Is It Better To Have A Gap Year?

With Elliot & Stella

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Does taking a gap year help you grow as a person?

Honestly, I think it really depends on the person. Some people just want to jump straight into university or work, but I think a gap year can be super helpful. I’ve seen it with my brother. He’s taking one right now, and I think it’s given him time to really figure out what he wants to do with his life.

Yeah, totally. After all those years of school stress—assignments, exams, deadlines—it’s nice to have time for yourself. If you just go straight into university or a job, that pressure keeps building. Having a year to reset feels like it could really help clear your mind before diving into something else.

Right, and you also don’t have the same flexibility once you’re in a job or uni. You’ll have fewer breaks and less time to explore different things. If you’re young and healthy, it’s the perfect time to take that break. You don’t have as many commitments, and you can figure out your next steps without that constant pressure hanging over you.

Exactly! Plus, you don’t need to rely on your parents to pay for everything. Get a part-time job in high school, save some money, and use it to fund your travels or whatever else you want to do. You’re free to enjoy the world on your terms. I think that’s a big plus when you’re not tied down to responsibilities

Does it really help you figure out what you want to do?

I think it absolutely helps. My brother wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life after school, but this year off is really helping him figure it out. He’s gotten some work experience, travelled a bit, and is now thinking about studying outdoor education. It’s like he needed the time away from school to really think about what excites him.

Yeah, for sure. That time away from school lets you try out different experiences. It’s like you get to sample different careers, meet new people, and see what really speaks to you. You get a better sense of the world and your place in it. If you go straight into university without that time, you might just pick something because it’s the next logical step, not because it’s something you’re passionate about.

Exactly. Travelling or working during a gap year can show you parts of the world and jobs you might not have considered. It opens your eyes to different possibilities. A lot of people come out of high school not really knowing what they want to do, and a gap year can help guide them in the right direction.

Totally. It’s like a test run for life. You get to experience real-world things that can help shape your future decisions. Sometimes you need that space to think, otherwise, you’re just rushing into something because it feels like the next step. Taking time to figure it out can make all the difference.

Can a gap year prevent burnout?

Oh, for sure. High school is so stressful—assignments, exams, extracurriculars—it’s a constant hustle. If you don’t take a break after that, you’re bound to burn out. A gap year gives you the chance to step back, relax, and just breathe before moving on to the next chapter of your life.

Exactly. It’s the first time in your life that you can actually just take a breather. You’re not juggling schoolwork, social events, or whatever else. It’s just about you. That freedom is huge. And if you start a job or university right away, you’re jumping straight back into the grind without any time to recharge.

And it’s not just about resting. It’s about getting the mental clarity you need. You’ve been in school for years, and suddenly, you have this blank canvas. You get time to process everything and figure out what you really want from life.

I think a gap year just gives you that mental reset. You come out of school with so much pressure, and then, once you’ve had time to relax, you can approach your next steps with a fresh mindset. You’re more likely to make better decisions because you’ve had time to think things through.

Is it risky to wait before starting University or a job?

It’s not risky, as long as you use the time wisely. If you spend the year just partying or wasting time, that could be a risk. But if you’re gaining work experience, volunteering, or travelling—things that help you grow and learn—you’re not losing out. You’re gaining life experience that can help you in the future.

Sure, having a gap year is not the same as jumping straight into uni or work, but it’s figuring out what you want to do, and that’s more valuable than rushing into something you’re unsure about.

As long as you’re not just letting time slip away, you’re still growing. Sometimes it’s not about doing something that looks productive on paper, but taking the time to explore, figure things out, and be ready for what’s next.

Exactly! A gap year isn’t about sitting around doing nothing. It’s about using that time to gain experience and make decisions that will benefit you later. If you rush into a job or university without figuring out what you want, you might just waste time in a way that’s harder to recover from.

Does your career path need to wait, or can you take a year off?

It’s totally okay to take a year off. If you’re passionate about your career and you’re sure about what you want to do, go for it. But if you need time to figure things out, there’s nothing wrong with taking a breather. Your career isn’t going anywhere.

Yeah, I agree. A gap year doesn’t mean you’re abandoning your career goals. It’s just giving yourself the time and space to make sure you’re on the right path. If you’re 100% sure about what you want to do, then maybe you don’t need a gap year. But if you’re not sure, there’s no harm in taking that extra time.

Exactly. It’s like giving yourself permission to explore before diving into something. That time away can actually make your next steps clearer and make you more focused. You get to experience different things, figure out what excites you, and then move forward with confidence.

And even if you’re not sure what you want to do, a gap year can open up new opportunities you never considered. You might come back with a completely different perspective, ready to tackle your career with a fresh mindset.

Is it really all about travelling during a gap year?

Not necessarily. While a lot of people think gap years are all about travelling, it’s really about personal growth. Sure, travel is a big part of it for many people, but you can have a meaningful gap year without flying across the world. You could do things locally, gain work experience, or volunteer—it’s about what works best for you.

Exactly. Some people think you have to go backpacking through Europe to have a “real” gap year. But honestly, you can grow just by taking the time to figure out what you want to do with your life. Travelling is great, but it’s not the only way to have a fulfilling gap year.

Right! You can spend time learning new skills, volunteering for causes that matter to you, or working in a field you’re curious about. That’s just as valuable as travelling, and sometimes even more so because you’re gaining experience that directly impacts your future goals.

And sometimes travelling can be more than just seeing new places. It can give you new insights into different cultures, careers, and lifestyles that you might not get from staying at home. But again, it’s about balance.