After seeing this discussion, I am just sharing my own experience. I was a part of this community a couple of years back when I was preparing full time for upsc. I have given 3 Prelims and 2 Mains and due to Covid interruptions and personal tragedy I was forced to find a stable job and leave my upsc prep.
For last couple of years I have given all sorts of various competitive exams. I found them much easier to crack compared to UPSC. I was able to crack ibps po and got a good psb to work with. Of course, the reality is that I have to compromise with my prep for upsc. I am not getting any time at all to prepare for any other exams. I feel like I prioritized my backup plan more than my original plan and now I feel stuck.
So to those who still have age and financial factors on their side. Do consider giving this exam one more shot. If not then so many opportunities are going to come in next 6 months or so for which you can apply and you may get financial security and stability. If situation favours you at your workplace then you might consider giving upsc another shot while working. But this may not be possible in all cases.
All of us have unique circumstances to deal with and hence no one size fits all. Hope all of you will make a wise decision and fulfill your wishes.
All the Best.
