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…
Isabel says
Good for you! Enjoy your family!
Leslie says
Bravo! I’ve wondered about the pace of your lives just with beautiful Clara and your ever increasing success and…fame! This is such a sound and totally family friendly decision, and you two are the only ones who can make it. Your public and your many sponsors would likely have you with your own HGTV show or something eventually. You will NEVER regret this decision. Because LOVE is what this life is all about.
Lo says
Great post, I hope you all find peace with the new schedule. Curious as to what this means for your book, product lines, etc?
YoungHouseLove says
We’ll be slowing down our pace on those 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).
xo
s
Amber says
Loyal reader right here through and through! Do what you need to do to be happy and we will all be on the other side of the screen happy for you and excited for the next phase of your house and your journey :)
Lindsey says
Tears of joy! GOOD FOR YOU!!!
I will fully admit that I will miss your daily posts because it has become my routine. I feel like you guys have been a part of my life for so long (I’ve been with you through all 3 of your houses although I caught the first one right before you moved) and I enjoy reading your blog so very much. But honestly you two, this post makes me love you and what you are doing even more. I think it’s fantasic.
I believe simplifying life is very important. And of course, I will keep checking in with you, like I know many of us will.
Mel says
Just this morning I was talking with a friend about how we take for granted the little things in life. I think this post hit the nail on the head as well. Our kids are only little for so long and family will always trump any other thing that enters our life. I quit a job that literally sucked my life away from my kids almost 6 months ago and I have never been happier. With one boy almost a teenager and one entering kindergarten in the fall, I made the decision to put them in the forefront and let all the other things just fall into place.
I’ve always had a lot of respect for you two, but this elevated my respect to a whole new degree. I applaud you for this, and look forward to seeing the new less is more format.
Dona says
I look forward to reading your blogs every morning I as eat my oatmeal and plan my day. I am a work-from-home-mom and have the great fortune to be at home when my kids get home everyday and be here when they need me. You both have inspired me with your projects, the way you plan your efforts and how wonderfully and cheerfully you share your adventures. And today, once again, you have impressed me with how, in the midst of all the exciting things happening (books, shows, product lines) that are able to step back and evaluate and not just get lost or dazzled by the the maelstrom that has evolved around your extraordinary talents. Bravo!!!
I’ll still be checking on you everyday because, while I am inspired by the planning and projects, I love the story that is the Petersiks.
~Dona
Alissa says
Good for you guys!!! It is so refreshing to see people making the choice to put their family first and not give in to all the pressures to do otherwise. You have a beautiful family and those adorable little people of yours will only be little for so long. I love your blog and I’m excited to see what the future holds for you!
Anna Kristina says
Bravo! Your blog is the one I most look forward to reading every day, and no matter how often you post, I’ll still look forward to every one (and thank goodness for Feedly). I hope these changes help you find the balance you’re looking for, and that you’re able to cherish countless moments with your beautiful family!
Becca says
I will miss the regular updates but I think your decision is Fantastic!!! What a great opportunity you have to spend time together as a family while the kids are young. Things really do go by in the blink of an eye so make the best of it! Congrats on Teddy, he is such a doll!
Katie says
Good for you! 2 kids more than doubles the time needed to care for them. Enjoy. I’ll live the posts whenever they come!
Stephanie says
Sounds perfect! I love this post!
You’re always setting a standard for others in the blog world, and this is no exception. You know how to be you and how to live your life, and I rejoice with you in this decision!
Anna Kelly says
Aw man, my 10am treat won’t be daily anymore… but that’s okay. I’ve been a reader almost since the beginning and it’s been amazing to watch your journey. CHEERS and best of luck with baby, balance, and finding some serenity. I’ll keep reading!
Cheryl says
I’m just a stranger but i’m proud of you guys for being real people with real priorities. You’re obviously not so hungry for success and fame that you’re willing to compromose your values and i love that.
Life is too short and the point of our existence surely is creating peace, love and connections in our lives.
Jess says
Good call. We’d rather have you around with a slower pace/mix of stuff than not at all!
Melissa says
Kudos to you!
I am in the process of making the very same changes in my life, I don’t blog but I work 80 hours a week for a goal that I don’t even recognize or acknowledge as something I want as this point.
I want to enjoy life, it’s funny because all the signs are there and I am finally recognizing them!
I wish you all the best, i will still follow your blog happily less updates and all!
Angie says
Love it! Good for you guys. It’s nice to hear that you are focusing on what’s really important. I’m curious to see how your new home develops and your family/life posts have been some of my favorites. This new format sounds absolutely perfect for you.
Jennifer says
Good for you guys.
Ali says
Congrats to you guys! Even with YHLife being retired, are you still planning to post the hilarious Clara conversations and the assumingly more hilarious future Clara/Teddy convos… please?! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Yep! Still planning to share Clara Conversations and, when the time comes, Teddy Talks.
-John
Shelley @ Green Eggs and Hamlet says
Yay! I was wondering this as well because those crack me up. “Teddy Talks,” so cute, can’t wait!
hjc says
Ha! I just read “Teddy Talks” in the prototypical echo- effect announcer voice. Great title!
Stephanie says
Thank you guys for keeping it real! As much as I look forward to reading your posts everyday, I honestly don’t know how you keep it up! Thanks for instilling the confidence in me to face my own home challenges and DIY projects!
I’ll be a reader for years to come, even if it’s only a few days a week :) Congrats on your expanded family!
Meghan says
Having followed your blog for the past 5 years or so, I (as I’m sure many others as well) am so happy to see you both take a step back to enjoy your life and your beautiful children. It seems like this blog has taken over in a whirlwind, and I’m sure it will be a welcome change to return to the slower paced, yet more personal feel of how you used to post. I had the amazing opportunity to meet you when you came to Dallas on your book tour a while back, and you’re both such incredible people inside and out. You will be blessed in everything you do, and I highly doubt you will ever have to worry about putting food on the table (that was probably just painted, sanded, or in some way DIYed!). I wish you both all the best, and I will continue to be a loyal reader for hopefully many more years to come :)
Kris says
Get it girl!!! Kudos to you and John and your sweet babies. Enjoy all these precious, sweet moments.
Denise says
I love it! My husband and I also took a real hard look at our lives, goals and desires. We realized that for us, less is more, just as you have done. We feel most comfortable living modestly and well within our means. We acheived several financial goals very quickly once we came to this realization, then had a child and cut our income in half for one of us to stay home with her. It is by far the happiest we have ever been.
So congrats on that beautiful addition to your family and enjoy every minute together.
Heather says
This is the best news…cherish those little ones. We can wait.
Jen says
I think you are totally making an awesome decision! I am a mom of 4 (so far!) And the moments with our children are so precious and go by so fast. I have a hard time looking back at pics sometimes because I get all teary. But all in all I wouldn’t want to go back in time. I have a 6 mo old baby and this time I have spent a lot of time rocking him and snuggling. I know he will grow so fast. Enjoy this sweet baby of yours and Clara too as I know you will!
Maureen says
Also, sorry if anyone asked this already, but will Teddy be getting a photo project also?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, with a bit of a tweak from Clara’s (so his have their own spin). We took his first one yesterday and are planning to get one more taken next week and then post about them.
xo
s
Maureen says
Yay!
Kimmy H says
Hey guys! Long time reader, first time commenter. :) I love the timing of this post, as my hubby and I are also making a similar choice. I work around 14 hrs a day and he works 10 per day. We have decided to sell our beloved home, move to a small town and take some time to reconnect. We’ve also been trying for baby #1 for two years and hope the major change of pace will benefit our family in e long run. Cheers to slower lives!
p.s. How did even handle kids, Target, home show, and daily blog posts and still find time to be married?! It even made me stressed for a couple weeks!
Sayward says
It made my heart sing to scroll through the first page of comments and see that every single one was encouraging and supportive. Scaling back from a career or other commitments for more meaningful priorities shows a lot of wisdom and heart. We love you guys, and I can’t wait to hear about the wonderful family moments that start coming out of your slower pace. Yay for working to live and not living to work!
p.s. I’m counting down to my showhouse road trip. 3 weeks!
Kim says
Good job, guys! Seriously – this is a majorly brave decision but obviously what your family needs.
What’s the saying? No one lays on their death bed and wishes they worked more? Kudos to you for understanding this early so you can truly appreciate and be present for your life! I’ll still be rooting for you and supporting you in whatever manner I can. :)
MissCaron says
This is wonderful news. I was praying that you would get back to the way things were. I really like having the one site (not a separate page with family stuff) as your family is a huge part of your life and we love sharing in your adventures. As much as I enjoy the tutorials and informational posting, I really come for the life stories. I pray that this will be a wonderful change for your family and that you will have the means necessary to keep going for as long as you wish and that when it comes time to do something else, God will bless that as well. XO
Kara says
I know how overwhelmed just one home project makes me feel, so I’ve been astounded by how much you guys have taken on and how much it’s accelerated since I started reading the blog years ago (back in my college dorm when I was DREAMING of decorating my own place; now I’m a married homeowner!)
Your pace has been looked so hectic, and pulling back a bit sounds great! I’ll be here reading every new post as long as you’re blogging. Congrats again on the new baby boy!
seabluelee says
Good decision! While I might (selfishly) miss seeing you every day, I love your new plan. I’m really looking forward to following your ongoing adventures in both heart (family) and home (improvement).
Rosemary says
Congratulations on prioritizing the most important things! We’ll all still be here reading, no matter how many times you post. I don’t even have a house to love, but I’ve been reading your blog for years because of the healthy mix of DIY, family, and life stuff.
Keeping everything in balance will make you a happier family, which will make the blog great, no matter what. So happy for you all!
Kaytie says
A big round of applause to you all! I (we?!) all love you guys, how can we possible stop reading your blog, one post a week or ten. Kudos to you for choosing what’s right for your family. I’m excited to see what the future holds, for your family and your blog. :) xo
Alicia says
Congrats! I read daily but don’t comment regularly. I thought this post deserved a much needed applause. So extremely happy for your and your family!
Ren says
Cheers to you (she says w a 10 day old in her arms). Family first. Enjoy your time t
Laurie says
Good for you! As a mom with grown children I can guarantee that you won’t believe how quickly time passes. These are precious times and I applaud you for making a wise decision (even as I’m missing you on my workday breaks). Blessings to all of you – you have such a sweet little family.
Vanessa says
I am so happy for you guys. Enjoy this time in your life. Life it too precious and too short. I have often thought about doing the same in my life. I applaud you for not wanting MORE AND MORE. You are truly happy and content. We will be here however often you guys will want to post. I think you are both so talented and creative you could do anything on the side. Those are two precious kiddos you have, you are blessed to be there with them most of the time. I am so happy with this decision. The pictures are ADORABLE.
Julia says
HOORAY! So excited for you all and so glad you are able to figure out a way to keep the ever elusive balance in your lives. So happy for the Petersik’s continued success and happiness!
Michelle F says
Good for you guys! This time with your little ones is so short and precious and the most important thing. You won’t regret your decision. Enjoy those little baby diapers!!
Jessica says
Congratulations on Teddy’s safe and happy arrive and bravo for making such a wonderful choice to assess your own goals and put them first – easier said than done and you guys are doing it. I look forward to keeping up with you guys and the “days of old” vibe of the blog! Wishing you much love and continued success!
Alexa says
Good on ya!! You all deserve some much needed family time. I feel the same way about being there for our children while their young. The time is so short and the memories priceless.
Catherine says
Beautiful post Sherry. Blessings to you all.
Natalie says
GOOD FOR YOU GUYS! Oh this makes me happy. :)
Jesse says
BRAVO.
Mariley says
Good for you and good luck!
Sam says
SO HAPPY FOR YOU GUYS.
I love the site you’ve both created, and it doesn’t make sense that I’m grinning ear-to-ear to hear you’ll be posting less. I’m so happy that you’re doing you, and just wish I could give you high fives all day. Or a chance to nap, as that’s what you probably prefer now. :)
Beth Sasser says
This is amazing! My husband and I have made it a point to put away phones, turn the TV off, and spend time with our boys. There will come a point in their life when it won’t be cool to be around us…so for now we enjoy them WANTING us. I am so happy to see that you and John are doing nearly the same thing! It may “impact” your money…but it will build memories and character in your children that money could never buy!
Your family is beautiful!
Carli says
Petersik Family….I’m so happy for you all. You deserve this reprieve. Life is too short, and your littles are only little once. Enjoy this season! Enjoy how hard you’ve worked up until now and everything you’ve gained from that hard work. I’m sure there’s no shortage of hard work in your future (life with two kidlets and jobs is busy I’m sure!) but I’m so glad you’ve decided to head in this slightly different direction. I hope, that like you found in previous years, your load is lighter and your life feels fuller than ever. PS. I’ll still be reading along as always. Whenever you decide to post ;)
Kate says
I’m really happy for you guys, even though it sort of feels like you’re breaking up with us! LOL. (“It’s not you! It’s US!” YEAH RIGHT!!)
All kidding aside — I’ll still be reading! Enjoy the family time. :)