The school year is winding down and you’re unsure of your next steps.You’dlike a break from studies, but don’t necessarily want to lose the momentum oflearning. Or perhaps you simply aren’t ready to make a decision about yourfuture and are tired of listening to all the career advice coming your way!Taking a gap year can be an excellent option in the right circumstances.Read onbelow to see if this unique kind of career advice will work for you.

What Exactly is a Gap Year?Taking a gap year simply means taking a breakfrom formal education. Although it’s called a “year” the amount of time canvary, and the time can be used in a variety of ways. It’s normally taken aftercompleting statutory education, but before continuing on to further education,university, or graduate school.

Choosing the Best Option For YouThere are as many choices in gap yearadventures as there are flavors of ice cream (and even more than that!)Traveling may be known in the career advice field as the most popular choice,but there are many other ways to take time away from the books. Some peoplechoose to volunteer or find an internship while others combine options andtravel overseas or to another country to work or volunteer. Before deciding,ask yourself what you really want to get out of this time. Are you looking togain valuable experience for your CV? Do you want to take advantage of yourfreedom from rent payments while you can and see the world? Are you looking toexplore a passion such as photography or do you want to immerse yourself in anew language while helping others? Keep in mind your budget, and remember tocommunicate with family members and other important people to let them knowyour plans.

Other ResourcesThere is a wealth of career advice available on the topic ofgap years. A simple internet search will bring up a myriad of websites, someoffering advice for free, and others that charge for their services. Some ofthe most popular travel guidebook lines offer books dedicated to the idea ofgap years, and your school adviser may also have resources available.

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