Many times when someone says that they are taking a gap year, people often give them a funny look or question the person’s decision. In some cases, people don’t end up attending school and if they don’t it could be for many reasons, not just that they are lazy. There are also some cases, where the people do go to school and really just needed time off for personal reasons or to figure out fully what they want to do for the rest of their lives.
There is a noticeable shift between taking a gap year after high school versus undergrad. But why? Some of those whom I have graduated high school with, have taken a gap year and found that school isn’t for them. Instead they become certified in an area they are passionate for end up getting a full-time job. However, when they announced that they were taking a gap year, our classmates seemed to feel the need to constantly give their opinion on the matter and try to convince them that it was a bad idea. But guess who won’t be paying off student-debt until they are 35?
It is a completely different situation for a gap year after undergrad. In fact, some graduate programs look for a gap year that is filled with experiences instead of going straight from undergraduate to graduate programs. The opinions of your classmates and family members change. They are supportive and believe that you have really looked into the situation. They have also realized that it is better to take the time off from school even for just a year.
In the end, you have to choose the path that is best for you and not focus so heavily on what everyone else thinks.