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…
Huda says
You guys made the right decision!
I love reading your blog no matter how many post you do a week or a month :)
Rachel says
Good call. Behind you guys 100%! Go love on that baby and sweet girl! :)
Hannah says
Life is short and needs to be fulfilling in all areas. Your little family comes first always. Your readers will get used to the change xxx
Molly says
What a bunch of garbage! Those kids will be gone in 18 years and you’ll wish you had us then!!! Totally kidding!
My littlest baby is now 14, stands taller than me and has a deeper voice than his dad! Enjoy every second! You two have made a wonderful decision that I am positive you will never regret! I will look forward to your posts when they do happen!
God Bless!
Avone says
I wish there was a way to just like your posts without commenting. That way you guys could see how much we all love, support, and agree with your decision without you having to moderate all of our comments. :)
Enjoy the important things! Babies don’t keep. :'(
Angela says
Congratulations! I am so happy for you.
And honestly, sometimes reading your blog was overwhelming. I still am amazed at how much you accomplish SO fast. I have also always enjoyed the family and budgeting posts.
I learned a very important phrase from my mother in law as she was working towards her retirement. She always said she was looking forward to a more humane pace of life.
Hope you find your perfect balance :)
Kathy says
What a wonderful testament to placing family over money. Thank you for always being so frank in your posts and sharing so much of your life with us. I look forward to your posts every day and will admittedly miss it, but knowing you are spending time with your beautiful kids makes a missed day totally worth it. May God bless you in your endeavors and your growing family!
Hannah says
Family comes first….always xxx
Brittany says
Kudos to you all on setting health boundaries and prioritizing your family! I can imagine that it is a hard thing to do but want you to know that I’m confidant your reader base will support you in this decision. I have been a reader for over 7 years now and will continue to “tune in”.
Mar says
I will still follow you…How does that saying go? Quality not quantity…and that is you; quality!!
As an aside…do you or any of your readers know of a fix to the Yahoo update and no longer getting all of my FeedBurner subscriptions delivered? I’ve tried resubscribing, only to get a message that I’m already subscribed. So now I’m going to instagram and using your blog link. Any help would be appreciated.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! Anyone have tips for Mar? Maybe try unsubscribing and then wait a day and then resubscribe?
xo
s
Wynn Anne says
As a blogger myself, I’ve marvelled at the pace you keep up, especially with child(ren) in the picture. The post you did a while back where you wrote out a “day in the life” had me gasping for sleep — for you. In our culture, where success = $, it is difficult to define your own goals. Bravo to both of you (all four of you!) for taking this decision.
Nat says
So happy to hear this. You were going a bit too hard and fast for me to follow it all.
laurie says
Sherry and John, you never cease to amaze and delight me. I have watched your rise to fame and your fantastic accomplishments with,well, pride (relationships in the blogosphere just are not like others, are they? I don’t know you but I feel like I really know you!)
I read this with relief. Your relief is palpable. I have been worried about you guys, at the pace you’ve been going. Blogwise, I’ve personally missed the pace of a couple of years ago. I think it’s your best. It will fit your lifestyle and your priorities are exactly and perfectly on track.
I sent my Clara (well, his name is Danny) to college in Virginia this year. I grieved his leaving. It had all gone so, so fast. There is nothing I wish I had done differently . My 2nd is now almost 16, so the days are very short till he is gone too.
Cherish, relish, savor your lives. You are utter role models in this insane world of ours.
Congratulations on the baby, the decision and on every single thing. You have the most lovely family.
I remain a faithful reader!
PS When you start house crashing again, head up to see us in Rockville. Serious….
Sarah says
I’m so excited for your family! I love your blog and always wondered how you got everything done, so I’m glad to hear that things will be slowing down so you can focus more on family and friends. You won’t be losing my traffic :)
Rachel Norman says
Good for you guys. Less hits does not equal lower quality of life! Congrats on the baby and change of pace!
Catherine says
Hooray for balance! Good luck to you all <3
Catherine says
Man I didn’t mean to make it seem like you were leaving. I just wish you luck in finding a good family groove. I’ll still be checking in as often as you post!
Caset says
I’m so happy you’ve made this decision for your family. Time goes by so quickly. Enjoy the moment!
Lacey says
Bravo!! I’m in the relieved camp and … I think it will improve your blog readability too. Everyone wins here. Well done. Enjoy that gorgeous baby.
Jenna says
So proud of you guys for choosing to do what is best for your family! I’m sure making that kind of decision is hard, but as you said, it’s so important for your kids and your life. If anything, it makes me love you guys more. What a fantastic example you set for all of us to put the important things first. Thank you! {But I’m SO glad you’re not going to quit blogging all together!}
Ashley B says
I’ve been reading from almost the beginning (pre YHL name) and I have loved you from day 1. I feel like you’ve always been open, honest and true to who you are. I feel like if I ran into you (which would be extremely unlikely since I’m freezing in the great lakes area of Michigan) I would know what to expect – friendly smiles and lots of energy!
I have a 3.5 year old and a 1.5 year old. I barely have time to keep up with your blog so yes, please slow down so that you can enjoy your family, so that you can find the balance that is right for you.
We will be here!
Ami says
This is the best news!! I was feeling a little left in the dust by the number of projects and how speedy everything was changing in your new home! My husband and I also just had our first baby and he’s put a spin on our careers! Crazy how much perspective you gain when you have children. Love you guys and so happy you guys have the opportunity to do what feels good for your family!
Tracy says
Bravo. You’ve made an excellent decision.
KarenH. says
Do what you have to do. We’ll be around :)
P.S. I love that picture of you, Clara and Teddy in the hospital bed; I hope you’re planning on framing that one.
Vicki says
Well, good for you! You have your priorities right and I doubt you will lose many followers. I’ll still be checking in.
Megan says
I am happy for you guys. And to make it about me, now I will probably get more done at work.
Enjoy your sweeties.
Debbie says
Hi – congrats and best wishes to you all! Firstly: I love your blog (and ADORE your house) Secondly: I only pop in from time to time and always feel like I’ve missed something so will love the slower pace you set :)
Deb says
Brilliant! Sounds like an excellent decision. I’ll still be tuning in. I have been trying to make a similar change in my life so your decision is just one more way to be inspired by you guys.
Kay Yam says
I applaud you both for the decision to put your family first . love the blog. enjoy the moments that can not be recreated if you only take the opportunity experience it. I will be looking forward to your next post :)
Kayla says
So happy for you guys. Take it easy and soak up those cute kiddos. :)
Autumn Beach says
Oh, WOW! Why am I completely shocked?! This is right in line with ALL of your wise and tasteful decisions! I am SO impressed, SO proud of you and SO happy for you and your family. You guys seem to be in the rare minority of successful people who are wise enough to actually ENJOY the life you have made for yourselves instead of forever chasing more only to miss what really matters. BUT…I have NO doubt your success is coming to an end/scaling back/slowing down. I think YOU guys are going to be able to do that, but I am SURE life will open a new chapter of success that will be totally aligned with your personal/family priorities. Who knows where you guys might end up?! I am excited to watch and find out! AND…I’ve said it before…I visit YHL to check in on the Petersiks. No matter what you’re doing…DIY or not. You guys are loved so much and your blog is (and will still be) completely irresistible. This is the good life, my friends. NICE. MOVE. Big hug.
Laura says
So excited for you two to have and enjoy more quality time with your two adorable children! I’ll still be on your site daily even if you aren’t posting :) We bought our first home last summer and have been slowly (and by slowly, I mean inch-worming!) our way through projects. I’m constantly looking up old projects you did to get ideas as to what products to use for the best results! You are always so honest on what does and doesn’t work for you, it is so incredibly helpful. Happy to see your family posts will be back to this blog as well, I love that the blog is everything you love, and not just business.
Gretta says
I am so happy for you guy’s – take the time now when you have it these moments will never come back. Enjoy the now with your babies. By the way I will still keep reading your blog…I am hooked you guys are amazing!!
Rachel says
I think I like you guys even more after reading this! It’s so commendable to see people that understand what’s really important in life. You both are so talented and it seems there is no limit as to what you could achieve if you went after it (more fame, money, etc.). The fact that you care more about your family and friends and truly living life than you do about money or fame is truly a beautiful and rare occurrence in our fast paced and ladder climbing society. I have two little boys and constantly have older parents telling me to savor this time because it goes by so fast. When you’re older and your kids are grown you’ll value the memories of a life full of love far more than any accolades or financial gains. Whether you post twice a week or twice a month I will definitely still pop in and check out what you have going on. And I wish you and your family nothing but health, happiness and fulfillment :)
Caroline Bedard says
Hey you guys! I think I’m not your most typical reader, since I’m 59 and an almost empty nester.
I love reading about your home and your family, and will continue to do so.
I am so glad for you that you are making this choice!
Congratulations on the birth of your sweet son.
Katherine says
Glad to hear that you’re taking care of yourselves and your family! I think you deserve medals — both for this decision and for the wherewithal to post about it in what I’ll assume is a sleep-deprived haze.
Angela says
Are you breaking up with me?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! It’s not you, it’s me.
xo
s
Annie says
Major props to saying that you need to slow down. So many people keep going and wind up complaining and whining because they never just said “no.” Best of wishes as you make these changes.
Can I also just say how much I love that you won’t have “Young House Life” anymore?? Ialways forget to look there, then realize I’ve missed out on sweet things and have gotten way behind.
thatsewray says
Happy for you guys. Ill still be a faithful reader!!!
Jen In Texas says
So very happy that you can and have made this decision. It is only a period of your life that you will never regret slowing down for!
Christina says
Just wanted to say that I’ve read your blog on and off for years and I am very happy for your new addition and re-prioritizing. Balance in life is so important and yet so hard to find. Good for you!
Krissy says
I’m really glad that everyone has had a positive reaction to this post! While I will miss having new reading material on my lunch break each day, I totally understand you needing more family time and applaud the decision. It will make the posts even more special!
Kim Haytock says
Such a great decision- you will never regret putting your family first.
twelvedaysold says
I hope the majority of comments has been positive. I don’t comment much but I’ll keep following you guys because I love your style.
Kristy S says
Congrats! I am so happy you guys are slowing down and making family time a bigger priority. A lot of us struggle with that, with the typical household having 2 parents who work full time. You guys have a beautiful family and I wish the best for you! So chill out and spend more time with each other and those awesome kids!
Veronica says
I’ve been reading your blog since Clara was born. I fell in love from the first read! I loved that you had personal life stories mixed with home improvement. It was very intimate and casual. I have to admit when young house life came sbout the blog became less interesting for me. I kind of stopped reading both. I just come by younghouselove every now and then to check up on you because you are so sweet and cute.
I love love love that you’re bringing old times back!!!! Less is more :). Less posts mean they will be more interesting, mixing personal with home improvement means you’re bringing the unexpected back!!!
I love you guys more for being so real!!! I think I will start reading your blog even more :)
Love you ;)
Veronica
Annie says
Congratulations on your baby boy! Blogging is a job but parenting is. 24 hour job. You never take that hat off so hats off to you(pun intended) on your decision.
I will always be a follower of your’s and supportive of the decisions you make for what’s best for your family. Plus, scaling back will allow me to catch up in my to do list. Your posts are inspirational and I keep adding more to my list!
Many many blessings to you!!
Tamara says
Good for you! Our second baby is almost one and the time has flown even faster than the first. No matter what happens you will never regret relishing this precious time with your sweet babies.
Natalie says
Good for you guys! Congrats and enjoy that sweet baby.
Maria @ Sift & Whisk says
Congratulations on the your adorable new son! That bunny hat is killing me. I, for one, think it’s great that you’re slowing down to enjoy some family time. I’m sure I will still enjoy YHL every bit as much!
Kristi says
Such a good decision – those years with small children pass quickly and the work-life pendulum should be firmly over to the side of “life” right now. I will miss your posts (as I am nursing my little one, taking my own slice of life!) but if you are fortunate enough to be able to make this choice, you should do it! And here I am, making another bit of work for you to moderate my comment! Best to your family xo.