Struggling with UPSC and job fatigue, 27-year-old's post sparks online support
In a space crowded with success stories, one Reddit post is cutting through the noise. A 27-year-old UPSC aspirant laid bare their struggles in a thread titled “Burnt out. UPSC, job switches, and now jobless at 27.” It’s been getting attention for its realness– and it resonates with a lot of people trying to juggle work and tough exams.
Working nights, studying by day
They started by explaining how they balanced a night shift in US IT recruitment with UPSC prep during the day: “I’m 27 now. I’ve been preparing for the UPSC exam for a while. Like a lot of you, I got a job to stay afloat financially while studying – I worked in US IT recruitment, doing night shifts. It wasn’t ideal, but I told myself, ‘At least I’m making money, and I’ll study during the day. It’s doable,”
But the job got stressful– micromanagement, targets, and pressure piled on. Even after hopping roles, it didn’t get better. Eventually, they walked away.
Feeling stuck– and hopeful
After quitting, life hit a pause. No job, and no income, but still chasing the dream. “Now I’m just… floating. No job, no money coming in. And this exam? It’s still in my heart. I still want it. But it’s so hard to focus when your life feels like it’s falling apart,”
They admitted their mistake: “I picked a non-core IT role like recruitment thinking it would give me space to study. But it drained me instead.”
Planning the next move
They’re looking for a job that doesn’t suck their energy, so they can keep prepping: “Now I’m hoping to switch into something less mentally exhausting, maybe: QA testing (manual), Business analyst/support roles IT coordinator, product support. Anything that’s good for someone new to the field. Something remote or flexible so I can still keep studying, I’m not looking for a quick fix. Just something to help me get back on my feet,”
Despite everything, they ended on a determined note: “Just someone who’s tired, but not giving up.”
Internet weighs in
People jumped in with support and ideas: “Bro, I can feel the pain in your words, but also the spark to get through. Best of luck.”
Suggestions included: “You can try as a faculty in coaching institutes,” “You could try to get into product management and continue prep.”
Some hinted at a break: “If you have a family to support you, let this year slide jobless and give your all to UPSC,” one person wrote.
Working nights, studying by day
They started by explaining how they balanced a night shift in US IT recruitment with UPSC prep during the day: “I’m 27 now. I’ve been preparing for the UPSC exam for a while. Like a lot of you, I got a job to stay afloat financially while studying – I worked in US IT recruitment, doing night shifts. It wasn’t ideal, but I told myself, ‘At least I’m making money, and I’ll study during the day. It’s doable,”
But the job got stressful– micromanagement, targets, and pressure piled on. Even after hopping roles, it didn’t get better. Eventually, they walked away.
Feeling stuck– and hopeful
After quitting, life hit a pause. No job, and no income, but still chasing the dream. “Now I’m just… floating. No job, no money coming in. And this exam? It’s still in my heart. I still want it. But it’s so hard to focus when your life feels like it’s falling apart,”
They admitted their mistake: “I picked a non-core IT role like recruitment thinking it would give me space to study. But it drained me instead.”
Planning the next move
They’re looking for a job that doesn’t suck their energy, so they can keep prepping: “Now I’m hoping to switch into something less mentally exhausting, maybe: QA testing (manual), Business analyst/support roles IT coordinator, product support. Anything that’s good for someone new to the field. Something remote or flexible so I can still keep studying, I’m not looking for a quick fix. Just something to help me get back on my feet,”
Despite everything, they ended on a determined note: “Just someone who’s tired, but not giving up.”
Internet weighs in
People jumped in with support and ideas: “Bro, I can feel the pain in your words, but also the spark to get through. Best of luck.”
Suggestions included: “You can try as a faculty in coaching institutes,” “You could try to get into product management and continue prep.”
Some hinted at a break: “If you have a family to support you, let this year slide jobless and give your all to UPSC,” one person wrote.
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