Parents often hope their kids would do well at school, move to tertiary, after tertiary, start working and take care of themselves. Wouldn’t life be nice if it was just that way?
Children however are not the same. Some are lucky enough to know what career path they want to take as early as their teenage stage.
For those who are confused on what to do after school, a gap year might be an option to consider.
Forbes Advisor states that, “a gap year gives you time to pursue other goals before returning to the formal structure of school. ” This is a perfect chance for a person to explore the different options out there without any pressure.
It is also a good time to go on a little adventure before returning to the school structure.
Forbes Advisor suggests you take a gap year if
- You want to boost your savings. If you want to avoid student loan debt as much as possible, taking a year off from school can allow you to get a job and save. By tucking your earnings away, you can boost your college fund and reduce the need for loans.
- You feel burnt out. With standardized tests, college admissions essays and end-of-year requirements, your senior year of high school can be exhausting. If you feel drained, taking some time off before enrolling can be a smart idea. You’ll have time to rest and recover so you can go to college refreshed and ready to learn.
- You want to travel. The time before you start college is the perfect time to travel; it’s one of the freest periods of your life. You have relatively few responsibilities, so you’re able to pack up and go abroad for weeks or even months at a time if you have the funds to do so.
- You want to try out a certain field. If you’re not sure which major to choose, a gap year can be helpful. It gives you a chance to work or volunteer in your chosen field. That experience can be invaluable; you can find out if that career path is right for you before you start paying tuition.
