Maria Salazar let's us know that she resigned from her FOX 26 KRIV reporting position in September 2021.
Salazar shared her brave story on her Facebook page:
"Three months ago, a chapter in my life ended. I left my career in local TV news. I wanted to post something publicly. At least, a goodbye. I didn't know what to write.
It was hard to put into words why I left. Burnout?
Definitely.
But it went beyond that.
Around the same time I left, some articles came out about the wave of resignations in the industry. I tried to read one. It began with a story about an executive producer candidate crying when discussing an opportunity to 'advance' her career.
I barely finished the second paragraph before I couldn't make out the words on the screen through my own tears. I did that a lot. I cried a lot.
When I told management I had to resign because I couldn't do it anymore, I couldn't keep it together. I cried like I cried during my dark encounters with postpartum depression in mid-2020. I could barely mumble words...and I didn't fully understand why I was crying.
Months later, I'm still trying to articulate my decision. The best way I can explain it now is my priorities changed. What I am willing to allow to consume my mental load, energy, and time has changed. I wanted meaningful work that values my talents and my role as a mother. Where I don't feel like I'm constantly in a futile battle.
I found it. I'm still telling meaningful stories -- with compassion and creativity. It's what I love. And, although the mom guilt never goes away, I am spending more time with my family. Lots more. I'm feeling better.
I recently heard someone say the 'Great Resignation' about people leaving their jobs in 2021 is actually the 'Great Revelation.' Indeed, for me it has been. Three months ago, a new chapter in my life began."
Salazar joined FOX 26 as a general assignment reporter in February 2018.
She came to KRIV Houston from WFMZ 69 News in Lehigh Valley, PA where she worked as a bilingual reporter.
Before that, Salazar worked as a reporter/producer for Telemundo Atlanta WKTB and WUVM 4 Azteca Atlanta.
The Georgia State University grad is a three-time Southeast Emmy award-winning reporter.
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