Jordan Dafnis Ryan, a 28-year-old morning news reporter for ABC-affiliated KOCO 5 News in Oklahoma City, has announced her departure from the television industry to focus on her family. Ryan shared her decision on Instagram over the weekend, shortly after her last day at the station.
Dafnis Ryan stated that while being a news anchor was a lifelong dream, the demanding schedule of morning news, which often requires waking between 2 and 4 a.m., became unsustainable with two children under the age of three. "When you have kids, things change, and it's been apparent and made clear over the past year that I cannot function and be the best mom I can be with a schedule that you have to have in news," she explained in the video. "I can't keep waking up this early in the morning while having two kids under three, and it's just clear that even as they grow older, we're just not going to make it work."
Dafnis Ryan, who previously worked as a reporter for News 9 in Oklahoma City and was a dancer for the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team, described the decision as difficult but made in consultation with her family. She expressed gratitude for her time in the industry and the people she met, but emphasized a desire to be more present with her children. "I'm very excited for the next chapter, and I'm excited to just be able to spend time with my kids and just be present with my kids," she said.
She also spoke about a shift in her perspective, attributing it to her faith. "God has changed my heart and shown me that I am so much more than whatever my career is, and my identity is through Him and so that is a peace that I have, knowing I can walk away," Dafnis Ryan shared. She indicated that she will continue to work and has future plans, though details were not provided.
Her announcement was met with supportive comments on social media, with many commending her for prioritizing family. One user wrote, "Always trust in him - so much more important to be with your children and raising them."