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…
Bree says
Good for you guys, wishing lots of balance and happiness :)
Laurie says
I think you guys are so smart to do this! Your core audience will stay because you guys do such a good job blogging about the projects and I think it is the quality of your work that draws the audience.
And I love the family posts mixed in, I think it showcases the very reasons why we all love to nest in our homes and make them lovely, usable spaces.
Well done Petersiks!
Kate says
Avid follower, lover of animals, hooks, animal hooks, and fellow Virginian here. Congrats on taking time to take care if you :) ALSO, I love those stripey onesies so much, Joey has been wearing them in every size! Hugs from up the road!
Christina says
Congrats and huge fist pumps to your sweet family!
Kate. says
This is the real American Dream – getting to make choices that are right for your and yours. I’m not a parent but my husband and I try to make choices based on what is best for us and our loved ones, not based on other people’s expectations about our jobs/income/housing/etc. It can be a challenge to stick to your guns but you totally should! All the best!!
Vanessa B. says
This really struck a cord with me. You are so right, Kate. This is absolutely the real American Dream. Thank you for redefining it for my family and me as well!
Emily says
Good for you! I think that’s smart; your loyal readers will look for your posts regardless of how frequent they are.
Enjoy your time with your kiddos!
Lynn says
Thank you for this. By see you make such a smart decision for yourselves and your family, it gives me peace to recalibrate and say “no” to things that are not improving my quality of life. The internet will always be hungry for more content. You have worked hard to be in the position you are in and set your own terms. Congratulations to your family <3
Mia says
Good for you guys! I’ll still be here reading whatever you are posting!!!!
Casey says
Good for you guys! Looking forward to the old style of blogging. Enjoy your family time. We all will be here, regardless.
Lisa says
I got a little nervous there for a while, but I am so very happy for you guys making this brave and wonderful choice for your family. I’ve been contemplating a similar change lately, so I’ll look forward to seeing how this new balance works for you (and with sweeties like Clara and Teddy, there’s no way it can be anything less than perfect) And no worries about page views, I still refer back to old projects on the daily. I’m sure I’m not alone. :)
Danna says
Best of luck to you two, Clara and Teddy. These are precious years with your little ones you’ll never get back. Your readers are so loyal and will always be here for you no matter what. I’m actually very excited to see more family stuff and a slower pace. XOXO
Morgan says
Congrats to you and your family!
I commend you for taking a step back and reevaluating your priorities. It’s not always about the bigger and better and one of the reasons I love following your blog is not for the DIY projects (b/c honestly I’m not a big DIY-er) but b/c of your family aspect.
Good luck in the future, can’t wait to see where it leads you all.
Stacy says
This is the best decision of everyone in your real world. Will I miss daily posts, of course! But I’m also the nurse that gave up a contracted position at a hospital so that i could work per diem and travel the world. Being balanced in your personal life reflects in everything else you do. That’s real success.
Sara says
You more than deserve to sit back and enjoy more of these lives that we all love to follow so much! Adorable candid photos above, Clara looks smitten with her new little brother!
Kayla Aimee says
This might be one of my favorite posts :) I want to say something about enjoying the fruits of your labor but that just sounds punny post birth ;) But seriously, stepping back to spend more time with the little one who is going to be my only has proved to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Liz says
I’ve been here with you guys since Clara was born, and I will be here with ya til the end. There’s no getting rid of me! :) I got a little choked up reading this post, not because I’m sad but I’m so happy for you guys! You are such inspirations to me–the way you live & the choices you make. Enjoy this time with your family!! (And I’ll say a prayer that Teddy gives you some rest too!)
Tracey says
I couldn’t be more excited for you and your family! It started to seem like this was becoming too much of a job at times anyways – there have been so many more giveaway posts as second posts lately. I think it will be nice to get back to a more attainable speed and write the posts you want to write, however many posts that ends up being in a week. Congrats on your expanded family! I look forward to continuing to follow along on your journey, and I think I will survive only getting 3-5 posts per week. :)
Katie says
I have to say, I was so relieved to read this post. I have often wondered, “How they heck do they do all this and still maintain a life? Why is it so easy for them and so HARD for me?” This post was a great reminder to take it easy on myself, and I’m so happy that you are making the choice to think carefully about next steps, and not just doing the next thing because it’s the next thing. What lucky kiddos you guys have! Enjoy your time. I’ll always remain a reader!
Liz says
Good for you guys!!!!!!! Enjoy it while you can! They grow up so darn fast!
Tara Adkisson says
Good for you! These are the days that we will never get back…and when it’s all said and done, we aren’t going to wish we’d blogged more or worked harder…we are going to regret not enjoying the little moments in this crazy life!! I’ll still be reading!
Elizabeth says
Oh Petersiks, is it possible that I love you guys even more after reading this post?! I have admired you guys for sooo long now–as I went through college, to getting married, to having our first baby boy…and all I can say is way to go. What a great decision.
I think that most of your readers enjoy your blog because guys are SO authentic. That’s why I keep coming back and I’m sure that’s the case for many others as well.
I look forward to reading everything you guys are willing to post. Not because I want to learn the latest thing in DIY, but because I just enjoy hearing about your life.
Happy one week birthday Teddy!!
Rachel says
That last picture of Clara looking at her baby brother made me well up with tears. It is so precious. I love sibling love!
SO glad to hear about you all slowing down. As a long time reader, I think that’s what we have always loved about you all. That you aren’t chasing the dream and that family matters over dollars.
Congrats on Teddy and the new change of pace. I’m not going to stop reading even if its once a month. : ) Thanks for being so real.
Amanda {NoDak Nest} says
This post warms my heart. There is nothing more important in this world than our friends and family and truly being present with them. I’m sure it has been nice being home with Clara but will be doubly as nice to really spend some long quality times together. They’re only young once! So happy for you all!
Leslie @ Oh, the Fun of It says
I think you’ll look back and realize… this was the best decision about your family and home you’ve ever made :) All I can say is, you won’t be losing me as a reader!
rachel says
Good for you!! I bet you feel a flood of relief about your choice and that is a VERY good thing.
Lindsay Butler says
Thank you for this post!! As a stay at home mom, with a VERY small blog, and a house full of projects I have always looked up to and admired you two. (As professional bloggers, parents, and your DIY skills). Despite that, I have always wondered how on earth they manage / do it all! I love your honesty, and choosing family time of money!
As a follower, what about truncating your posts in readers? It would give you more click through’s – which would help keep your numbers up!
YoungHouseLove says
I think we like keeping things simple for people (easy to enter giveaways, no truncated posts, etc) but I appreciate the thought :)
xo
s
Lindsay Butler says
You guys are so nice! :)
Cathy says
Actually, I have to tell you it’s one of my favorite parts of your blog: you make it easy to read, and you do it well. I’ve actually quit reading other blogs because of the truncated posts in readers and “click-throughs.”
When I read this post, my first thought was, “a leopard can’t change it’s spots.” You two won’t work any less hard–but yay for you that you won’t spend as much time photographing projects, writing, editing, checking comments, etc. You two are hard workers and that won’t change. Maybe how you make your money might, but given the evolution of blogging, adapting is key. Best wishes to you in every way!
Maura says
I totally get it and as much as I will miss the extra blog posts, I’m glad you guys are doing what feels right for your family. It can be a hard balance… being passionate about what you are doing, and having so many incredible opportunities connected to that passion… while still having plenty of unhurried time for early morning snuggles, an after lunch walk, or just watching the amazing faces a newborn makes.
Yes, they grow up way too fast… enjoy!
Maura
Angela says
I’ve been following you guys since the beginning. Your blog was awesome then and it’s only gotten better with time. It’s not just the moves, the renovations and the spot on paint color choices (ok, maybe it’s all of those things), but what really makes you guys special is the LOVE I see in every post, especially those about Clara and Teddy! You make decisions for your house based on what will make you and your family happiest; that attitude is what has truly transformed every house you have owned into a well-loved home. Your blog will always be special because of you guys, not the number of projects you tackle at one time. Congratulations on your decision and rest assured, no one is going anywhere. Your readers are rooting for you guys and today I bet you’lll get exactly what you’ve always put into this blog: lots of love! Enjoy your time with your beautiful family!
Maryann says
Thank you for such an honest post. I am just about to make a risky career decision as well in the name of flexibility and time for family so I really appreciate your family showing this kind of courage so publicly and openly. Thank you for continuing to share your life with us… it’s a privilege, really.
Gisela says
Less is more, simple is beautiful. That’s why I feel you connect with so many people (namely, me). Go, Petersiks!
Gise, your argentinean fan
PS: I just received my Teal Octopus my brother sent me from Boston. I was grinning like a school kid for hours. Yay!
Charmayne says
You wont be losing me :)
Alyssa says
Thank you so much for setting such a wonderful example with this decision. So excited for your family and this new stage of life! I look forward to reading more posts when they do come!
Sarah says
Congrats on the newest addition to the family! No matter what happens to your blog, I’ve always enjoyed reading. Thanks for sharing :)
savuryandsweet says
I completely respect this choice. As a blogger (man I’ve blogged maybe 2 times if that in the last year…) I love to post and share, but it really becomes work. With baby comes big changes and sure does a good job of shaking out your priorities. I would love to blog again someday, but for now I’m enjoying life with baby and it rocks. Lots of love to your family of five.
Taryn says
You guys are the best. Your readers won’t be going anywhere. I’ve noticed this move toward less is more across many home design and diy blogs this year, and I think it’s reflective of some of the competition and stress of blogging for profit. Your projects and your little family are so special–I’d rather get 3 posts a week, or 1 post a week even, rather than none because you’re so burnt out you want to quit all together. You all know what’s best for you. We’re just glad you let us come along for the ride!
Beth B. says
Kudos! I’m looking forward to all these new changes. Good for you, and count me as one who will keep reading no matter how often you post, or what you’re posting about.
Angela says
I had wondered if you weren’t stretching yourselves a little thin with the showhouse in addition to your blog, new book and all the other things you have your hand in. Congrats on making the decision to cut back a little!
April says
I loved this post. My family is doing the same thing. Slowing down and taking a step back to have more balance and more time for our three little ones. It is kind of a scary journey, but exciting as well too. Money isn’t everything, but family is and we are excited to start our new journey.
Nicole says
While I’ll miss my daily dose, I am so happy for you guys! Yes! Do it! Family is way more important than anything else. And the years fly, my friends. My oldest will be 12 this year. 12!!!! Cue mom freaking out. Congrats and best wishes.
Melissa says
I love the honesty and realness in this blog post! I’m a newlywed, with a new blog (melismcgrath.com) and just bought a new house, and you guys are such an inspiration. Some of my favorite posts from you guys are the more personal ones about life, love and family. Wishing you all the best!
Amy S says
I think anyone who has to balance taking care of the home with taking care of so many other things in life (which is probably close to all of us) will be able to appreciate what you’re doing. As some others have said, part of what draws me to your blog is that you are very real people, who make mistakes and have a life outside of your blog. It makes your blog welcoming, and is encouraging to me when I feel like there’s no way I can juggle everything perfectly like I often think I should.
And I certainly enjoyed your blog just as much “back then,” so I will continue to look forward to visiting it!
Congrats on your new path forward!
April says
I loved this post. My family is doing the same thing. Slowing down and taking a step back to have more balance and more time for our three little ones. It is kind of a scary journey, but exciting as well too. Money isn’t everything, but family is and we are excited to start our new journey. Good luck with your journey
Emily says
Hi John and Sherry, I have literally been a daily follower since I discovered you in 2010, so I guess I’ve been reading for 4 years now. I always come back because you are such interesting people and I love reading your blog, but also you have hands down the best tutorials and instructions for your projects. I was able to get married and buy a home (fixer upper) and have a baby, and now your project tutorials mean more to me than ever! The way your projects are all laid out and easy to find and then the step by step with pics is just so high quality and meticulous is so valuable to me. Thank you so much for doing this all these years! Even though I read daily I never comment, but I just wanted to say thank you for all the time you have put into this place.
Becka says
This seems like a great decision made for all the right reasons. I’ve loved the chance to watch as your home and your family evolve over the years and I hope that scaling back will give you guys more balance and will help make the time and effort you put into your blog and other projects more sustainable in the long run! So happy for you guys and all of these positive changes in your lives!
Paulette says
Kudos to you guys for knowing what the important things in life are! My children are grown and if only I knew back then what I know today (how fast they would grow up!), I would have made much different choices regarding time management and things I thought were important. I love your blog and look forward to your posts. I will always be a reader – whether you post once a day or once a week. Blessings to you and your precious family. xoxo
Mandy says
How awesome for you guys that you’re able to make this change and feel so comfortable doing so. Good for y’all for making this decision now, rather than looking back in 5 years and saying “could have/should have.”
I love hearing that the Young House Life posts will be moving “home” to Young House Love! I often miss those posts because I forget to click over. I love having your life peppered into the other posts that I also love.
Love y’all, and these are PRECIOUS photos!
Mon W says
I have been reading your blog EVERYDAY for the past two years and i have loved every bit of it! It is so easy to get caught up in chasing goals, money, possessions and recognition that you sometimes forget why your still doing it? Some of the best memories are the simple ones! When your at home making a cheap meal, drinking cheap wine with great company (looking back my best years were those when I barely owned a thing or had two bucks to rub together) good on you for recognizing this before its too late to really have those special moments with your family. I wish you all the best!
Rebecca says
SO glad for you to be taking a step back. Definitely the right choice! Sad for me that I won’t get quite as much of my favorite bloggers, but I think I’ll live :). Congratulations and enjoy every second of your beautiful family!
Amelia says
This makes me so happy. For you and many of us, your readers. When I started reading your blog 5 years ago I was young, and not yet a homeowner. I loved your decorating tips like the cheap flower posts, your picture frame ideas, even furniture rearrangement, and of course your target shopping trips. I’m now a home-owner, but my budget isn’t anywhere close to yours and saving to re-do floors would take me a couple years and even a mini-bathroom makeover might take me several months to save for. I’m looking forward to being able to relate to you more. I can put $5 worth of flowers in a vase, or make a cool collage out of leftover scrapbook paper. I look forward to some of these simple inspirations again!
Amie says
Sherry, John, Clara and Teddy,
I am very proud of you for stepping back and refocussing on the important things. Your following will still be here, waiting with bated breath for all your posts – home and hearth.