A heartfelt Reddit post by a 27-year-old UPSC aspirant has recently gone viral, shedding light on the mental and financial toll of juggling exam preparation with demanding work conditions. The anonymous user, who once worked night shifts in US IT recruitment, shared his struggle with burnout, joblessness, and the emotional weight of chasing one of India’s toughest exams.
In his post, the aspirant revealed he initially took up the job to fund his UPSC preparation. However, the combination of micromanagement, daily targets, and shifting companies led to overwhelming stress. Eventually, he had to quit his job last month after multiple attempts to stay afloat. “I’m just… floating,” he wrote. “No job, no money coming in. And this exam? It’s still in my heart.”
Despite the emotional turbulence, he hasn’t given up. He now seeks a more manageable role in areas like QA testing, IT support, or coordination that allows him to continue preparing for the UPSC exam. He reached out to the Reddit community asking for referrals, career advice, or course recommendations.
“If anyone here has switched into IT from something non-tech… or knows companies that hire freshers… please share. I’m not giving up on UPSC. I just need something to hold onto while I fight for it,” he pleaded.
The post resonated with thousands, sparking an outpouring of empathy, encouragement, and practical suggestions. Many users shared similar stories of balancing work and civil services prepration.
Netizens Reaction
Reacting to the viral Reddit post, one user reflected on the irony of the system, saying, "I always wonder how it feels to clear UPSC with all this and take orders from a 12th fail politician. Is it even worth it?"
Another shared personal regrets, "I quit my government job in January to fully commit to UPSC. Now I wish I hadn’t, considering how unpredictable this exam has become."
Offering practical advice, a user cautioned, "If you don’t have enough funds to survive for two years without a job, pause your UPSC attempts. Earn and save first, then go all in."
A more empathetic voice encouraged balance, writing, "You can’t do UPSC prep half-heartedly or while juggling jobs. Take a break, talk to your family, and give one solid attempt. But remember, UPSC isn’t the only path—live life, follow what excites you. Let 27 be a fresh start."
