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…
Kristin says
This made me so happy! This made me cry! I had this conversation with my mom literally, an hour ago (except the blog part). We live in NYC, and I’m tired. Im tired of running and racing. We grew up here, We’ve earned our stars, and I feel like its time to move on. My husband left for work at 7am yesterday, and got home after midnight last night. Life keeps moving, even if you’re not ready for it to. And especially with kids! We have two little ones (3 and 19 months), and if we’re not careful we’ll miss that. Bravo for not needing more stuff. Bravo for seeing what you have. Enjoy, savor, love. That’s all you really need. XO from NYC.
Angela kr says
Wahoo to you! I love your older style posts and although I love checking in with you daily, I’ve often thought you must be going at an insane warp speed these days and was worried you would burn out on both ends. So, kudos to you for putting on the breaks! My hubs and I just did something similar in our lives about 5 months ago and although it’s a huge adjustment…. It is absolutely and completely worth it! :)
Kelly says
Always makes me so happy to read this type of thing – people making the decision to take make their “real” life over their “work” life. Congratulations and continue to enjoy the ride!
Eri says
Only you guys, nobody else, know what is best for you and your family. Know that I, like many others, very much enjoyed reading your blog when it was much, much slower. And I will, when it gets back to that relaxed pace of life again. Your decision has my full support. Have fun!
Amanda E says
Hi Sherry and John,
I’m so happy for you that you have the ability to make this change. Improving your work/life balance and boundaries between work time and family time have been goals for you guys for as long as I’ve been reading, and this is a big step in that direction!
That said, I’ll miss your frequent updates and be all the more excited when each new post appears! I hope that Clara Conversations still remain a regular feature – they are probably my favorite posts ever. (And hey, no photos to edit or complex projects to complete and describe, so they should be relatively easy posts to compose, no?)
All the best to your family in this new phase!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, those will definitely stick around :)
xo
s
Jill says
That sounds like a wise decision! Family is the most important thing and time passes too quickly. I fully support your decision and look forward to keeping up with your DIY posts as well as your family and random life posts!
Katie says
Family is the most important! We will still be here to hear about your house and home updates :)
Eileen says
Good for you guys, I’m so proud of your decision! So happy to hear that you’ve planned ahead and set yourselves up with some wiggle room to focus on those two adorable kids of yours! I know how hard it must have been, we’re expecting our own in the next few weeks and are finding ourselves questioning what truly matters in our lives.
Speaking of, we bought our little guy the same striped onesies for the fall, but now I’m thinking I might have to go back and get some newborn ones too. Teddy is too cute in stripes, hope our little guy rocks them just as well! <3
Carrie says
Thanks for this post! I have been an avid reader for years…long before Clara was born. You two are just a couple years older than my husband and I and I’ve taken a lot of advice from you guys. You’ve been able to normalize a lot of things for me, from tackling scary home improvement projects, to cloth diapering (I never would’ve considered it if there hadn’t been “normal” people out there who could do it, and now we are more than 2 years into our cloth diapering adventure with our son). I especially loved the posts of yore when you talked about saving money, cheap home cooked meals, using what you have, your pared down clothing/makeup, etc. Those were so inspiring to me as I made the big decision to stay home with my son (while my husband is a public school teacher). I’m so happy and excited for you guys, and I have a feeling you won’t be missing any readership!
melissa says
I think you guys are just excellent examples of how to LIVE. Love ya!
Erin @ How to Nest for Less says
OK, I don’t think I’ve ever posted here before but I’m a long time stalker. I’m so happy to hear this news! You have to enjoy every single minute of your mommy hood. I have one kiddo and didn’t know she would be an only child. I wish I would have held onto every single moment a little more, just embraced every step along the way, cause you’ll miss those morning snuggles!!! Congrats to you both. And can’t wait to see where the future takes you!
Kelli says
I think it is great that you are putting family first and making sure your living a balanced life. The little lives we are entrusted to raise and usher into the world truly deserved every moment we can give them! Looking forward to seeing the progression on the house in any schedule you decide to show us and also look forward to more personal/family posts that you choose to share of your beautiful family!
Emma says
Good for you guys! You have to do what’s best for your family. Less really is more!
Stephie says
Awesome decision!!!! I’ve often wondered how in the world you manage to fit everything that you do into your lives. Enjoy your time with your children…it goes by way too fast (my baby is 21 and I don’t know where the time went).
Erin says
Huge congratulations to your family! Making a decision like this is one of the many reasons I’ve been a fan since I first stumbled on your blog many moons ago, and one of the reasons I will forever follow your story. Sending lots of love and support!!
Emily says
I am so excited for y’all! You have me tearing up over here, but in a good way. I will absolutely keep connected with your blog (you couldn’t pay me to leave:)) Congratulations on baby Teddy & enjoy every precious moment! Never sacrifice time with them to keep us readers happy(:
Loves! xoxo
jp says
This is great. Congratulations, y’all, on what must have been a scary decision.
Hilarie says
Yay for you guys!!! I think so many people these days don’t look at where they’re going and what they want. We have less money than we’d love to be comfortable with, but we’ve decided that working the amount we are, being with our kids more, having less stress is worth so much more than the extra money we could be bringing in. I think more people need to look at what could be, rather than “that’s how everyone does it”. Enjoy your time with your family!
Kristen @ LoveK Blog says
Good for you guys for following your heart! I’m also glad the family posts are coming back from Young House Life!
P.S. The last picture in this post might be the cutest picture of all time.
Aleshia says
I think the “less is more shift” is not only going to help you find peace, but I think it’s going to make your readers anticipate your posts even more! Less supply…more demand!
Congrats to you all!
KatK says
Well, selfishly I’m disappointed I’m course, because you guys are something I look forward to first. thing. every. morning. And I love the big reveals.
That said, you’re my absolute favorite bloggers, and it’s only partly due to digging your design sense.
Mostly, I love spending time with you through your blog. You guys seem so gracious and grounded, so this comes as no surprise. Big, big props to you for recognizing what you need as a family. I’m always looking forward to the next post, whenever that might be.
Valerie says
As always, you guys give me the courage to do things that seem scary at first glance — whether it’s gutting my bathroom, fixing my deck, or re-prioritizing my life. Thank you for being real and for showing us all what it looks like to take risks in our lives. It’s what we love you for. You won’t be losing my readership, that’s for sure. Love you guys in the least weird way you could possibly tell a stranger that you love them. :)
Natalie says
You guys are the best. You deserve the success you’ve seem but you also deserve the chance to step back and enjoy those cute kids. Thanks for keeping it real and for caring more about family than fame.
Jen says
Unacceptable! How dare you?!? I can’t believe you’re putting your family before us!
Ummm…except the complete opposite. Totally just kidding.
We will miss you and look forward to your posts even more!
Annie says
I read your blog almost every day but have never commented. After reading this post (with tears in my eyes) I felt like this would be the time to leave my first comment. I commend you both for taking a step back! Life is too short to be spending it doing things that don’t make you 100% happy…and your kids come first always. So happy to read this and happy for you guys that you have taken the plunge to choose whats right for YOU and not for the blog world. I will still be an avid reader and as a fellow parent this post only made me love you guys more. Best of luck!
Stephanie says
Bravo! Kudos to you guys for making this tough decision, but I feel like it’s definitely the right one. I’ll always be here following along.
And also glad to have the family posts back here instead of having to check multiple different sites.
kelly says
Great for you!
I kept thinking you were going to hire someone part time to help out with some of the workload- i.e. taking pictures and editing, helping to maintain the website, manage your giveaways etc. But this is another route to go and I wish you the best of luck!
One question . . I keep waiting to see more write up of the show house (i.e. kitchen layout breakdown, the family room, the bathrooms, the dining room) Are you planning on posting that info??
YoungHouseLove says
Yep! We’ve got lots more of the house to share!
xo,
s
Lanie says
That makes complete sense. Everyone usually gets a maternity/paternity leave and or cuts back at work after having children. I did cut back to part time and the fully cut back to SAHM. You guys should be no different. You work very hard and now it’s time to enjoy life, even if the money is cut back. We are living off of one salary now an thigs couldn’t be more simple or enjoyable!
I have to admit, when I worked I Hun on every word you wrote, but as a SAHM trying to get through all your posts in the second I’m hiding in he bathroom pretending to pee reading them on my phone is tough! ;)
You guys have been there for me since 2011 when I was struggling with infertility, and loving my new home. I read all your archive back to the beginning and always scanned comments too. I have a soft spot for y’all, and wish you all the best!! You always seem to make smart decisions that are right for you!!
Xo
Lindsey says
Congrats on this big decision. I’m so happy you guys are taking time to enjoy your family. We might miss having a few extra posts, but family is the most important thing in the world. Enjoy your time together, and we’ll be here when you’re ready to share something. Less posts just means that each one will be more of a treat! :)
Ashley says
Long time reader, first time commenter. Just wanted to say that I support your decision 100%. Your babies will only be young once and you will not regret spending extra time with them and as a family. Your loyal readers will be here no matter what and will be extra excited to hear from you when you do post!
Elena says
I’ve been reading you guys for years. I have always been impressed with the energy here on this site and what you seem to have generally in your lives. I would ask,”how do they do it?” You both work so hard, and find time to take care of Clara, and now Teddy. All along, sharing it all with us in a entertaining and quite helpful way (thanks for showing me how to “cut-in!”) You are due for a break. You’ve accomplished so much in such a short period of time. Enjoy your babies!! It’s time. God Bless!!!!
Danielle says
Good for you guys!! I have always wondered how you have been able to do all that you do without going crazy! Fewer weekly posts won’t push me away! :) ENJOY!!!
deb says
As one of your (probably) older/est readers at 62, I can remember when I had my second child and thinking “what have I done to my life”…the amount of work seemed to quadruple, not double! And…now that my kids are grown and I have a g-son, I can attest to the fact that the time goes by in the blink of an eye – and every year passes more quickly than the last! You will never regret backing off and enjoying life with your kidlets, and I’m happy for you that you can do that. Those of us who follow you faithfully will always be here, you can be sure of that! XOXO
Shannon says
So sweet. The title of this post made me laugh, and the post itself made me tear up. So happy for you and your beautiful family. You are both wonderful parents. There are no wrong choices when you are listening to your heart.
Ty says
Bravo!!
I never comment but I just wanted to say that this sounds great for you guys. I was worried about the quality of life you were living…it must have been hard maintaining your daily writing schedule. My husband and I both work from home for ourselves and we made the decision after our 1st son was born that we needed to sign off the computers as soon as he got home from school on Fridays-Sunday. Sure there is the occasional work emergency that comes up, but knowing we are living a more normal 9-5 schedule is great. (That doesn’t mean our brain shuts off completely, we still think and talk about work on weekends….it just doesn’t consume all of our time like it did before kids.) I wish you guys the best! ps. You don’t need to blog every day to make enough money to support your family. I’m sure you’ll find new ways to make more passive income.
Lisa Camann says
Adorable photos today (love Sherry, Clara and baby Teddy in the hospital bed!)
Maybe, age has added some wisdom, but I think you’re doing the right thing,relax a little, enjoy your children – they don’t stay little nearly long enough!
I’ll still be checking in, and looking forward to seeing what you’re up to.
Best wishes,
lisa
Tara says
Congrats taking time for yourselves! I’ll miss reading up on you guys twice a day, but Clara and Teddy are a million times more important, so enjoy them <3
susan says
Best.Post.Ever!
As a mom of 2 grown daughters and now looking forward to retirement years with my husband, it’s easy to get so caught up in every day living that you miss out on life!
It’s very difficult to make scary life changes, but we all know what is right for us and do what we need to do for ourselves and our families. I soooo respect this choice you’re making now and wish you all the happiness for your life ahead.
You rock, all 5 of you!
Constance says
Yay!! Wonderful! I’m so happy for your family and applaud this post and your perspective. I’ve been a reader since 2009 and will remain one no matter what your schedule. It’s the quality, not the quantity.
Pat C says
AMEN!
These two little persons will be your true legacy in life. Stay true to yourselves and your family and there will be no regrets.
I do love your DIY posts but your family posts make me smile. I won’t be going anywhere.
Katie says
Good for you! Enjoy Clara and Teddy. My boys are in first and second grade and they still need us more than ever, maybe more than when they were babies. So good for you and good for your family. I love your blog and will always be happy to see a blog post no matter when it posts! Thank you too, I get so much joy from you guys.
Ginger B. says
Sounds like you guys have your priorities just right. I am excited to continue following along your home progress and your cute family.
Rachel says
Such a beautiful post and what a wonderful decision you have made. I know you definitely have not lost this reader :-)
Meg says
Good for you. I think it is brave and commendable to be able to recognize that more isn’t always best when it comes to money and recognition. Congrats on the bold choice.
Kala M. says
I’ll be a little sad to see a few less posts from you guys but I totally think you are making the right decision. I’ve always wondered how you guys do everything you do. My husband and I work full time/I do a little freelance graphic design and we have no children (just the cats & horse) and feel like there is never enough time for everything. Congrats on making the decision for family time! I’d love to hear a bit more about the freelance advertising work you guys pick up. How do you find it? Just old connections coming to you or do you seek it out? I’ve been trying to decide if I want to pick up more freelance design work to help save for our first house but haven’t decided how to go about finding it.
YoungHouseLove says
It’s all just old contacts that we have kept in touch with (some in NY or CA – others here in Richmond), so it’s nice to have those lines of communication open. If you’re looking to get work and make concoctions, I hear that Creative Hotlist can help along with Linked In.
xo
s
Lindsey says
Seriously good for you guys ! It is so important to do what makes you happy and live a balanced life . I’ve loved this blog for years and my favorite posts are always about your wonderful family (even though I loooove DIY). Know your loyal fans support you and will just be sure to savor the new posts if there’s a few less of them ;)
Sarah says
CHEERS TO A BALANCED LIFE!! It’s funny how starting a family changes your priorities.
I will miss reading my daily YHL post while at work but I should be working, anyway… so my productivity just increased. For that my boss will thank you :)
Cathie says
Way to go! I’ll keep following your blog no matter the number of posts. I don’t know how you guys have kept up the pace the past few months. Take care of yourselves and your sweet family!
Jessica says
Yay! I needed to see this post today and am so happy for you guys! My husband and I are gearing up to move a few states away for a new job he was offered that will allow me to work part time and spend more time with our eight month old son. Your post gives me more confidence and courage to make that big step! Congratulations!
christine says
The secret to a happy life is balance so pursue it. Yes, it will mean change, but that’s the best way to grow.