OUT- 5th attempt and 1st mains.
I am utterly confused on what to do next so hoping somebody could guide me. I had been working in a government organisation and resigned in January 2021. The decision for resigning was based on
1. Obviously wanted to give a whole hearted attempt at UPSC before moving on
2. I didn't want to continue working in the same organisation due to not so great promotion opportunities and work profile
I couldn't clear prelims in the first 3 attempts because I jumped into the sea of appearing for the examination without any preparations. By my fourth attempt I realised that I should have planned on appearing only after preparing well. So, I wasted my first 3 attempts because I wasn't prepared well. I started preparing only after getting into the job so I should have planned by attempts maybe 2 years after because what normally people could cover in 1 year, I was able to cover in 2.
Failing to clear in the 4th attempt was heartbreaking but then I knew what shortcomings I had and worked on them. In my 5th attempt, clearing prelims was a great motivator also because I had quit my job and was 2 steps closer to my goal. But I have failed to clear mains and obviously I do realise that there are loopholes in my mains preparation.
Long story short, when I quit my job I planned on giving one fully dedicated attempt and then moving on if I wasn't able to clear. Now, I am at that stage where I should be moving on. But I feel so confused if I should appear once again for my last attempt or go on preparing for CAT.
If all goes rosy, I will only need 1 year to settle. However, if it doesn't I will need 4 year because 2022 goes to waste and I will appear for CAT in 2023 and start college from 2024.
Can anybody guide me rationally. I know the decision is mine to make but all I am looking for is some fresh perspective.
Congratulations and all the best to people who have cleared. Give your best :)
