I looked at my time like a pie.

And I wanted it to be filled with more ofthem.

Something has to give if you want excellence.

TODAY – Pictured: Hoda Kotb on Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Hoda Kotb on ‘TODAY’.Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

If you’re going to be excellent at work, something has to give at home.

It can’t be equal.

I’ve had yearnings, and you know when something’s pulling you?

Hoda Kotb and daughters

Hoda Kotb and her daughters, Hope and Hailey.Hoda Kotb/Instagram

I’m going to stay here because it’s safe, she said.

Itdoesmake more sense to stay at NBC.

I’m financially secure and I would have job security.

TODAY – Pictured: Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager Thursday, September 26, 2024

Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on ‘Today’.Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

I mean, why would you ever not do that?

I go, I’ve got to go.

And everybodys like, Why?

I go, Because it’s 9 p.m.

But even then, Kotb knew that her days of rushing to bed were almost over.

“I thought, you know what?

I’m not going to be playing beat the clock all the time anymore.