When the results of a government recruitment examination were declared in December 2020, my name appeared among the selected candidates for the accounts section of the Rural Development Department. The exam itself had been conducted a month earlier, in November, after I had submitted my registration form sometime earlier that year. That single result quietly pushed my life into an entirely new direction.
Until that point, I lived with very few responsibilities and without a permanent source of income. The idea of stepping into a government job brought a mix of emotions—excitement for the opportunity and anxiety about the weight of duties that were about to follow. I often wondered whether I would be able to live up to the expectations and carry out my responsibilities with dedication and efficiency.
Nearly a year later, the journey formally began. On 9 October 2021, I joined the department at the BDO headquarters in Block Nagam. From the very first day, my professional circle started expanding. Most of the people I met were new to me, except for one old high-school classmate who happened to be part of the same batch. Soon after joining, we were sent to various locations across the district and division for training programs. These sessions helped us connect with many others who were entering the service alongside us.
Over time, these professional interactions turned into friendships. Since most of us were bachelors, we had the freedom to spend time together beyond office hours. We travelled to different corners of the valley, planned short trips whenever we got consecutive holidays, and enjoyed moments that gradually turned into lasting memories. Those days were filled with laughter, shared experiences, and a strong sense of togetherness.
As life moved ahead, changes became inevitable. Marriage for some of our friends marked another shift in our journey. With new responsibilities at home, they naturally found less time to spend with the rest of us. Planning group trips became rare, as their priorities had changed, and holidays were now reserved for family and partners—which is completely understandable.
At present, only three of us in the circle remain unmarried, while the majority have settled into family life. It does feel disappointing at times that we can no longer gather as we once did or travel together to the valley’s tourist destinations. Yet, this is simply another stage of life. Every phase has its own charm and challenges. The carefree days of constant companionship have given way to responsibilities—both as government officials and, for many, as heads of families. Accepting this change is part of growing, and life continues to move forward in its own way.
