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)
Natali noooooo I love watching Loaded with you as the host!
:-(
But I guess I get what you mean about holding onto something to which you feel most comfortable... I've wanted to quit my job during the first 2 weeks but have never done it
I'll definitely continue to follow you on Twitter.
Sorry to hear you're leaving CNET. I've been following Loaded for the last few years and have enjoyed it. I've also enjoyed your various blogs and articles as there's a sense of sincerity to it which I think is refreshing. Good luck with your future endeavours!
Re.: your prospects of working at TWIT...there are way worse bosses to work for than Leo LaPorte. Good luck to you, whatever your decision is!!! ;)
followed you from textra so will follow you elsewhere assuming it's available in the UK. you're a fine presenter and loaded will not be the same
I've been watching Loaded since before you came on and I'm truly inspired by you. I too have had to let go of some peanuts so I wish you the best in your future endeavors.
From Berkeley, CA
AJ
Inspiring! Looking forward to your future!
I did the same thing recently and quit my job for 7 years to take care of my newborn at home without having another job lined up. I felt liberated, and I'm sure you will feel the same. As much as I've enjoyed Loaded, I feel that it is time for someone with your talent and screen presence to move on to bigger and better things. No matter what the future brings, you won't miss the peanuts. Good luck!
WOW... Cnet won't be the same without you :( On the bright side, as a new parent myself, I'll continue to follow your Twitter, Mommy Beta blog, and Clayton's Daddy On Board podcast. Keep up the great tech & parenting insight!!!
This post has hit close to home with me. I'm in the exact same position in the place I've worked for almost 7 years. Food for thought. Good luck in your future endeavours, Natali!
Assuming there's a deal with Laporte, but there's an embargo/non-compete in place that prevents you confirming it at this stage?
Natali,
Reading your post and the comments left by followers of your body of work, left me wondering how I could stand out from the crowd.
Immediately, I wondered how to nail a jar to the floor without it breaking. So I decided to research your allegory on the web. Turns out that many refer to the parable using a coconut and rice. The jar and the peanuts refer to the greedy monkey. Haha. I know that wasn't the intention. The link http://cmhc.utexas.edu/booklets/perfection/perfect.html#anchor20454942 talks about the perfectionist. Of course this is from the U of TX and being from USC...well enough said.
Nonetheless, I am happy for you. You are an innovator, intelligent and influential (wow 3 'i' words). Your contribution to the world of technology is indelible(#4). Looking back on the dry journalism of the technology magazines and early web, you are/were a game changer. Seeing technology journalism change to a more feminine yet perspicacious is, in my mind, a result of you and your efforts.
I look forward to what is next for you; for if your past work is any indication, it will be brilliant.
Natali, I like the metaphor you used here. I think that it's a brave move and I am sure that you will land on your feet. Good luck to you my dear :)
Hate to see you go and look forward to what you might do next. Engadget has some openings :-)
I have started watching your show since September of 2010. Since then I have enjoyed watching your colleagues and then you with your return. I am grateful for the stories and for your perspective on information that I have had interest in. (I hope that made sense :D) I will continue to follow you as long as you post. :) Good Job and Good Luck!!
I Love U Natali! :)
Well Natali good luck with your new career. You will be sadly missed ,You are loaded and no one can replace you.
thx for all the work and for doing an awesome job at mushing every day's tech news into digestible little chunks. I wish you nothing but success in all your future endeavors (both professional and personal). Latinos in tech may be few & far between and we are lucky to count you among those of us who represent us in the public light. Take care & God bless.
RSG
Like many others I started watching you do textra. You have really gone a long way since those days and I am sure you will be a success in whatever your next project is.
P.S. Get back to doing Trending with Clayton, it is just not the same without you. Remember my George and Gracie Burns analogy :)
As the single mother of two boys, I fully understand your decision. I hope you can find some balance in your life and still be involved in tech news. I look forward to reading about your adventures. Good luck!
Natali, Although I live in Panama City, Panama I have enjoyed being entertained and informed by you on an almost daily basis since the beginning of Loaded, your regular time on the 404 and the later Natali Thursdays and so on. You are a breathe of fresh air in the tech podcasting and entertainment. Have also enjoyed hearing you on the the Grizzly Bear Egg Cafe and the new Trending show with Clayton. Will keep up to date through your twitter account. Best of luck in all your future endeavors.
Hate to see you go, but love to see you leave :D Good luck with your career, stay focused, never lose yourself and thanks for the QR code tip which made my life better.
Natali,
I have followed you through Textra. I waited patiently for your return during the months of your pregnancy. I followed you through your name change. I am saddened that you are leaving cnet, but I understand what you are going through. Life is too short to stay in one place. Go out and see the world!!! I will continue to follow you. Best of luck in all your endeavors. <3
Happy for you Natali.
Best of luck in your new adventures.
Go for it. I will support you.
Dear Natali,
Thank you for all your wonderful work. Your professionalism. Your on-camera persona. Your ability to laugh at yourself by showing the gag reels too.
Josie and I wish you great fortune and success in your future projects. We will watch with admiration and prayers for your career and family to blend with as little turmoil as possible. Goodbye Loaded. Goodby Natali...for now.
Best wishes,
Marcus and Josie Patten