Taking A Gap Year – Benefits vs Risks

Hi,

I’m Alix and it’s my mission to help as many adults as possible work in jobs that meet their passion and purpose, allowing them to reach their full potential, making them happy and fulfilled with the knock-on effect of making the world a happier place for us all.

By providing support and hand holding where you may not have any, this website can be a ‘virtual mentor’ if you like. Somewhere to drop in and find hints and tips on making your adult life better or easier as you make crucial decisions about your future.

It can help you consider all the options to identify which career path is the right one for you.

Join me today as we discuss the merits and downfalls of taking a gap year…

Taking a Gap Year: Pros and Cons

Assuming you’re reading this while still taking the steps necessary to reach the perfect career, after all the years of studying, homework, exams and the pressures that came with each step, the idea of a "gap year" -

taking a year off between high school and college – has understandably gained popularity in recent years.

While the idea of pausing your formal education to explore the world, gain new experiences, or simply recharge can sound enticing and a no-brainer, it also comes with potential drawbacks.

Let’s examine, run through in detail, the pros and cons of taking a gap year to help you make an informed, rather than a rushed, decision.

Pros of taking a gap year

Personal growth and development…

A gap year provides an opportunity for personal growth in ways that structured education or work cannot.

By stepping out of the classroom or office and living and engaging with the world, you can develop self-awareness, independence, and confidence.

When using it to travel, experiencing different cultures, or engaging in volunteer work can broaden your perspective, challenge your worldview, and build resilience.

Time to reflect and refocus…

Many students can experience burnout after years of continuous studying or working.

A gap year offers the chance to step back and think about your future. For students, it can help clarify career goals, allowing you to enter university or the workforce with more focus and motivation.

Note: If you’re already in the workforce, it can provide the mental space needed to reassess priorities and determine or redefine a clearer career trajectory (path).

Skill building…

Whether through travel, volunteering, internships, or other activities, a gap year can be an ideal time to build practical skills.

You could use this time to learn or try out a new language you’ve studied, enhance technical abilities in your chosen path, or gain experience in fields you’re curious about but not sure you want to make your focus (yet).

For instance, it could be enlightening to live in the country whose language you’ve been learning, giving you hands-on, practical experience when using phrases in a real-world setting, rather than studying it in a textbook, for instance when to use ‘you’re’ instead of ‘you are’.

These skills can make you more competitive when you re-enter the academic or professional world.

Increased maturity…

Taking a year out to manage your own finances, navigate unfamiliar environments, or handle challenges not met in the classroom can prepare you to approach life with a more mature, grounded and thoughtful perspective.

Many gap-year participants return to education or work more mature and ready to tackle responsibilities.

Cultural exposure…

Immersing yourself in different cultures can offer invaluable insights.

A gap year can be a time to travel or live in a foreign country. This experience can build empathy, adaptability, and cultural understanding – all skills that are valuable both personally and professionally.

Cons of taking a gap year

Risk of losing momentum…

One of the most common concerns about taking a gap year is losing academic momentum.

Students can find it difficult to return to the structured environment of school/college or university after spending a year in an unstructured setting. Being in charge of your own day, rather than getting up, going to school/college or university as you’ve done up to now can be exciting and very appealing.

However, this may lead to difficulty readjusting, going back, into the formal classroom structure or even a loss of interest in pursuing education further at all, giving up on it.

Note: If you’ve taken time out to recharge, perhaps working in a coffee shop to finance it (like a niece of mine is doing), it can be difficult to go back into the confines of education, where you don’t earn, giving up the freedom having money gave you.

Financial burden…

Depending on how you spend your gap year, it can, conversely, be costly.

Travelling, volunteering abroad, or participating in certain programmes may require a significant financial investment.

Without proper planning, these costs can become a burden, especially if you were hoping to save money before starting university or a new job.

Delaying career progression…

Taking a year off as a student means you’ll start university a year later than your peers, leaving you a year behind in your career progression compared to those around you. For those in fast-paced or competitive fields, it could lead to a disadvantage.

Also, studying with colleagues a year younger than you, where you’ve grown through your gap-year activities, could leave a huge maturity difference between you.

For some, this might not be a problem, but for others it could prove difficult.

Some employers may also view a gap year negatively if they perceive it as a lack of commitment to advancing one’s career, but that would very much depend on what you achieved during that time.

Uncertainty and lack of structure…

While a gap year can be full of enriching experiences, it can also lead to a sense of uncertainty or aimlessness if not planned properly.

Without clear goals or a structured plan, it’s easy to drift through the year without gaining much value. This can lead to feelings of frustration,

especially if you don’t have concrete achievements or new skills to show for your time off.

Potential for burnout…

Paradoxically (puzzlingly), while gap years are often taken to avoid burnout, they can sometimes lead to it. For instance, if you overload your schedule with activities like working multiple jobs, volunteering, or constantly moving from place to place, you might find yourself returning to your academic life more exhausted than when you left.

Making the right decision

To decide whether a gap year is right for you, it’s essential to weigh up these pros and cons carefully. A successful gap year requires clear objectives, solid planning, and financial preparation.

Let’s look at a few tips for ensuring you make the most of your gap year:

Have a plan: While spontaneity can be exciting, having a general plan for your gap year is crucial.

Know what you want to accomplish - whether it’s travel, gaining work experience, or personal development - and set clear goals to keep you focused. See my article: Why, How and What Happens When you set Goals for hints and tips.

Stay connected to your goals: It’s important to keep your long-term educational or career goals in mind throughout the gap year. Keeping hold of the learning mind-set is definitely easier to maintain than return to.

Whether through self-study, online courses, or short internships, try to maintain a connection to your academic or career ambitions. This will make the transition back easier for you as you remember why you want/need those further qualifications.

Budget wisely: Finances can be a significant challenge during a gap year, especially if you're not earning money. Ensure you budget effectively, whether you’re saving for the future or paying for travel and living expenses as you go.

Prepare for the transition back: Whether you’re returning to school or the workforce, have a plan in place for reintegration. Know when applications, deadlines, or job searches need to happen and give yourself enough time to adjust mentally, emotionally and to apply by the due date.

Conclusion…

Taking a gap year can be a transformative experience, offering opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and adventure.

However, it’s important to approach the decision thoughtfully, considering the potential risks and challenges.

If well-planned and purposeful, a gap year can enrich your life and enhance your future prospects; if poorly planned, it could leave you feeling lost or behind (or broke).

Evaluate your situation, priorities, and goals carefully to ensure your gap year is a positive step forward.

Whatever your decision on taking a gap year, I want to both wish you luck and say that I know you can do it.

Enjoy!