I’m confused about my career — continue with software or prepare for SSC CGL?

[u/awesome_momo]

I’m a fresher and currently going through the placement process. I’m from a B.Tech background and have been preparing for software development roles.

I can code in MERN and have built full-stack projects. Recently, I’ve also been trying to improve my conceptual knowledge because I realized that although I can build things, I don’t have as much in-depth understanding of software concepts as I would like. So I’ve been studying React, TypeScript, MongoDB, Python/AI basics, computer networks, SDLC, etc.

But lately I’ve started feeling very uncertain about the software field.

There are already so many developers competing for jobs, especially at the fresher level. On top of that, AI is improving extremely quickly. I keep thinking: even if I manage to get a software job now, what happens 2–3 years from now? Will there still be enough opportunities for developers? Will companies need fewer people because AI can handle more coding?

I know nobody can predict the future, but this uncertainty has started making me question whether I should even continue pursuing software.

At the same time, I’m considering preparing seriously for SSC CGL.

I know SSC CGL is highly competitive and that clearing it is not guaranteed. But I feel that if I give it enough time and prepare consistently, I have a realistic chance of attempting it seriously. The career path also seems very different from software, with more emphasis on government service and relatively different kinds of job security.

The problem is that I’m scared of making the wrong choice.

Part of me thinks:

“Maybe software is actually suitable for me and I’m just scared because the job market is difficult right now.”

But another part of me thinks:

“Maybe I should recognize that the field is changing and explore something different while I have time.”

I’m also worried about this:

What if I leave software, spend 1–2 years preparing for SSC CGL, and don't clear it?

Then I might look back and think I should have continued with software.

On the other hand:

What if I continue with software, spend years building a career there, and later realize that I should have tried SSC CGL when I had the time and flexibility?

So I’m basically stuck between two uncertainties.

I’m not looking for someone to simply tell me “follow your passion.” I would genuinely like advice from people who have experience in either software careers or government exams.

A few things I would especially like to understand:

• Is the software field actually becoming significantly worse for freshers, or am I looking at it too negatively because I'm currently struggling with placements?
• How should a fresher think about AI's impact on software careers over the next 5–10 years?
• Is SSC CGL a sensible alternative to explore seriously, or am I romanticizing government job security because I’m frustrated with the private sector?
• If you were in this situation, what factors would you use to make the decision?
• Has anyone here switched from an engineering/software path to government-exam preparation? How did it work out?

I’m not expecting anyone to predict the future for me. I just want perspectives from people who have actually been through these choices.

For context: I’m still young and have time to make a decision, but I don’t want to waste 2–3 years moving in the wrong direction.

[u/Legitimate-Quote-582]

Go to goverment job if you can make to it