28, LL.M. Grad, Feeling Like My Career (and Life) is Over.

I am 28 years old. I finished my LL.M. in 2022. Since then, my entire life has been dedicated to one thing: preparing for competitive judicial/civil service exams. I poured my soul into the books, making immense sacrifices, believing this was my path. But the results have been devastating. Every single attempt ends the same way:l clear the prelims but fail the mains exam, or I make it to the interview stage, only to be rejected. It's a cycle of hope and crushing disappointment that has eroded every ounce of my self-worth

Now, I look up, and the world has moved on. I have zero professional experience in the corporate legal world, or a firm. The gap on my CV is growing, and every day I feel less and less employable. I don't know where to start. I feel so far behind. Most people my age are established, getting promoted, or moving up. I'm stuck at the starting line, feeling like a failure. I am smart, I have a post-graduate law degree, I am willing to learn absolutely anything and work harder than anyone else to prove myself. If you are a lawyer, a recruiter, or just someone who made a massive career pivot later in life. What steps should I take right now? Are there specific courses (like drafting, specific software) I should do right now to make make my profile competitive? Please, if anyone can help a lost soul with some practical, actionable steps, or even a chance at a job offer, you will truly be helping to save more than just a career. I just need an opportunity to start somewhere. Thank you for reading this messy, broken post.