Whether you’re just out of school, in college or working, we all need a break sometimes. If you want to take some time out to travel, learn new skills, or discover new interests, an extended break or a gap year can be a great opportunity.
Before you decide to take a gap year, it’s important to think about why you want to do so, and whether you can afford it.
Things to consider before taking an extended break
By doing some self-reflection, you can figure out whether taking a break is the right choice for you. Ask yourself questions such as:
Asking yourself these questions will help you to make the decision that is best for you.
Preparing for a gap year
Once you’ve decided to take a break, there are certain steps you can take to make sure that you are well prepared.
There are lots of different ways you can decide to spend your gap year. If you do decide to take a year off, it’s a good idea to make a plan so that you make the most of the time you have. What you do with time is up to you – for some people, it might mean traveling abroad, for others it might mean exploring your options at home.
Deciding on a plan can be challenging, particularly if there are many options available to you. Try to begin with the end in mind. At the end of your extended break, what do you want to be able to say about your time? By figuring out what you hope to have achieved by the end of your time off, it will be easier to make a plan that will move you toward your goals.
If you’re taking a break because you’re unsure about what to do in college or work, you can explore different career options by working, doing a traineeship, or doing an internship. Doing so will give you a realistic idea of what a certain career involves before you commit to a course in it. It will also enhance your CV.
You can also learn more about career options and gain skills and confidence by volunteering. This is something you can choose to do at home or abroad. There are volunteer opportunities across every area so you are sure to find something that you find interesting.
For more creative and innovative ways to volunteer, read further on Misk.
Many people decide to spend their gap year traveling. Seeing new places and learning about different cultures can be a really rewarding and life-changing experience.
If you are planning on traveling, it’s important to make sure that you have enough money to get you through the year. Research the living and travel costs of the countries you plan to visit before you go. This way you will have an idea of how much you want to save beforehand if you intend to spend all your time exploring.
If you don’t think you will be able to afford to travel for a long time, consider going for a shorter period. You could spend some time before you go working and saving for your travels, or you could look into ways to make money while abroad. If you plan to work while abroad, make sure to look into the employment laws in the country you’re going to, and that you are allowed to work on your visa.
Even if you are not planning to travel, it’s important to take a look at your finances to make sure that you have enough to get by. Food, rent, and other daily expenses will still need to be paid for. If you are taking time out of work or college and you still have these living costs, you may consider taking on part-time work to cover your expenses.
What to do after your gap year
Taking a break doesn’t mean that you won’t complete your studies or get the job you want later on. It simply means you are taking another route to get there. If you are currently in college or if you have been offered a place on a college course, speak with the college advisors about deferring your place. Some colleges will only allow you to defer in certain circumstances, but it’s important to have a conversation about your options. Deferring would mean the college will hold your place on the course for a year, and you can start or resume your studies when you return.
If you are currently working in a job that you enjoy, it is worth speaking with your boss before you quit. They might be willing to offer you unpaid leave so that you can gain the new experiences you are looking for, or make arrangements for you to work remotely.
