We’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what our lives will look like in a few weeks, a few months, and even a few years with the impending arrival of the littlest Petersik. And a big part of that process included wondering about how we’d keep up with this blog once there was a tiny (yet huuuuge) responsibility around here to be cared for and coddled. So we put our heads together and concocted a few new strategies for making time for everything: each other, our baby, this blog, and of course our main man Burger.
We’re still as dedicated as ever to keeping this home improvement adventure going since we’ve had the fortune of taking this hobby/passion of ours and turning into a full-time job for Sherry. And at the risk of not saying this before I forget: THANK YOU for encouraging, supporting and humoring us on a daily basis so that could happen (read how Sherry went from hobbyist to full time blogger here).
But with a newborn on the way, we’re not delusional. We know how much time and effort that will take. Caring for Baby P alone could be a full time job for Sherry so we knew that maintaining our two-post-a-day habit and coordinating weekly giveaways, all while taking on consistent DIY projects would be a stretch. So we came to a major decision (not without a ton of careful consideration and number crunching of course). The verdict? We’re charging forward with Young House Love full force- and in order to keep things going we’ll be bringing on a second full-time employee (to help with both baby and blog duties). Any guesses as to who it could be?
I know, some of you are probably crossing your fingers that it’s Burger – he is quite a hard worker…
But it’s actually… me! That’s right, once Baby P comes along I’ll be saying a sad goodbye to my time as an 8-to-6 advertising geek and hello to full time fatherhood & bloggerdom. And for that, I feel incredibly blessed. So again: THANK YOU. It’s not like I don’t already work about 20+ hours a week on top of my full time job when it comes to keeping this blog going, but with all the time that we’ll gain with me being at home during the day we’re certain that we can better juggle the blog, the baby, and the rest of our lives. In fact we have big plans for YHL when I come on full time, so stay tuned for even more action around here in the coming months…
And what does my new role as a full time father/blogger really mean? Of course the obvious: I’ll be around to tag team both the care for our beanette and the blog with Sherry, seven days a week. So we can nurture each of them as one big (hopefully very happy) family. But it also means that we’ve got another major room makeover on our to-do list. That’s right, Casa Petersik is getting a bona fide two-person home office!
For now, all of my night and weekend work on our blog has been done at the dining room table, while Sherry remains parked at her nook in the den. But if I’m going to be around all day, we know we’ll need a more permanent space so we can reclaim the dining table and keep the room-to-room shouting to a minimum. Plus there really is something to be said for a designated work space to help delineate work and play zones, which we know will be very important when it comes to maintaining that fragile and oh-so-important work/life balance.
So if you haven’t already figured it out by process of elimination, the new office will be taking over our current guest bedroom. And with the nursery having given our other guest bedroom the boot already, we have to keep this office 100% guest friendly as well (yup, that means it must sleep at least two people as it always has). But it also has to accommodate two working bloggers, their wee one, and their playful nine pound pooch. Not to mention store all sorts of paperwork without looking too corporate for our guests when they come to stay. Oh yes, we’ll be walking quite a delicate line in there (all while trying to squeeze every last ounce of function out of the tiny 10′ x 10.5′ space).
Oh and did we mention that we’d also like to see it multitask as a playroom of sorts for Baby P since she’ll obviously be hanging out in there as we do our blogging thang? We didn’t? Well add that to the list. So stay tuned for the play by play as we attempt to fully reconfigure this soon-to-be triple duty room into a space for work, play, and overnight guests. It’s sure to be a doozie, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
And we’d love to hear any tips that you guys have when it comes to designing a home office, working from home without losing your mind, or just generally creating a room that has two or three separate functions. Share and share alike.
Liz @ Bon Temps Beignet says
ok, random question… who took the picture of you two sitting at your computers? Even Burger is looking right at the camera.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Liz,
We actually had the camera on a tripod, and since it was on “timer mode” since John had to push the button and then run and sit down, the camera makes a beeping noise until it goes off (which made Burger look up at it). Gotta love that inquisitive dog stare.
xo,
s
julie says
this is incredible news and I’m so happy for you guys!! and I cant WAIT to see the home office!!!!!!!
Rebekah C says
I am so happy for you guys—–and for all of us readers, who are spoiled by your twice-daily posts full of entertaining and informative content. I can’t imagine a cooler job than to be able to both stay home with the baby (and Burger) and the blog, and to not have to worry and stress over how to make the finances work. Congratulations to you guys!
Katie says
Okay, quit it- you guys are living my dream life! I am so happy for you!
(p.s. please don’t quit!)
Corinne says
Yay! How exciting! Congratulations on it all. I can’t wait to keep watching what you guys get up to and take on. Keep up the awesome work. Corinne x
josie says
congrats j&s! i’m sure there’ll be a learning curve with your new employment situation, but i look forward to hearing all about it and cannot WAIT for that room makeover. i’m sure there’ll be plenty of ideas for me to steal. . . uh, appreciate. thanks so much for sharing your gift of home reno and organization! your blog has inspired a lot of little projects around my house and although, material things are just things, i love being in a functional, aesthetically pleasing home. blessings to you and the beanette. can’t wait to see pictures of that project. . . .
Sabrina Jordan says
YAY! I’m so happy to hear that YoungHouseLove lives and is going to be bigger than ever! I was a bit worried at the beginning of the blog that you were going to step back from this to focus on the wee one, but hearing you are both forging ahead with this. I’m doing my happy dance just for you! :)
I’m also excited to see the new office take shape. Incorporating a little one in the business space can be a challenge, but I’m sure you’ll do it with ease! :)
Dana @ House*Tweaking says
Congrats! This had crossed my mind but not very seriously! Can’t wait to see all that is to come: the baby, the blog(s), the home office…every last bit. So happy for you happy guys!
Hels Bels says
YAAAYY! So delighted with this news, I also wondered how on Earth you guys were going to cope with the blog and baby! Best of luck with the new arrangements, can’t wait to see the new office
x
Lark says
Congrats!!! How exiting for all of you. This first year will be so memorable and both of you will be able to be there for every minute of it! Enjoy!
Briel K. says
Wow guys! That’s so awesome that you decided to do this. As I read I was afraid you were going to cut back on posts but then I got to the end and the result was great. :) It’s amazing that this blog has grown so much and allows you both to do it full time while being at home for Baby P. (and Burger)! If only everyone could find something they love doing that much. I wish I could! Good luck. Can’t wait to see the room makeover too!
P.S. I’m amazed that you were able to save up a years worth of salary as a cushion while you saved up for other things like a car and renovations along the way. Crazy!!
Jackie says
I’m jealous. I would LOVE to work from home – as long as it was doing what you are doing and having fun at the same time. As a mother of 8 month old twin girls, having their daddy home full time would be a great benefit. Good for you for saving up for this – this will probably be the best decision you have ever made! Congrats!
Anna says
You guys totally rock!!! Congratulations on the big decision!! I can’t wait to see what is in store for the blog in the future. Your blog is such an inspiration and resource. My husband was even checking it out when he was installing his first toilet! Thanks for all you do and keep it up!!! xoxo
Suzie says
I’m reading your post with some serious excitement and daydreaming of how I could snag a YHL job… but learning John will join full time is wonderful!! What a great decision for your family :)
kerry says
Murphy bed!
Carole says
Congrats, that’s exciting news! Wishing you nothing but success!
I worked from home from the time my kids arrived until two years ago. It was challenging in a small space, and we did lots of crazy rearranging of spaces (including having our bedroom in the basement for a while!), but it was so lovely to spend that time with them. In our new(er) place we have a office/guest room and it works well for our family.
Now that we have our new “fur-baby”, Cosmo, I just wrapped up my office job and am working from home again (just in time to be around for the pre-teen years!)
Kelly@TearingUpHouses says
Congratulations! Working from home is the best!
Kelly
Cara says
Congratulations! I’m super jealous.
Sondra says
Lucky Baby P to have both mom and dad at home – that’s awesome:)
Claire says
Phew! What a RELIEF! I was so scared that the entry would end with “We’re calling it quits with the blog.” I wish you two the best of luck with the baby and the new work situation. Can’t wait to see how you transform the guest room!
laura says
Yeah, I’m glad you are not cutting back as well. I have 2 words for your office/guest room/baby P playroom. MURPHY BED. That would free up that floor space when not being used for baby P! Best wishes.
simplyblythe says
you two are a-maz-ing.
so proud of you and all of this.
wow.
Lessons in Life and Light says
Congratulations to you guys! What a fun transition for your family. We are also in the process of putting together a guest-friendly office so I’m eager to see what you come up with!
RJ says
That’s such exciting news, congrats John! I’m really looking forward to seeing how you make the change from guest room to office/playroom/guest room as I’m hoping to have that project in the works sometime in the next year.
renee says
AWESOME! The best news…God Bless.
Anyone else been feeling anxious about YHL lately? I was worried that you’d run out of rooms to re-do. I should have known better…you guys always come up with amazing ideas that are so well-planned out.
Inspiration is the name of the game on YHL
CONGRATS to the Beanette for picking such great parents.
xox from Minneapolis
D says
That’s great news!!! Congrats!
I know you said you were sad about leaving your 8-6, but I work for an agency and I must say that sometimes it’s a burnout job…might be nice to set your own hours for a change!
Sally says
I couldn’t be more excited for your family! I get so excited when I see families making decisions to spend more time together. Your wise financial/ family decisions are inspirational. Thank you for sharing your lives with us. And again, congratulations!
P.S. The picture of burger working on the laptop… priceless. :)
Shunta says
A few things: 1. This post was the most suspenseful one ever! I was thinking this was the beginning of the end and for that I was going to be one sad lady! 2. I am overly happy for you all and that you have the ability to do what I know so many families wish they could do–(I know I’d love it!)–spend the day doing the job you love AND spending the day with your spouse and beautiful child. Major congratulations on this blessing! 3. I’m SOOOO excited to see what you all will do in this new room makeover. We recently purchased an older charming home with 3 bedrooms. Our room, guestroom, and my craftroom. I know once a little one comes along my craftroom will have to say bye bye and I have already started thinking, what will happen to my craft area. And I was hoping to be able to somehow cram it into the guestroom! So I’m sure this new makeover will definitely inspire us!! and 4. I can’t say how happy I am that I stumbled upon this blog one day. It has, since then, become my absolute favorite spot that I check in to MANY times each day (work breaks! hehehe)!
Congratulations! & Excellent Decision!! Excellent!
Kim says
That’s exciting. It will be a great opportunity for you, having more flexibility both with blog and baby. But it’s also great for us, since the other option may have been us losing you!
Heidi says
Congratulations! What a great decision for you and your family!
Jean says
Congratulations! This is such exciting news. My husband is a stay-at-home father and I work full-time. I’m fortunate that I can do some of my work from home. That being said, it is tricky to work from home with a child around. Not only does my son make noise, he’s also usually far more interesting than whatever I’m working on. So here are a few tips to work at home more effectively: 1. have a designated space where you can, if necessary, close the door and be alone (sounds like you’re going to be doing this with your new guestroom/office); 2. maximize nap time — this means DON’T do housework while the baby is napping, do your blog work; 3. become a regular at a local coffee shop. There are times I just have to get out of the house to work. The other tip I’d offer is to, as much as possible, give each other breaks. It’s hard to be a full-time parent and it’s hard to be a full-time blogger. If you’re able to split these two activities, you’ll both be much happier. Good luck and enjoy!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jen,
Thanks so much for the tips! Super helpful indeed.
xo,
s
Loren says
I’m SO happy for the both of you, being able to make a decision like that must be a huge relief. What an inspiration. It’s great to know that living frugally, and credit free like you guys do can have such an enormous pay off. (A full YEAR salary of savings is amazing!)
I’m still a few years away from being a stay at home mom but I’m already planning in my head ways I could manage to work from home, I’d love to have it all figured out and be debt free by then.
Katie says
I’m excited to see how you pull this room off, we have a room that needs to serve several purposes as well and we’re having trouble making that happen.
joni says
I am so happy for you guys and i’m looking forward to seeing where the blog leads!
Also i love your financially thoughtful ways :)
Kimba says
Congratulations! What a huge decision for your family. It’s amazing how much a baby changes your priorities, your perspective and how you spend your time.
Carey says
WHEW! So glad YHL is staying and about to be in full force, too! :) Congrats!!!
SarahV says
Stick a Murphy bed in the guest room/office! It’s a huge space saver!
Congratulations to all!
Jill Stiglitz says
OMG, how fantastic for you guys! Congrats big time. I knew from FB that you were working on a major redo so excited to find out that this is what your planning (and knowing you probably already done!).
You already have much success but wishing you continued success in this new venture. Now that this has been figured out I am selfishly super glad that the blog won’t be affected. What would I do without my younghouselove fix? I cannot wait to hear more of your big plans! Woo to the Hoo! :)
Kelly says
That is wonderful! That means you can still just share a car too, I was wondering how you would get to baby appts :)
I can’t wait to meet baby P and read all about your family adventures!
Kelly
Marilyn says
So glad this is the new arrangement. I’m showing my selfishness; glad you aren’t cutting back. This is a double blessing for your little one to have you both at home. Look forward to future makeovers.
Sara says
Congratulations! You guys are living the dream! Best of luck!!
Jessica says
Congratulations on your big decision – I’m sure it will be wonderful for your family. Having not one but two parents at home (employed at that!) will be such a luxury and keep you both happy.
I wanted to pass along a little tip regarding home-based businesses that I learned this tax season. I, too, work from home as a consultant, which I started doing last June, so this April was my first return as an independent contractor. My home office doubles as a guest room, which I thought was a great idea at first. However, when tax time came around, my tax advisor alerted me that a home office cannot be deducted if it doubles as a guest room. She literally said that if there’s a bed in your home office, you can’t legally deduct anything (electricity, internet use, certain business expenses, etc), and you might get in trouble during an audit, which is also more likely to be performed when a home office is claimed. To qualify for the home office tax deduction, the office has to be a specific room not to be used for other purposes.
It’s a strange rule, I know, but I figured that before you go nuts creating a lovely office/guest room, you might want to keep that in mind because a specific office room (bed-free…thanks Uncle Sam) would garner a much bigger return on your taxes, and I know you guys are all about budgeting, saving, and spending wisely. At least, it might be a good idea to consult a tax advisor or lawyer prior to the big redo just to make sure everything checks out.
Love, love your blog! Thanks for inspiring me every day.
Jessica
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jessica,
Great point! But in writing off a portion of our house as a home office we would have to pay capital gains taxes on that office area when and if we sell the house (which would diminish our whole-house profit substantially). This is why our accountant advised us that the very small percentage of utilities that we would save for delegating one room as a home office wouldn’t be prudent in our case if we want the government to view our home only as our primary residence when we sell it (which offers up a lot more tax breaks than a house/home office does). Of course this decision can definitely make more sense for some people than others so it’s all about doing what works for you! In our case we also just need our tiny house to function as well as it can, so since we don’t have the money to add an additional guest bedroom, working it into our office (and forgoing the small write offs) makes more financial sense for the way we live.
xo,
s
Robin says
Yay! Congratulations to all of you, I cannot wait to see what this huge change has in store for YHL!
claire says
congrats guys! how awesome you both get to follow your passions (and be home together with your baby)!
Nell says
You guys are awesome and I love your blog, so of course I am excited to find out that it’s not going anywhere.
As for the guest room/home office you are about to tackle… I would love to see how you two (soon to be 3) could re-invent the murphy bed! It would be the perfect solution to keeping the room guest friendly, and for freeing up floor-space for when baby P starts moving and playing. Plus, the build in could allow for extra storage space that would hide all the paperwork.
GOOD LUCK!
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry to sadden all the murphy bed suggesters, but we actually have windows and doorways in the guest bedroom that make it impossible to accommodate a fold up bed in there (unless we wanted to block the small amount of natural light that the space gets). But we did come up with another solution, so stay tuned to see what that is…
xo,
s
Stacy says
Not gonna lie, my heart stopped as I was reading this because I was so afraid you were going to shut down YHL. So happy to hear we’ll still get to read all about your adventures, hard work, and watch baby P grow. Congrats on being able to work together and spend more time together as a family!
patti says
such exciting news!
and I can’t wait to see what you come up with for your office/guest room…because that is the exact setup we currently have and it lacks any sort of guest feel. There’s a futon and an awesome amoire for guests to use, but beyond that it feels like NASA with a wall of 2 computers and all the chaos of an office. Can’t wait to see the results of your makeover!
Jacki says
congrats!! I am also expecting and between my kids husband and I we call our baby “Bean, Beanette, or Bina” right now until we find a name for her :) It made me giggle to see that you call yours beanette too! I am sure whatever you choose to do with the new office will be beautiful.
Lacey says
Congratulations and good luck. I’ve been eyeing this fold up desk for a while and I think it would make a great guest room/office desk. I think you could even make one yourself!
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4063710
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Lacey,
Thanks for the fun desk link. It’s definitely a very functional way to get a lot in a small footprint!
xo,
s
Lauren F. says
Wow, how exciting! So happy for you guys!