Letting Go Of My Peanuts
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 07:31PM Friday, April 29 will be my last day at CBS Interactive and CNET.
I joined CNET in January of 2008, six months before the network was acquired by CBS. I moved from San Francisco to New York City for this position with much trepidation. I was alone and inexperienced. Little did I know that this job would afford me invaluable TV experience, as well as lead me to my precious family.
I am proud of the work I have done here and proud of the friends, colleagues, and viewers that I've met. If you are reading this blog, you are probably one of those people and I am grateful for you.
So what is next for me? I am hoping the answer is "A lot!" I have a few irons in the fire but no big announcements as of yet.
So why leave? The simple answer is that it is time. I have been hosting a daily technology news show for over 4 years, if you consider that Loaded is an extension of my previous show, Textra. I love this show but I am ready to challenge myself in new ways. Please allow me to put it allegorically.
I once read a story about how people in India used to catch monkeys. They put peanuts in a jar that was nailed to the floor. When the monkey walked by, it would reach in for the peanuts and be trapped because its hand could not come out of the jar while it was full of peanuts. The monkey did not realize that it would be free if it just let go of the peanuts.
The peanuts are a metaphor for the things in our lives that we cling to. We all hold onto things that entrap us. It could be a job that you are a little too comfortable with, a friend that drains your energy, anger, or resentment. In my case, CNET represents my peanuts and those peanuts are hard to let go of because I am comfortable here. I love it here. I am proud to be a part of this team. Nevertheless, I feel that it is time to see what else my career has to offer and I'll never do that while I cling desperately to these peanuts.
I hope you will continue to follow my career. I will keep you abreast of upcoming projects on this site and on Twitter. Meanwhile, thank you for your continued support and interest. I hope you will stick with me as I let go of my peanuts.
cbs, cbs interactive, cbs news, cnet, cnet tv, loaded, natali del conte, natali morris, peanuts, textra
Reader Comments (153)
Oh no! This is such sad news for fans of your show, Natali. I am a big fan of Loaded and I think you're the perfect host for the show. I do understand that you can't host the show forever, however. I wish you look in your future shows and I will continue to follow your journalism.
Thank you so much for having such a great show and entertaining me every day.
Good luck Natali. I hope this move works out for you.
Best of luck with whatever you chose to do! It's a pleasure following you.
When I read your tweet about leaving CNET, I was really sad to hear it. Then I came here and read what you had said, and not only does it make sense, it's also inspiring. I wish you the best of luck in your career, wherever it may take you. I will be sure to watch your twitter and site to see where you go, and support you in your decisions. I am looking forward to seeing where this road takes you, as I'm sure the destination will be great.
Are you leaning towards something online like the TWIT network or traditional media?
I think comparing your job with the peanuts could have a
Negative connotation. But that's just me.
That's an inspiring story! I hope all works out for you and of course I will continue to follow your blog(s) and twitter.
Thank you, everyone! Carlos, not sure yet!
Wow! I'm surprised, but like always inspired by your initiative.
We'll continue to follow your career with great interest!
Good Luck Natali!
Natali, your episodes of BoL and The 404 always made my day a little better. You will be missed from the cnet family.
Prediction: Husband and wife team as co-hosts of the east coast TWiT morning show.
Wow! very sad to see you go Natali... we will really miss you and I personally wish you the best of luck in future endeavors, I really do, you're a great gal and you deserve it... cheers from the opposite end of the world, and know that we always have to let go of our peanuts... cheers!
Good Luck Natali! I can't wait to see what you do next!
Oh no! And just a few months after Jasmine left. I've been a big fan and I must admit I will miss you horribly. Who then will take Loaded hosting duties? Take care NDC, good luck on your new journey!
404 and eventually loaded listener. sad to see u go. Have a good journey. Will follow on twitter
Bye
Well, maybe maybe now you can go on to something that pays more than peanuts. That is what you were really trying to say, right?
Nah, just kidding. Good luck in whatever your future holds. You're a true talent and I know you'll be successful in whatever you choose to do. I wish only the best to you and yours! And yes, I'll still follow you regardless.
I think everyone that has been following your career is sad to hear that news (me included) but i can only say "Thank you" for all your work at Cnet.
Here's hoping for success in your next endeavor.
Cheers, Natali.
I've followed you since your little program on Textra when I used a Nokia N800 to watch your shows. The Nokia is on a shelf and now I used an Android Samsung Tab to watch or my laptop. Similarly, we must all expand our horizons and move on the bigger and better things. We wish the best for your, your son and Clayton (watch him every weekend on Fox&Friends).
Don't know what will happen to Loaded in the future. For me, YOU are Loaded the same as you were Textra.
Sorry to see you go, Natali. I've enjoyed watching Loaded these past few years. Good luck in your future endeavors.
Congrats Natali. I love the boldness you've taken in your career - being willing to take on your family's name and being willing to step out without something concrete on the other side.
Best of luck in whatever comes next!
And no, you guys, I am not trying to compare my salary to peanuts... Wrong way to take the allegory!
Natali, it is sad to hear that you are leaving CNET, it is where I found you and learned to love your reporting and writing. I am excited to see what you have in your future and wish you the best of luck, hopefully we won't miss seeing, hearing, or reading you for very long! I also want to thank you for sharing the allegory, it has struck a chord in me, to examine my own peanuts, and may help me make some tough decisions to push for a better future! Thank you again for all you do and all you share!
TWiT maybe? No matter where you end up, good luck!
Good luck, Natalie. You are great at what you do. I've enjoyed watching Loaded for a little over a year now, and I think you are doing the right thing. Basically, you've outgrown your fish tank, despite the other charming, beautiful fish that share the space with you.
I know exactly the way you feel with the monkeys and nuts. A few of my most treasured life decisions came at similar times.
I'll be lookin' for ya... but not in a creepy stalker kind of way.
Wow, sorry to hear you are leaving. I will miss seeing you doing Loaded on CNET. I'm a big fan and I wish you all the best in your future endeavor.
I also a big fan of you and your show, Loaded! I think you can do better whatever you want. :-) Good luck! - Lewis from South Korea.