The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is one of the most difficult exams in the country. Millions of candidates apply every year with dreams of achieving high scores to secure their desired positions. 

However, not all aspirants crack the exam on their first attempt. Many faced multiple setbacks before clearing them, and sometimes life plans something else for them. 

A similar experience was shared by a 26-year-old on Reddit about his UPSC journey and their setbacks. They made a long post on Reddit, writing about how they felt like a 'slave' working at their desk job and decided to crack UPSC to help others.

They wrote, "I am 26 and I have faced set backs in almost very field that I have tried to make a career in. I am extremely ambitious, but I am probably not hard working enough, as is required in this cut throat competitive era. It is because of this that I often feel unfulfilled, unsuccessful, indecisive, incapable. In society's definition I may be a perfect example of failure."

"I quit my job back in 2021 in pursuit of something more meaningful- UPSC. At my job I was a slave with the calculator. Counting someone else's money when people in my country were dying without medical support due to covid. I decided to take up UPSC. It was my decision. A decision that genuinely stemmed from a deep desire to help people around me. I gave it my best shot and.. I FAILED," they added.

 

My kids will not be subject to this madness!
by inCATpreparation

 

They shared that they later joined an NGO and prepared for CAT and got 94 percentile. They wrote, "Today after failing at almost every step of the way I have realised one thing. Failure is more common than success. And it is so so so damn unfortunate that yet no one teaches us to deal with failure. We are only taught to strive for excellence since the beginning of pre school. My question is why?"

They also talked about teaching their kids to be happy instead of running behind money. Several people in the comments related to them and shared their thoughts. 

One user wrote, "This post really made me feel better. You will do good in life OP."

"Lol! Almost the same story as mine. Except, I quit my job in 2020 and gave 3 attempts. Out of repetitive failures, confusions, indecisiveness and out of panic to save myself I gave CAT preparing for 2 months. Got 93.32 percentile, though I have got IMI D admit. I am filled with fear to take it up! All my friends have done their MBAs in Tier 1, I feel embarrassed for settling down and in a mindset to save myself. But, I fear I am gonna regret taking this decision later. Metal stability have gone to toss after 3 UPSC attempts seriously! I feel stuck," another user wrote sharing their experience with UPSC and failures. 

Also Read: Begin your UPSC journey right: 7 Expert tips for newcomers to start strong 

Also Read: Building wealth in your 20s: 7 Essential financial tips for mastering money