Should I take a gap year?

Have you just finished secondary school and are unsure about starting university straight away? Or are you a recent graduate trying to figure out your next steps? Either way, if you are up for new challenges, believe in personal development and are passionate about understanding the world, a gap year could be your ideal next move.

A successful gap year allows you to gain valuable skills and experience that benefit your future education and career. It can also broaden your horizons and provide you with new perspectives. Read on to learn what a gap year is, and whether taking one will align with your dreams and goals.

What is a gap year?

A gap year is typically a year-long break between secondary school and university or between graduation and the beginning of your professional life.

However, the concept of a gap year has broadened in recent years. You might be a working professional seeking a change of pace, a current student looking for adventures beyond the classroom, or an incoming fresher not quite ready for another semester.

While a gap year is a break from your academic and professional journey, it is not a year off. It is an opportunity to grow personally and professionally before advancing in your education or career. 

Gap year takers aim to develop life experiences, explore personal interests and expand their outlook. They often use this period for self-discovery, reflecting on their ambitions and deciding on the educational and career path they wish to follow. Popular gap year activities include travelling, volunteering and taking on an internship.

Taking a gap year: pros and cons

While a gap year can benefit many, it isn't suitable for everyone. Consider these pros and cons before deciding to take a gap year:

Benefits of a gap year

You can develop transferable skills

A gap year provides an excellent opportunity to develop transferable skills, such as learning a new language while living abroad, improving communication and leadership abilities through volunteering, or gaining practical experience via a job or internship.

You can learn budgeting skills when planning your gap year. As you navigate travel arrangements, find accommodation and manage your day-to-day expenses, you will develop independence and get the hang of managing your finances. 

If you choose to live and work abroad during your gap year, you will also build valuable international connections that may be helpful for your future career.

You can enhance your CV

During your gap year, you can gain work experience relevant to your desired career. For example, if you are interested in social care, you can participate in community work. Working with children during your gap year is great if you aspire to be a teacher.

In addition to internships and volunteering, activities such as studying a language or immersing yourself in a specific topic or culture can enhance your CV and make you more attractive to potential employers.

You will feel refreshed and refocused

If you have had a challenging year working or studying, feeling like you are on the edge of breaking down, a gap year can offer you the breathing room you need to recharge and refocus.

On top of allowing you to heal from burnout, taking a gap year before pursuing further education can give you the clarity that significantly enhances your academic performance. 

According to a Temple University survey, students who have taken a gap year before university are more likely to graduate in four years or less, as opposed to the American national average of six years. 

Additionally, the time you spend reflecting and exploring your academic and career options can lead to a more informed decision when choosing a subject.

Check out the video below for more benefits of taking a gap year.

Disadvantages of a gap year

Gap years can be costly

Gap years can be expensive, especially when travelling abroad is on your agenda. Transportation, accommodation and meals can accumulate costs rapidly. 

To make the most of your gap year, it is essential to estimate the cost of your trip, save money in advance through fundraising or part-time jobs and consider finding work during your travels.

You might lose momentum

While taking a gap year can contribute to your personal and professional growth, an unstructured gap year can lead to wasting time and losing momentum. 

To prevent your gap year from negatively impacting your academic and career paths, maximise the benefits of your gap year by laying out clear goals you can achieve. Structure your time and ensure your gap year activities complement your goals.

Have a set return date, and don't forget to think about what to do next when you return home. You can even let your friends and family know about your plans so that they can help you stay on track.

You may feel like you are lagging behind

Taking a gap year after finishing your secondary studies means you will start university a year later than your peers, making you feel like you are falling behind. You may also experience the fear of missing out (FOMO) when you see your friends heading off to university and starting to make memories without you.

If you spend your gap year detached from academic and professional pursuits, returning to university or work after your gap year ends can become challenging.

To make your transition from gap year back to work or study easy, stay engaged and stimulated by exploring topics that interest you. Use this time to attain new skills or gain deeper insights into an academic field or personal interest. You may want to take on a placement or internship related to your future studies or career to keep your knowledge sharp.

Final thoughts: should I take a gap year?

While a gap year can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings tremendous value to your self-development, it isn't for everyone.

Gap years can be expensive, especially when international travels are involved, so it is crucial to consider their financial impact before deciding to take one.

For instance, if you are a recent university graduate with student loans to pay back, it may not be financially feasible for you to take a year-long break that will cost you even more money. In this case, getting a job so that you can start paying off your debt might be a more reasonable thing to do.

Also, ensure you have concrete goals and a sense of what you wish to achieve when considering taking a gap year. Think about the activities you want to pursue.

What would you like to accomplish before you start university or work full-time? What unique opportunities can you take advantage of now that you won't have time for later? These questions can prevent you from spending your gap year feeling aimless, keeping it fruitful.

Ultimately, you are the best person to decide if a gap year aligns with your future plans. When your finances allow, and you consider your academic and professional aspirations when planning your gap year, taking a break before proceeding with your career or education can be immensely fulfilling.