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…
Simone says
Congrats!!! Good for you! I was wondering about exactly this whole life/work balance as you were posting an update from what must have still been the hospital… I “only” work full time and have two kids and a house and I just have so much admiration for you guys in juggling all that you do, but also kept scratching my head wondering how you do it all…
So long story short: Enjoy those babies!!!! and life in general – there is only this ONE! :)
Barbara H. says
I hardly ever comment, but what a good decision for your family. I read your blog every morning and look forward to it greatly, but sometimes I don’t do as much in my own life as I’d like because of reading blogs. So thanks for setting a good example for us all. Enjoy every moment with your two children and Burger – time goes faster every year.
MonW says
Good for you!
I started reading for the projects- budget-conscious, long term views, and clever tricks as well as the reasoning behind the decisions for each project. The reasoning is as important as the budget. I appreciate the DIY and the “we got a pro” to do it.
I’m looking forward to seeing Clara’s party this year.
Pace yourself, and enjoy the kid time.
Kim says
Kudos!!
susan says
I’m a daily reader and I have never posted a comment before, but I was moved to echo all of the comments that I think this is wonderful decision for your family. Recently I have been struck by how incredibly busy you two must be and was actually feeling worried about you (yes in my mind you are my friends, in the most non-creepy way possible).
I also think this is better for your fans – I read everything you post, but sometimes I end up just skimming things because of how much you post. With less words to read, I will actually engage more with everything you post, and be just as happy. One request would be to keep a regular schedule so I know when to check-in for new posts, it’s disappointing to look in and see nothing new. Good luck with the sleep thing :-)
kelly says
Another great option to help you guys might be considering hiring an assistant to take/edit photos, manage website, manage giveaways etc. This way you can take some of this tasks off of your plate. I keep thinking you are going to do this!
Also hate to ask this but are you going to post some more photos of the show house?
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Kelly! We’ve thought about hiring a helper but it seems less like simplifying and more like wearing one more hat/managing someone else, so we’re thinking this approach will work better for us. As for the show house, we have LOTS more to share! Soon I hope!
xo
s
Lynne Wesenberg says
Go for it Petersiks!!! do what you need to do and we will be here watching/reading whenever you share it. Love you guys <3
Mary Jane says
Good for you! I almost wrote a comment the other day that was going to say something like, “I hope you don’t feel pressured to post, take a break and enjoy your newborn!!” Glad you are doing what feels right for family. I have always loved reading your blog, and I’m so glad to hear you’ll be sharing young house life stuff on the regular blog. I loved reading about cloth diapers, potty training, grocery shopping, just as much as the diy stuff. In facts,choir cloth diapering posts is what I refered to when I decided to buy cloth diapers for my lo! Anyway…..you should feel so proud of all you’ve accomplished and I look forward to reading about your newest chapter. Yay for you! Now go get some zzzzzzz ;)
H says
Thank you thank you thank you and congratulations for setting such a great example for everyone else! I have been a reader for several years and only commented a couple of times, but I had to let you know that I appreciate this post. While I have enjoyed reading about your DIY adventures, I have also been impressed by your business acumen and looked up to you in that regard. It is refreshing to see people have both outstanding business skills and the ability to recognize that there are things more important in life than getting ahead in your career. Your honesty, integrity, classiness, and love for your family shine through in your blog. Best wishes for the future. Can’t wait to keep reading. :)
Sara says
I’ve been reading since house #1 and always will. You’re doing the right thing! Best wishes!
Paula M. says
Good for you! :)
I applaud this decision, and I’m not even a parent or a blogger (but as someone who works long hours during the week and even some on weekends on a regular basis, I share the general work-life challenges regardless).
This seems like a totally logical decision. When you look back on this stage of your life decades from now, will you be happiest to have spent “x” amount of time writing up one more blog post/doing one more project OR spending that time with your kids? I think there’s only one logical answer to that.
I also applaud your ability to live frugally, manage your income and expenses well, and manage your success well, all of which enable you to take this step back. Again: Good job! And one learned while you’re both still young. Some people never learn how to do any of those things, and then wonder why they feel so stressed. (Wait, am I looking in a mirror now? LOL…)
Felicity says
I’ve been reading since almost the beginning and this post gave me the same feeling I had when my best friend told me she was moving across the country… I know it’s for the best, but I’m still sad about it.
Kimmy says
I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to see you making this change. After losing my fiancé in a terrible accident 4 months ago it has made me take a good look at what is truly important in my life. Looking back I have so many regrets, one of them not putting our little family of ourselves and our pets first. When it comes down to it, the only things that truly matter are the people you love and sometimes it takes a great loss to realize that. I am so happy that you are able to recognize that at this point in your lives. I truly wish your family all the best and please cherish every single second you have together, because life is often all too fleeting.
YoungHouseLove says
Kimmy, I’m so sorry for your loss.
xo
s
Erin Felling says
Good for you guys!! I always wondered how you were able to do so much! Family is what matters most and you’ll treasure and remember moments with your beautiful babies much more than writing the blog. I’ll always be a reader and will look forward to all of your updates when you have time to post! You guys will do great with whatever direction you decide to go.
P.S. My 3 month old son has the striped onesies Teddy is wearing! Gotta love Carter’s :)
Cathy M. says
Awesome decision. Cherish the moments. As a mom of a 9, 11, 13 and almost 15 year old, I do cherish those moments when they were little (and now, too). I will keep reading whether it is one post a week or five. Adorable pictures, by the way. :-)
Sarah says
Great plan! Family first!! (and beautiful photos, by the way!)
Katelin says
I’m so excited for this change and for more family time for y’all! I couldn’t keep up with reading all your posts, so I can’t imagine how you kept up with writing them!!
mary says
Go on brush your shoulders, off!
I feel like all of us loyal readers just let out a big sigh of relief for you guys.
Do what is best for you & your family!
Quiana says
I’m so thrilled for you guys! As a fellow blogger and in the same life stage and with a boy and girl similar in ages to yours, I completely understand. I’ve had a few blogger discussions IRL where I’ve shared about work/life balance in blogging and have used yours as an example of: “They run an amazing blog, and I don’t understand how they’re doing it just the two of them, yet are so engaged – they must not be getting sleep! I couldn’t do it, but if it works for them . . .” I’m a firm believer that life is all about cycles and shuffling priorities at any given time, and it looks like you guys have a great strategy. Looking forward to continuing to follow your journey!
Elizabeth says
I think this is a very smart decision, good for you!!! :) I’m days away from adding a 3rd child to our family, and definitely understand how a new person can cause you to re-evaluate things and refocus. Good for you! I look forward to continuing to read your blog, and I’m glad you’re going to integrate your family stuff back in. Makes sense to me!
Mary says
This post made my month! Congratulations on your new balance….and your always-inspiring self-awareness. :)
Nis says
I’m not sure why, but this post made me a little teary — I’m just happy for your family, and the thought and care you put into making these choices. Thanks for the reminder to enjoy the time you have with your little ones, and to keep larger life goals in mind. I’m more than happy to read a little less for you having more balance, and I can see others are too!!
Tanis says
This post made me tear up in the best possible way! I’m not sure why it makes me so happy to read that you’re scaling back, maybe just because I feel like I know you guys and I’m happy that you’re happy!? I will definitely keep reading and look forward to the re-merging of more life posts. Your diapering posts are what got me thinking about cloth when my little boy was born (we love cloth by the way!) That picture of you, Clara and Teddy in the hospital bed is too much! Clara looks like the best big sister ever. Way to go you guys!
Susan says
There is something wonderful and magical about how our children can so quickly and clearly help us to see what is most important, and how we so willingly and smoothly respond because, I think, it just really rings true and hits home in such a powerful way. Wishing you all the best. Even if you never post again, I have enjoyed “the ride” and am thankful for the peek into the life of your lovely family. It’s been a privilege.
Pat S says
Good for you. Life should be about quality, not quantity of ‘stuff’. You are so wise to recognize that.
michelle says
I wholeheartedly applaud and support your decision. Clara and Teddy are the most precious gifts you can ever be given and it will be such a sweet time spent together. Enjoy and savor every moment. :)
Lorelei Reed says
Yay you guys! (All FIVE of you!!) In times like these you learn who your real friends are…We will stay with you, don’t you fret…thru ever hammered nail, thru every poopy diaper, thru every splash of paint, every cut of fabric, teeth cutting (Teddy) teeth losing (Clara) basically thru it ALL…
You guys have helped ME personally more than you can possibly know…I have a very stressful job (video relay sign language interpreter) and I started reading your blog when I started this job. When the calls are angry or tragic you guys have been right there on the computer to teach me something new or make me laugh. As well I live alone with 2 doggies and one feral cat…when I am lonesome for HUMANS there you are…with your clever/goofy writing style, with your funny child(ren) and Mr Incognito Burger. As you have seen , do right and the universe does right for you…I predict a book or two more…and TV! Thank you! xoxoxo!
Maggie says
I wish there was a ‘like’ button. :)
Christi says
I’m actually thrilled to hear this. Ever since I had my son 2 years ago, I haven’t been able to keep up with your blog the way I was able to before. And since it’s all about me….. ha!
Take care of yourselves and enjoy your newly expanded family. I, for one, will still be here to watch and cheer you on. God bless you!
Shelley B. says
Love you guys and glad you are still planning on posting. I would be so sad if I didn’t get to see pics anymore. I guess thats a little weird but true. I talked to someone from Richmond the other day and I had to stop myself from being like “omg do you know young house love?”. ANyway, Im glad you are doing what you love and realizing your priorities arent being met. I think you guys are amazing parents and it kinda made me cry happy tears.
Reem says
You deserve it. You are both very hard workers and that is reflected in how far you guys have come. Enjoy what matters most, each other. I will still check in everyday, its the first website I type in each morning. Fan for life.
Jean (notsupermum) says
I love your blog and will still check in everyday, but I think that’s a very sound decision to be making at this stage in your children’s lives. When I became a single parent I was working long hours and my girls were only 3 and 6, and I realised if I was to see them growing up I had to quit my job and start working part-time. That was 11 years ago and I’ve only just gone back to working full-time now they’re 14 and 17. Even though we had less money over the years, I don’t regret a single minute of deciding to see my girls grow up, and neither will you. Those precious years fly by so quickly (as you’ve already noticed with Clara) and you can never get them back. Good luck, enjoy your babies x
Hallie says
I wanted to say good for you! Good for you! As someone up the road in C’ville I have enjoyed watching your professional life as bloggers develop and change, and I’m happy that you guys have planned so well that you can scale back now. The little ones give you so much and require so much. Surely you’ll never regret choosing more time with them while you can! Everything will work out great.
Romy says
I swear that last night, after putting my 6 month old baby to sleep and thinking about work the next day I thought of you: When are these Peterstiks going to slow down by the name of God!!! What do they want to achieve with the blog and the new book and the homerama and the target line and and and and?? So I;m very happy to read this post!! CONGRATS! And I will still be a reader, no matter the pace! Go hug Clara and Teddy for us!! Family first!
Romy says
Oh PS! And I dreamt that both of you were the TV stars of Extreme Makeover! There you go for something stressfull!
Melissa says
As a busy working mom of a 5 year old and 2 year old, your post brought tears to my eyes. Good for you guys for taking the time now for what matters most. I have no doubts you’ll continue to be wildly successful – your loyal band of followers (of which I am one of the faithful) will not judge you for spending a little less time working and a little more time living. :) 3-5 posts a week seems MORE than sufficient to keep us intrigued and in the loop on all of your awesome projects. Best of luck and congrats on the bun!
Katherine Kelly says
Yay for you guys. Although I don’t know you in person, I feel like I do and I think this is such a great choice. Sending lots of hugs your way as you welcome a new season of life!
xoxo,
Katherine
Sarah says
I’m very happy for you guys! I’ll always be a faithful reader no matter how much or little you post.
“Can’t nobody hold me down… oh no…. I got to keep on readingggg” – That’s for the rap music-loving Sherry. Hopefully the reference is clear and I didn’t just make myself sound like a weirdo. :)
Laurel says
As a stay at home mother of three I absolutely admire your commitment to family first. I have made reading your blog so much a part of my morning routine that I will miss it, but now maybe I’ll get up and do some of the things around here that need doing instead. Kiss those two darling children and hold them all you can because high school is only a few years behind kindergarten, believe me!
Tricia S. says
Fantastic news!
Sarah Smith says
This post made me cry. My husband and I have a 4 year old, a 3 year old and a 1.5 year old. I feel like we are too busy to properly enjoy them. I just hope we can find a way to make our work life stop overwhelming our home life. I hope that this change brings you the balance you’re looking for! Love your blog and will continue to visit as long as your posting!
Megan says
Good for you! Every time you make a decision to prioritize family over work, you can rest assured that you’ll never regret it.
anna p says
best decision ever! you can always blog, but those sweet babies will only be little once! enjoy the time-your true fans and followers will always be around to support you and want the best for your family! ya’ll are the best and more family posts sound awesome! :)
Maggie says
Right there with you guys. When I had my second, I would have done anything to have been able to pull back at work (I’m a teacher, so the only choice is work full time, or not and not wasn’t a choice!) You go, girls and boy! As much as we’ll miss you, you deserve it!!! xxoo
Eva says
Way to go!! I seriously doubt anyone has ever looked back on their life and thought, “I wish I had spent less time snuggling my sweet children and more time making money.” :-) Enjoy every moment with your kiddos; the Internet isn’t going anywhere, but someday they will.
Abby says
Hi guys! I’m an avid reader of your blog, but never comment. I just had to say that when I was reading “cue the Armageddon music” it actually come on the radio at my work…how bizarre is that?! Anyway, just had to share that. Good for you for slowing down…I don’t blame you a bit.
Paige says
Wonderful decision. I admire you two so much, and this just confirms that yet again. Bravo.
Sarah P says
Hooray! That’s fabulous news. We’re working too much as well and have two littles similar in ages. There is never a good time to walk away from work – especially when you enjoy it! Kudos to you (four) for making such a hard but wise decision. Invest in your family – it’s the best future!
Nicole says
Most of my sentiments have been voiced by others, but I still want to comment and say “Congratulations and good luck!” I for one will keep reading and I love your family/life posts, so keep them coming! Finding that work/life balance is so difficult, and I’m so happy for you both that you are on your way to finding that happy medium!
Shelley says
I know you are seeing literally thousands of positive comments and I want to join in. I think it is incredibly brave and wonderful to take a step back when “business is booming” so to speak. Enjoy your family and relax. I love this blog and I for one am not tuning out..
Catherine says
So happy for you! You will never regret this and neither will your babies!
Caitlin Canane says
Congratulations on this major decision! In the immortal words of Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
I began reading around the time Clara was born and referred back to many of your baby/life posts when I was pregnant myself, it will be nice to have them back in the main blog arena. I always liked your writing style and corniness (it’s a good thing…I swear…) and will be along for whatever journey may come your way.