Part 11/17:
Leaving the military in 2018, Jay faced the challenge of redefining his identity beyond special forces. His transition included a period of emotional vulnerability, where he felt lost in civilian life but gradually found success as a guiding expedition leader, entrepreneur, and adventurer.
He describes that initial relief upon leaving service—feeling a literal weight lifting from his shoulders—but also recounts moments of introspection and existential questioning. The adrenaline of high-stakes operations gave way to a calmer, if sometimes uncertain, civilian life. Nonetheless, Jay feels a sense of fulfillment in sharing his experience through guiding and instructing others, especially when witnessing their growth and achievement in mountaineering.