fanatic, I fully support the need for your family to slow things down a bit and I will remain a dedicated reader even if the frequency of posts declines.
Thank you YHL, for inspiring me to put my whole heart into projects, prioritize family and friends, and remain thankful for what life has given me. You set a wonderful example for us all.
Congratulations to your growing family!