Describe a time when you changed an important decision of yours.

I changed this decision last spring, when I was working in an office in my city. I had decided to leave my job and study full-time for a public-service exam. At that time, I felt tired of my work, and I thought I could prepare better if I had more free time. But then I looked at my savings and my monthly costs. I realised I could only pay for a few months without a salary. I also spoke to a former colleague who had studied for the same exam. She told me it was not easy to pass quickly. So I changed my plan and decided to keep my job. I studied in the evenings and at weekends instead. It was sometimes tiring, but I felt less worried about money. I was also proud that I had thought more carefully before making such a big change.

Honestly, I changed my mind about a year ago, when I was working in an office in my city. I’d been feeling worn out by my job, so my original plan was to resign and prepare full-time for a public-service exam. I thought having the whole day to study would give me a much better chance of passing.

Before handing in my notice, though, I sat down and worked out my monthly expenses. My savings would only cover a few months, especially with rent and bills to pay, and that didn’t leave much room for an unexpected cost. I also spoke to a former colleague who’d taken the same exam. She explained that it can take several attempts to pass, even if you study seriously. That made me realise I’d been focusing on the extra study time and not thinking enough about the financial pressure.

So I decided to stay in my job and prepare in the evenings and at weekends instead. It wasn’t as convenient, and I sometimes had to give up time with friends, but it felt like a more realistic plan. If I’d quit, I might have spent most of my time worrying about money rather than studying. I felt a bit disappointed at first because I’d been excited about starting over, but mostly I felt relieved. Looking back, I’m glad I changed course; it taught me to balance ambition with practical needs.