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.
Amanda says
Congratulations to you both on this adventure!!! There is no couple I would rather see able to support themselves 100% and make a go of bloggerdom as a career than you two.
I’m excited to see everything evolve, and I look forward to seeing the progress on your home office!
Sarah says
so excited that you guys are doing this…i’ll certainly be keeping a watchful eye because we are doing the same thing and have ZERO idea where to even begin!
good luck with the re-do and of course good luck with the little one and labor :-)
Robyn in Chicago says
Phew – you’re not shutting down,
Wow – what an awesome post,
OMG – what fun you two will have at home with your blog, baby, and burger
Yippeee – can’t wait to see this room transformation that I know will be awesome!
You guys are just such Rock Stars.
PS – our garage sale was a success this past weekend AND we had a good time doing it. Bonus! Thx for your well wishes last Friday. Getting a reply comment from you always makes me smile at my desk….while I’m working…errr reading your blog. ok – I’m done. bye!
Liz says
I recently discovered your blog as a new home owner… and I’m totally addicted! Obsessed! LOVE it! My fave blog!! I check every day to see what you guys come up with… and planning on painting our hideous kitchen cabinets to white this summer! All from the tips here on your blog. You both are truly talented, and I admire your passion for your family, your home and your work. My husband and I have been toying with adding a studio onto our garage so I can leave my corporate design job and pursue my life-long dream of starting my own photography business… while re-doing our house, and popping out a baby. You guys definitely show that it’s possible!!! Thank you for that! Think it’s fantastic that you both will be working from home! Congratulations to you and Mr. Burger… and Good Luck! Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Jenni says
What exciting news!! I’m so glad this is working out for you. What a blessing! Praying for you guys as you transition into full-time parenting/blogginton!
Emily says
That is so awesome! Congrats! You two just rock!
Jessica says
Hey John, it’s such a great idea that you’re taking it home full time! Totally worth it, and it’ll be a great experience for all (even us readers). Keep on enjoying life!
Emily says
so excited to see this new room makeover! We’re planning the same sort of thing with our guest bedroom – office, playroom, and guest room all-in-one, so I’m looking forward to see how you guys do it and get some ideas :)
Joanne says
When you said the room is 10×10.5 I was so grateful! I have a small house with small rooms, so I’ll be looking forward to seeing how you deal with it!
Misty says
I feel a bit silly saying this, but I feel like you guys are friends!!! lol…
I only found your blog maybe 6 – 8 weeks ago. But since then, I have spent hours (no really, ask my boyfriend..) upon hours (for realz…he will tell you!!!)reading older posts you guys have done.
This may also seem silly to you, but the biggest reason I enjoy your blog so much (especially when there are a TON of other home blogs) is that you guys take the time to respond to comments. I know that may seem silly, but if someone is going to take the time to comment on a blog, its really nice that you take the time to respond/and answer questions!!!
You will never regret being able to be home with baby P. Especially those first few years. There’s nothing like it..
Jessi K. says
AWESOME!! Great decision! I am sure you will enjoy being at home with your girls, not missing out on all the firsts of the little one!! Oh man so exciting, kinda like with dooce just better!! :)
t says
Congratulations to you and your families! What a major decision you two had to make, but it will be worth it and your fans/followers will support you every step of the way!
The Virginia House says
Yea for you!! That sounds so wonderful for both of you, and that you;l be able to share in all those “first” moments with your little girl. Can’t wait to see the new changes and what you all come up with for your office!
Beth says
This is fabulous! I love it that you both get to be home. Have you looked into health insurance? Or maybe that’s why you’re leaving your job after the baby… my friend that’s pregnant wanted her husband to come on full time with her on her photography business, but health insurance wouldn’t take her with her bean in the belly.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Beth,
We’ve already signed up for freelancer’s insurance (a small family plan for J, me and the bean) that will kick in after her birth (we’re covered by John’s office until then). I’ve actually had it before (back when I was a freelance copywriter and John and I weren’t yet married so I couldn’t be covered by his company) and of course it’s an expense every month, but it’s also usually a monthly expense in the corporate world, it just comes out of your paycheck before you get it. We’ve definitely had to get used to a lot of we’re-a-small-business changes over the course of evolving this blog (like hiring an accountant, filing quarterly taxes, and even paying a pretty penny to host our site to keep it from crashing every day) so we’re thinking that we’re pretty well versed at taking on extra responsibilities to keep this whole thing going. It’s so worth it to us in the end!
xo,
s
marissa says
First, congratulations! What an exciting change! Second, I can’t wait to see your process of creating a new home office unfold. I’m sure a lot of people can relate to needing a multi-functional space like that. I know I could sure use some inspiration. :)
Kate @ Domesticating Kate says
I CANNOT WAIT to see this. I’ve been mulling over how to turn our office space into a decent work area for two people/library, so I’m very excited to see how you can inspire me next. I was actually thinking it would be in the basement, but I suppose that wouldn’t be the greatest idea since it would put you so far from the baby’s room.
Congrats on being able to quit your job! My cubicle has gotten quite depressing lately, but my envy is subdued by the fact that at least I’ll have something to keep me busy (reading your blog) when I’m bored here. :)
Destiny says
Yeah! I’m so glad that you have found a way to make your family a priority while continuing with your passion and putting food on the table. What a wonderful world — providing options our parents never had. It’s good for you guys and for your loyal readers!
Jenny @ DIY Newlyweds says
Congratulations! What a wonderful arrangement for you all, Baby P is very lucky. I can’t wait to see what clever things you do with the space.
Once the baby comes, will you be blogging about babies and parenting too or setting up something separate, á la Hamburger House style?
Veronica says
Congratulations! That is wonderful that you both will be home with the beanette to share those memories! Will Sherry be starting a new blog about mommyhoood?? I would love to read it! No kids for us yet but the hubby and I are getting ready for that step and I would love to read about Sherry’s journey with pregnancy and new mommyhood. I’m really trying to get into being more organic and natural in a lot of things from food to home furnishings and have gotten a lot of tips from you guys! Best of luck, hope it’s a wonderful delivery :)
YoungHouseLove says
Veronica & Jenny,
While we’re definitely not ruling out a beanette related spin off blogging effort someday, we’re definitely planning to make the big adjustment to full time parenthood and direct all of our extra energy to our first passion: YHL. So while only time will tell if we someday offer some sort of baby/mommy slanted side blog, we’re definitely dedicated to sharing our home improvement and decorating adventures since that’s what we’ve known and loved for oh so long!
xo,
s
{The Classy Woman} says
Congrats John and Sherry! My hubby and I work from home together now (in 2 separate rooms) and it’s great. I love the flexibility to co-ordinate our schedules. Like you guys, we share one car also. So it helps us maximize that situation too.
I am REALLY looking forward to seeing what you come up with. As of now, with 2 of our 3 bedrooms being used as offices (one is currently a guest bed/my office) that will one day be a baby nursery. I want to hopefully keep some guest bedroom aspects. Not sure how that will work. LOL. In the mean time, your tips will help me maximize my current room situation, with your ideas.
I can’t wait to see what you all come up with, my room in question is the exact same size as your guest room.
You guys make a cute/great team, looking forward to more YHL! :)
~Karla
Jarrod says
What awesome news!! I wish you both the best, and I’m glad I get to benefit as a daily blog-reader!
Allyson says
This is so exciting for your whole family. Congratulations! I know you will never regret this decision. I can’t wait for all the new fun additions that will certainly follow having both of you work full time on the blog.
Ashley says
Congrats! thats awesome that you both will work at home! What a blessing that is, and many peoples dreams! Im sure you have many many ideas, but a day bed would be perfect because the bottom bed can come out and lift up to become a twin. So thats added space right there! :)
Jessi P says
As a fellow diy-er and sahm, let me tell you that this will be the best time of your life!!! I went back to work when my daughter was 2 months and 2 years later I was able to leave a 50+ hour job to be where I longed to be, HOME! We are coming up on our 1 year anniversary of home staying and it’s been the most rewarding and productive year of my life! Hooray for BABIES!
Katie says
Congrats, you guys! What a blessing to both be able to work from home…to spend time together and with your baby girl. And, I’m so glad you’ll be around to keep up my favorite blog :)
p.s. my husband and I both work from home full time. Ignore the haters who like to say “I don’t know how you do it…my wife/husband and I would kill each other if we were together 24/7.” It works for some people (it does for us!) and I think you’ll enjoy it.
Kristi says
Yea! I’m glad you guys are going to continue to be around for the long haul. Can’t wait to see if the date I picked is the bean’s arrival date (mine’s the 22!!)
You guys are great!
Cory Christie says
Congrats!
I have been working out of a home office for almost 2 years now. Natural sunlight is key. I’d make sure to put a desk right under the window so you can look out!
Good luck! I can’t wait to see the office when you are done! I’ve been wanting to redo my office space, so hopefully you can give me some motivation to get going!
Christina says
Congratulations to the both of you on this new development…very exciting!
christa says
said it before and i’ll say it again, this is YOUR YEAR!!!!
You guys should play the lotto, so many great things have happened to you in 2009, 2010 so far (albeit by your hard work not luck).
Jill Peterson says
Congrats on your decision! You will love being home. This great news begs the question…is there a possibility (in the future) that you and Sherry will be selling more than 2 design consults a week? I’ve been trying to get my hands on one to no avail. I’m sure you’ll have your hands full these next few months with Baby P. but maybe when things settle down you can think about it. Have a nice day!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jill,
We’re definitely going to play it by ear, but you can always check the note above the “Buy Now” button which states the next day that we’ll be taking on boards and the number of them that we’ll be taking on. We’re sure in the bleary-eyed early days with a newborn around we certainly won’t be taking on any extra work, but once we get our bearings it might allow us to help more people- so that would be awesome!
xo,
s
Letty says
Thank you thank you thank you for not leaving us! The blogging world would’ve definitely cried in unison today if you’d have announced you were dropping out– of course, it would’ve been totally understandable, but heartbreaking nonetheless! But like always, you two think outside the box! You are such an inspiration, and I’m so happy that we’ll get you both “full-time” now (when you’re not with the beanette)! Congratulations on everything!!
Nichole@40daysof says
All I can think of is murphy bed. You definitely need one. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.
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 want 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
Jen Anne says
So very VERY excited for this project! We have a guest room/craft room/office/catch-all that is in DIRE need of revamping. I’m sure you’re ideas will trump my percolating plans any day. Can’t wait to copy…thanks!
Abby says
I am so happy for you! Congrats on being so creative and hard working that you are able to take this plunge!
Shannon says
Yay! Congratulations on making such a huge decision. I am so glad you will be continuing with YHL as I have grown to love reading your ideas and stories. Best of luck to Sherry for a safe and happy delivery of Baby P!
Brandi Ledesma says
Ahhh, So THIS is where the sleeper sofa you bought a while back comes into play, right?! OOPS, maybe I shouldn’t have spilled the beans!
CAN’T WAIT to see what’s in store! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Brandi,
Shhh, wait for the reveal! That’s a Facebook secret, haha.
xo,
s
p.s. To anyone who doesn’t follow us on Facebook, it really is a great way to get the scoop even before it hits the blog. We’d love to see you over there!
Victoria says
Wow guys! That is really major news. I am really happy for you all, and a *leetle* bit envious. Can’t wait to see how it goes :)
Shanna says
I am so happy for you guys! I think you’ll be great WAHPs (better get the lingo down – work at home parents).
Selfishly, I am psyched that you’re maintaining the blog. It is one of my must reads every day. You do amazing work and you are both really sharp writers.
But unselfishly, I think it will be fabulous for your family. Your daughter will adore having both of her parents at home with her … and as someone who has been on maternity leave twice, I can attest that having a husband around every day would have been wonderful. Congrats, and please try to have the baby on May 16 so that (a) our daughters can share a birthday and (b) I can win the West Elm contest :)
Jacki says
Wow John, looking forward for more of your blog posts. Congrats on the new full time job. Anyway, I have been looking for that blog post wherein you tinted your sunroom windows. I can’t seem to find it
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jacki,
Hmm, not sure what you’re referring to. We actually never tinted our sunroom windows (they’re clear so they let in maximum light) but we did cover some interior sunroom sliding doors for John’s sister to give her some privacy in her apartment. Here’s that post for ya: https://www.younghouselove.com/2009/08/carries-second-design-dilemma-solved/
xo,
s
Laura says
I loved this post. I’m glad you are continuing this blog and I like your new employee!
Dara says
Wow! Congratulations! What a HUGE step! I can’t wait to see what direction you two take the blog in.
Deb says
You will not regret being a home with your baby girl! You are so blessed to have this amazing opportunity. I am looking forward to this reno–we are about to move from Dayton, OH to LA! Crazy! Needless to say, our cape cod here in Ohio would cost a fortune to buy in sunny CA. So we are downsizing–which means multi-purpose rooms. And since we are moving away from family we have to have a spot for guests. Plus my husband will be working from home!
Amy G says
Kudos! That’s a really big deal – are you just taking paternity leave from work, or saying goodbye permanently (for the foreseeable future)?
My suggestion for a duo-workspace is the Ikea Besta Burs desk — http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20186648. My boyfriend and I have our computers set up on either side and we have plenty of space between for the router, lamp, phone, accessories, etc. No bumping elbows! The high-gloss white and black are gorgeous and go well in any room, and the desk is thin, so it doesn’t dominate a space. You could flank either side of the desk with a file cabinet for extra storage, or install some floating wall shelves :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Amy,
Yup, at least for now we’re saying that this added employee thing is for keeps. Who knows where we’ll both be in five years (maybe we’ll both have full time office jobs in advertising again) but it makes the most sense for us to follow our passion and see this adventure through. Of course this decision means that we’re giving up the income that John was making when he worked in the ad world, but we’re happy that the blog has been earning us enough money to comfortably live as a family without that extra income from John’s day job. We would never make this decision if we couldn’t get by on what we had without his full time job! See, we’re nothing if not extremely financially cautious (sometimes to a fault)- so of course we crunched numbers for months and thoroughly thought through any number of situations before making this huge decision. Having a good amount of money saved up as a “backup” was helpful, just so that if things somehow change with the way our blog is growing we still have 12 months of income squirreled away to cushion us. It definitely wasn’t a decision that we made lightly, but it really does feel momentous to be saying it out loud after tons of consideration!
xo,
s
Candace says
Congrats! I am so excited to see the room when it is finished. My husband and I have been trying to figure out what to do with our guest room that needs to have all the same options. I may use your room as my main how to for ours. Can’t wait for the pictures!
Jill says
WOW! Big news! Congrats to you both… I wish you both the best with the babe and of course ongoing success with the blog! A new baby is such a big adjustment and you both are so lucky to be able to do it side-by-side – what a parent’s dream come true (or just a stay-at-home mom/bloggers dream come true!). Sherry, to have the help and support of your husband and John, what a great decision you have made… you’ll never regret it!
lindsay says
Holy Crap! How exciting! I was WONDERING how you two were going to do it all!
Jill says
You guys!! That’s awesome, and so exciting. I feel like full time blogging and parenting is a great combo – the Beanette and your followers get the best of both worlds. So excited to see how the room makeover turns out. It sounds like a big undertaking and I’m sure the end result will be amazing.
Nancy says
So very excited for you both in this decision! I’m glad that you are able to make this decision and go forward with your blog. I can tell from reading it that this is something you love doing with a passion. Best wishes!
Chelsea says
How exciting! I recently started working from home and quickly realized that you have to make your home office a place you LOVE to be. It’s by far the hardest room we’ve decorated but I know it will be well worth it. Good luck and I can’t wait to see the transformation!!
Sarah K. says
Wow- congrats to you both, on what’s sure to be a wonderful and fulfilling change for your family! Your little girl is going to benefit so much from having you both around full-time, and I think you’re going to work beautifully together! I’m so psyched the blog will continue- thank YOU guys for always bringing a little sunshine to our lives each and every day! :)