“I passed the Grade 9 civil service exam at 50 and started my first day at work” ... Story of new civil servant draws supportive comments: “Your courage is admirable”

[Financial News] The story of a late-blooming new civil servant, born in 1976 and now 50, who passed the Grade 9 civil service exam and began a career in public service has drawn attention.
On the 25th, a post titled “I passed the Grade 9 exam at 50 and started my first day at work” appeared on the online community Bobaedream.
The writer, identified as A, said they passed the Grade 9 civil service exam at 50 after preparing by studying alone at a study café in their apartment complex.
They reportedly had many concerns about starting a new working life before being assigned to a post, but decided to take on the challenge, given how hard it had been to get the opportunity. They are now entering their second week at work.
They said they were adjusting more smoothly than expected and expressed gratitude, saying, “I’ve met some good senior colleagues,” and, “Whenever I ask a question, they explain things kindly and encourage me without ever frowning.”
They also expressed their determination, saying, “Regardless of my age, I always try to learn diligently, even if a little slowly, with the mindset that I’m the most junior person here.”
A particularly cited as advantages the decent benefits relative to the salary and the fact that relevant work experience can be credited toward a pay step.
Finally, they said, “I’ll keep doing my best,” expressing their resolve as they embarked on a new beginning and advising those considering the civil service exam later in life to find the courage to give it a try.
Online users who read the story responded, “I thought it was already too late for anything, but I want to follow their example,” “It’s admirable that they found the courage to start over, and passing the exam is amazing too,” and “You only live once—this is how you should live.”
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