Although it is possible for people to take a career break at any age, young people will often defer their entry to higher education by a year to enjoy new experiences or learn new skills, or they may choose to take a gap year after graduation and before starting work.
There are many reasons why people choose to take a year out:
- to try new experiences;
- to develop self-confidence and maturity;
- to gain relevant work experience;
- to earn money to fund further learning;
- to give themselves time to think about their options;
- to fulfil their personal ambitions.
Whether you choose to get a job to earn money, take a working holiday abroad or offer your time volunteering to a cause you are interested in, it’s important to plan your year out so that you get the most out of it. Skills gained on a well-structured gap year are much in demand from employers and can make a significant contribution to your own personal development.
There are many websites offering advice and information, including the following websites:
