Taking a Gap Year may be the best decision you will make.
The pressures of life
Life gets more complicated at the end of your school-going years. Standing in a group listening to everyone’s plans for when they leave school can make you quite nervous. It seems like everyone has got it all figured out except for you.
It’s your turn, you give your little elevator pitch but in your heart you know it’s not necessarily what you want to do. This happens often, especially as you reach your last year or two of school.
Friends, teachers, family and even sometimes random people you hardly know ask “So, what are your plans after you matriculate?”.
You don’t know what you want to do with your life. Maybe you don’t see what you will be good at or enjoy. You may be drowning in too many interests, or your options could feel limited.
You are not alone.
Family and friends can add a lot of pressure. Some families feel very strongly that you need to get a degree. Others don’t emphasize that, but rather that you need to get a job. How are you supposed to know what the best decision is for you?
The truth is, you don’t know.
In your early twenties, you will change a lot. When leaving school, you’re flung into the adult world like a fish out of water. Having to find your feet in this unknown world with who knows what life will throw at you.
Often those people who seem so certain about their future also end up changing courses or careers. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Explore in your 20's
Your twenties is a time of exploration, where you can be reckless and try different career avenues. As time passes we become increasingly tied down with bills, house plants, pets, a partner, and more.
This means our window for taking chances and exploring new options will close or become very narrow to a certain degree. The more responsibilities you have, the less you are likely to make a career change, start your own business, or take a chance with anything uncertain.
But while you are young and have very few obligations you have the opportunity to explore.
Keep your momentum
The main thing is to keep moving. Go in whichever direction presents itself to you. Don’t sit back. Grab opportunities and make the most of them. In this way, you will gain momentum.
Following these opportunities like obscure gravel roads may just lead you to a career you never imagined or expected.
Do not sit back and wait for life to happen to you, you are not going to find new opportunities on your parent’s couch. Get out there and do whatever you can find to do. Engaging in a Gap Year will expand your horizon and open new avenues for you. If you are lucky enough to be able to join a gap year, do it.
Something will lead to something, but nothing will lead to nothing.
Taking time for yourself
Truth be told, no one knows what they are doing. Some just fake it better than others. Everybody is on their own journey finding their way in life.
Taking a year for yourself can be immensely rewarding and fruitful. The Skills Gap Year facilitates your development through personal growth, courses, as well as exposure to different fields of work, travel, and experiences. Join us in Gordon's Bay, Cape Town for an unforgettable experience!
Investing in yourself is something your future self will thank you for.
Article by
Madelein Wolfaardt
