Career Day Reflections | 1 Month Since I Left My 9–5

August 3, 2025 | By Jay Patel (@beatsbyjaynj)

On May 3rd, I made the decision that changed everything. I sent in my resignation letter. On June 3rd, I spoke at Career Day at Ironbound Academy Elementary School. On July 3rd, I walked into my corporate office for the last time. & on July 4th, I was officially free. Now, it’s been one month since I left my 9–5 job in tech — and I’ve done a lot of reflecting since.

I thought I’d have it all figured out by now. The truth is… I didn’t. And that’s okay.

This first month hasn’t been a straight path — it’s been real. There’s been pressure. Uncertainty. Even some fear. But that’s part of what makes this journey worth it. I didn’t leave my job to play it safe. I left to build something real.

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The Moment That Shifted Everything

On June 3rd — exactly a month before I became "full-time" — I walked into a school and spoke to a room full of kids for Career Day.

I told them what I do: I’m a DJ/MC. I create experiences. I help people celebrate their biggest moments through music, energy, and storytelling.

And for the first time, it hit me: What I do is a career.

Not because of the income — but because of the outcome. Because of how I make people feel. Because I show up with intention and give my all to every moment, every event, every person I get to serve.

It reminded me: the world doesn’t always teach us how to serve others. It doesn’t always show us how to connect, or how to care. But if you’re doing something that lets you inspire others, bring people together, and help them feel seen — that’s a path worth following.

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The Real Takeaway

In a world obsessed with titles, stability, and climbing ladders — we forget how powerful it is to create your own lane. To step off the expected path and say, “This is mine.”

Whether it’s weddings, private events, school talks, or city takeovers — I’m realizing that everything I do now is rooted in purpose. It’s not about being impressive. It’s about being impactful.

Career Day wasn’t just for the kids. It reminded me that what I’m doing is real. It’s meaningful. And it matters.

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What’s Next?

It’s been one month of full-time freedom. One month of pressure — but also alignment. One month of letting go of a version of myself that played it safe… to become someone who lives it out loud.

There’s still so much to build. But the future is clear. The work is real. And I’m all in.

If you're reading this and you're scared to take the leap — I get it. But trust me: you don’t need to have it all figured out to start. You just need to believe that what you’re doing is worth it.

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As Always…

Follow the journey. The Weddings. The Takeovers. The Recaps. The NRG!!! The Highlight... & you already know like always... @staytuned4therecap

We’re just getting started @beatsbyjaynj