Gap Year
A gap year doesn’t mean a gap in learning
Do you have a gap year planned but are worried about whether you’ve made the right choice? Or perhaps you’d really like to take a gap year but are concerned about missing out on career or education opportunities. Fear not – a gap year doesn’t have to mean a gap in learning. There are loads of reasons why a gap year can be really beneficial (as well as a lot of fun). Let’s take a look.
What you might gain from a gap year
We tend to think of learning as a structured and formal process, like what we experience at school or university. But learning can happen in lots of different ways, and sometimes happens when we’re not even thinking about it.
Gap years don’t have to be about luxury travel or backpacking tours (though there are some great skills to be gained through these too, believe it or not). If you’re worried about what you might miss if you take some time off, consider what you might gain from a gap year instead.
Learn new skills
One of the most compelling reasons to consider a gap year is the opportunity for personal growth and skill development. During your gap year, you can explore new interests and learn valuable skills you might not have had the time for if you were busy with study or work.
For instance, you might choose to immerse yourself in learning a new language. It’s not just handy for travel – it could also be an asset to open doors to international career opportunities, for example.
Reflect and explore
A bit of time out can provide the chance for self-reflection and exploration, allowing you to clarify your career aspirations. By stepping away from a traditional academic or career path, you can dig deep and think about what truly motivates you.
Through work experience, volunteering, or travel, you may discover a new passion that changes your future career trajectory. You can try a few different things until you find something you love, or it could even solidify your original plan. Either way, you’ll still be coming out the other end with a lot more experience and knowledge.
“Taking a gap year (or two) was the right thing for me to do. It’s put things into focus for me and given me the time to do the growing up I needed to do. Most importantly, it allowed me to learn a few things along the way.”
Anonymous, ReachOut
Refresh and rejuvenate
Doing the same thing over and over and over can eventually take its toll – and this includes 12+ years of school or being in the same job forever. Taking a break from study or work responsibilities can help you reset your way of thinking about learning. Or you might just need some recover and refresh before diving into something new.
Whether you plan to attend university or find a job after your gap year, some time away can reignite your passion for learning and provide a renewed sense of purpose.
Planning your gap year
If you’re considering a gap year, now is the perfect time to start planning. Even if you’ve already applied to university, many institutions offer the option to defer enrolment for up to a year. This flexibility allows you to weigh your options and make an informed decision about whether a gap year aligns with your personal and academic goals.
Learn more
Ready to start planning your gap year or want some more ideas? You can find heaps more information on our website here.