Do you ever catch yourself sitting at work, wondering when you outgrew the concept of a summer break? Adulting realizes that out of all the woes of growing up, a working week’s never-ending loop is the worst. The grind never stops, and you barely have the time to breathe. As kids, we were often given the time to figure out what we want to do. But what happens after that decision is made?
” it’s a summer break for adults, except it doesn’t have to be summer
and nobody is inviting you to eventful birthday parties with chocolate cake.”
A few years into your career, it’s only reasonable to come face-to-face with an existential crisis. Do I like my job? Is there something more interesting out there? Who am I outside of this routine? In a generation where we recognise hustle culture and the risks of burnout, an adult gap year may be the answer we’re looking for.
What is an Adult Gap Year?
Mostly, it’s a summer break for adults, except it doesn’t have to be summer and nobody is inviting you to eventful birthday parties with chocolate cake (wouldn’t it be nice, though?). It’s basically some time off from your routine work life to explore things you couldn’t otherwise make time for.
It doesn’t always have to be a year; any time away from your desk counts. Everyone’s reasons for taking a gap year are different. Some are sick of their job or workplace, while others are just looking to take a break. If you are lucky, your company will view this absence as a sabbatical, but you need to quit more often than not. The trend of taking adult gap years has gained a lot of traction in recent times. Hopefully, this means your next employer won’t dwell on that missing year on your resume.
A gap year may not be everyone’s cup of tea. It isn’t the soul searching trip you take in your early twenties. It requires the kind of financial freedom that only comes with more experience.
“When you take a gap year right out of high school, it’s to figure out who you want to be.
But adult gap years are about reevaluating what you have been doing.
Instead of looking at it as a vacation, it could be an opportunity to grow.”
Why should you take a Gap Year?
When you take a gap year right out of high school, it’s to figure out who you want to be. But adult gap years are about reevaluating what you have been doing. Instead of looking at it as a vacation, it could be an opportunity to grow.
For example, you can work on that hobby you love. You could hone your skills or look at it as a viable career option. This could potentially save you from a mid-life crisis triggered by the fact that you never gave your passion a chance.
Another fantastic way to make the most out of this year is to volunteer. It’s a great way to give back to society and feel more fulfilled. There are lots of volunteer programs across the world that are eye-opening experiences.
You may also take this time to work on yourself. Travelling the world or learning new languages and picking up new skills can help shape one’s personality. It’s an excellent way to invest in yourself after all the years you gave to your work.
What are some things to keep in mind?
Plan it out: A gap year sure sounds like a spontaneous way to leave everything behind and work on yourself. But planning it well ensures that you get the most out of your trip. It’s a good idea to understand what you want to do and how much it’ll cost.
Save Save Save: Once you plan your gap year, you need a jumpstart of 6 months to a year to save the funds you require successfully. Taking this year off too soon will result in a gap year that isn’t comfortable, defeating the purpose. You’ll always need more than you budget for, so don’t forget to account for that buffer money.
Be A Miser: If you don’t want to relive your broke college self and backpack through countries sleeping on uncomfortable couches, you should be a little frugal. A minimalist lifestyle is something we often talk about but never get around to doing. Splurge on the more significant comforts but skimp out where you need to.
Don’t go MIA: Yes, being accountable to no one seems like a great idea until you have to come back and look for a job. The best thing to do is stay active on social media and recruiting platforms like LinkedIn so that you’re still in people’s line of vision. This ensures that opportunities are still available if you ever need to cut the year short.
Be Flexible: The whole point of taking a gap year is to step out of your comfort zone. Be open to change and the regular ups and downs of your plan.
A gap year is an excellent investment for anyone who needs a change of pace in life. Even if you cannot afford a gap year today, it serves as a future goal. Knowing that you want/will be able to take this trip someday can be a great way to deal with your Monday morning blues.