It is common practice for some students to take a gap year after graduating high school to work and/or travel. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
In many western developed nations, it is very common for students to take a
gap
year
after graduating high school. Although
many people now see it as dangerous, it still has its faithful supporters. In this
essay, we shall look at both sides of this
coin.
Let us start with the pros, and first
and foremost, it allows you to go find your passion, and at the same time, it gives you a bit of finance to back yourself. For example
, Jan Sommer is a Danish computer programmer, who had a white-collar job
in Copenhagen, which paid him well, unfortunately, he was not passionate about it. He took a gap
year
and travelled in Bulgaria, and on seeing the desperation of the people's lives, he realised he could contribute, and therefore
quit his job
back home and moved to Bulgaria, and has started an aid agency there with a mission to educate children. Furthermore
, working in a gap
year
abroad is favourably looked upon by many employers. For example
, in New Zealand, you are 60% more likely to get a job
if this
experience is under your belt. Lastly
, the most common advantage of taking a gap
year
is the fact that it helps you to become aware and accepting of other cultures, thus
equipping you for university life.
Now, let us look at the cons. It is no secret, that losing academic momentum, by losing a year
is the greatest disadvantage of taking a gap
year
, especially in this
competitive job
market. Moreover
, depending on where you travel, it is very expensive. The most common concern when travelling is the risk factor involved because however
well you prepare, it does not take much to ruin a well-made plan.
In conclusion, I would say that taking a year
gap
after schooling is one's personal choice and every person needs and desires are different from others. So, it is good to follow one's heart and do what they feel like doing rather than following others.Submitted by Nigelvictorlawrence on
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