'No job, no income': Techie's heartbreaking yet vain efforts to manage work pressure and UPSC prep simultaneously go viral

A deeply personal account from a 27-year-old UPSC aspirant has recently gained widespread attention on Reddit, shedding light on the immense emotional and financial burdens that come with preparing for India’s most challenging civil services examination

The author shared that he initially chose to work in the field of US IT recruitment as a means to stay financially afloat while pursuing his civil services dream. The idea was simple yet demanding—earn during the night by working night shifts and dedicate the daytime to preparing for the exam. At first, he tried to make both ends meet. He juggled between work calls and revision sessions, used every available break to read current affairs, and battled sleep to stay consistent with his preparation schedule.

But reality soon proved harsher than expected.

As months went by, the initial momentum faded. The job that once offered stability became increasingly suffocating. Daily targets, unrealistic expectations, a toxic work environment, and a constant feeling of being watched by superiors began draining him emotionally. In an attempt to find a more manageable job, he switched companies multiple times, hoping for relief. However, the stress never let up. Every new position brought its own set of challenges.

Eventually, the tightrope he was walking snapped. Trying to give priority to UPSC studies led to a dip in his work performance. The mounting pressure from his employer made it impossible to function in both worlds. With no other option left, he resigned from his job.

Now, he finds himself at a crossroads—without a job or income, yet still deeply attached to his UPSC goal. He described his present state as adrift, emotionally torn, and financially insecure, yet holding on to his dream with whatever little hope remains. The uncertainty has made it harder to focus, and the lack of structure adds to the mental toll.

This honest confession struck a chord with thousands of users on Reddit. The comment section was soon flooded with messages of solidarity, encouragement, and shared stories. One user expressed admiration for the writer’s inner fire, calling it the very force that would eventually drive him to success. Another commenter revealed they had quit their government job earlier in the year to fully dedicate themselves to the UPSC exam, but were now second-guessing that decision due to the exam's unpredictability.

Despite varied opinions, the majority praised the aspirant’s courage and determination. Many acknowledged the immense strength it takes to persist in such uncertain conditions. His journey, though painful, has become a mirror for countless others silently enduring the same struggle.