On Gap Years and Crossroads

Written by: u/trqu

An anecdote on her 2019 gap year experience in pursuit of career exploration. She raises the reasons why you should and should not take a gap year ,and what you need to do in order to have a productive gap year.

Why I took a gap year + Experiences

Did it really help me with decision making?

Reasons to take gap years

Reasons to not take

gap years

What you need to do to have a productive gap year

Final words + Advice

Permission has been given by him to post his opinions on our website.

Hello, I understand that some of you might be contemplating taking a gap year. Whether it be for self-exploration, for retaking certain examinations/re-applying University, or for any other reason - it is never an easy choice. I'd like to share my personal experiences taking a gap year, and I hope that it can provide some clarity of thought for those who are stuck at crossroads. (Note: different people take gap years for different reasons. This is my anecdote and should not be used as a representative of all gap year experiences.)

In 2019, upon receiving my A-level results, I had no intention of taking a gap year. I was excited to apply for University, and I was excited to start my tertiary education. But receiving my rejection letter for my first choice course sent me straight into a quarter-life crisis. I realised that my other choices were not a good reflection of my strengths and interests, and I had placed them there with little consideration for my future. So on 24th May, I made my decision to not accept any course on JAP, and instead focus on spending the rest of my 2019 in pursuit of career exploration.

I spent the year doing wonderful things. The time and space allowed me to really engage in community service through various organisations, all while taking on internships in different industries. Throughout the different industries that I got to explore, I had ridiculously good opportunities to hone my interpersonal skills and understand the challenges that each profession faced.

100% yes. The experiences in my gap year really allowed me to see what I wanted to do in both a course and a career. There was a course I was inclined to accept in 2019, but working in that same environment made me realise how much I would have hated it.

These are some of the reasons I encourage taking a gap year for:

Career exploration
Travelling (and I mean like, actual extensive travelling or backpacking. If you spend your 1 year going to 1-2 countries, then what's the point?)
Exploring entrepreneurship
Doing unique things that you would otherwise not have the time for: eg. going on overseas mission/volunteer trips, working at various NGOs, picking up professional skills

Because you want time to 'relax' before University. You already had 7 months of 'relaxation'
Wanting to continue working PT/FT at some cafe/restaurant/bar/whatever else. I mean, a whole year for this?

A LOT of self-discipline and motivation. I cannot stress this enough. If you embark on a gap year with no plan on what you aim to achieve or how you're going to get there, you are definitely going to waste your time. Plan ahead. Even things like applying for internships take weeks and months. If you intend to take things 'one day at a time' in your gap year, I'm going to just recommend not taking the gap year at all.

Also, get rid of the FOMO mindset. You will definitely feel the weight of your decision when you see your peers go to uni and make new friends, have fun in halls and RCs, and start a new chapter of their educational journey without you. No matter. Focus on yourself. Remind yourself that these good things will come in less than year for you too.

I have absolutely no regrets taking a gap year. It doesn't matter what other people say - especially about 'falling behind the rat race'. Life is not a race, and I say this with absolute conviction. When you look back on this period of time in your life, taking the road less taken and accumulating a wealth of experience that your peers could only dream of, you will be glad.