Debunking Common 'Myths' They Say About Taking A Gap Year

You all know the common stigmas, whether true or false, that linger around when people say that they want to take a gap year. For many, 'they just want to find themselves' or 'that makes sense, I don't think they know what they want to do' will cross their minds.

Others, assume you need a deep and profound self-reflective journey of self-discovery and some might even just shrug and say fair enough. Yet these stigmas, that are attached to this, explain how often people look down on how others might just not agree with the way life is set out for them.

Instead, these people might just want to take the reins and control the pace that their life is going, especially in todays culture of constant hustle and movement. It’s important to take the time to figure out what life really is all about.

Therefore, those stigmas just aren't to be taken seriously at all. In fact, a survey by HostelWorld says 61.82% of full-time students who haven't taken a gap year, would consider doing so.

Now Talking from experience, gap years are generally very personal. No matter what an article might say, your parents, friends, peers or even teachers. The reason that leads to a decsion to take a gap year differs for everyone. Personally, my reason was to get out of my hometown and simply explore. Even so, I know my parents definitely made the assumption that I was simply exhausted and needed to recharge from the constant busyness and the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Nevertheless, I know for others their reason is potentially motivated by the desire for soul searching, making new friends, relaxing or simply from boredom of their current lives. The reality is that a gap year, for some, is essentially needed and shouldn’t be looked down upon.

So, following on from this; here are my personal reasons as to why we should debunk the most common myths, people generally say about taking a gap year.

Myth #1: That you'll miss out, socially and lose friends.

Many people came to me after I mentioned I took a gap year saying; "Didn't you worry about your friends and missing out on your social life.”

As a response to this, I just sighed, as yes it was difficult balancing a full-time job, studying, and also on top of this, maintaining a good and healthy social life. I have to admit, I did struggle some of the way, yet during my gap year I had so much time to simply reflect. I noticed I just needed to improve and pivot my time management skills, so i did just that. In fact, I strongly believe taking this time out, to understand what you do need to do to improve within yourself and your life is crucial. Nothing humbled me more than having time to spend alone, reflecting and figuring out what I needed to give more to myself and to others in my life.

I also argue to the people who say this, that the whole point for some people in taking a gap year is to find new people to socialise and interact with. The people you will randomly meet, whether they be in a backpackers group, volunteering, at a bar, at a new job or even in places in your own town that you usually wouldn't go to, will become your friends eventually.

However, I do understand that some people do regret taking a gap year due to feeling too lonely, directionless and in conclusion find it pointless. To those people I kindly say; you didn't do it right. Many take a gap year without really knowing why, don't have complete funds for what they want to do or their plans change and take a new course.

My main advice is to create a plan and stick to it, knowing exactly where you're going, who with and how you're going to get there.

Myth #2: Gap years are only an excuse to delay responsibility

In hindsight, this common 'myth' really irkes me, and yes I use that word to demonstrate my truest frustration.

Many believe that taking a gap year means pulling a stop to all of your current responsibilities and work. I understand how people may think this, as some do decide that they aren't enjoying their current ventures and want to take a break from their daily routines.

However, it really depends on the individual. In my gap year, I took the opportunity to grab onto doing as much as i possibly could, in order to find out what i truly enjoyed.

This not only challenged me the most i’ve ever been challenged in my life mentally, emotionally and also physically. It made me reflect on my current life and where I really wanted to be.

The phrase, 'it is what you make it to be' strongly resonates with this. Your intentions, as to why you are taking a gap year, is most important.

My advice is to reflect on what you want for yourself without anybody else's input or opinion and i promise you will thrive and make the most out of your gap year experiences.

Myth #3: You'll decide against going to university after your gap year and all of your academic capabilities will disappear

For students, who are in between the decision of taking a gap year before university or applying for their first job, will hear this a lot.

Yet it just can't be further from the truth.

In fact, many people report that their gap year inspired them and helped them find out exactly what they want to do in their futures. A lot of high school students also apply for university at the end of high school to confirm a place and continue in higher education after the year is over. A common misconception is that these individuals might discover a more adventurous side of life and forget all about academia.

Personally, in my gap year, I took this time to defer and actually prepare for my time in further education. I found that high school was a chaotic time and even by the time I had finished, I still wasn't aware of my academic capabilities and I hadn't learnt how to study effectively.

Therefore, I used this time to learn about what I was interested in; taking online courses, watching videos, talking to new people and I still gained new and further knowledge. Arguably better knowledge than I would've have learnt sat in a classroom yet that is another discussion entirely. The point is, this merely enhanced my academic performance in first year of university and as many others will say from experience it is crucial to a better understanding of the world as it is when stepping freshly out of school into adulthood.

Nevertheless, university still isn't for everyone and if you take the time out and figure out that it isn't meant for you, that is also perfectly fine too.

Especially in todays society, there are so many innovative ways into your chosen career path, you just have to learn which is best for you.

Myth #4: You need to be rich or ask your parents to fund your gap year

One misconception, and I cant believe how much I had heard this one in response to telling people i had taken a gap year, is that I had to be rich. In fact, I simply worked enough hours at my local Italian restaurant to save up for what was the best travelling experience of my life. You don't even need high expectations in your gap year, travelling might not be for you and you simply might want to take the time to earn that extra bit of cash working somewhere local.

Yet, it is misleading for me to give the impression on your gap year you won’t be hit by numerous amounts of reality checks...

After my gap year, I had a whole new mindset on money. I worked and took the time out, that i funded myself (the only things my parents paid for was the travel insurance, as they wanted to spend that little bit extra, so i would be safer) and I truly understood then, the expense of living; Meals out, extravagant activities and the humbling activity of money exchange, all hit me like a bus.

On a gap year, you are left to fend for yourself and actually, it opens you up into a whole other world where you experience true, raw adulthood for the first time, which I do believe is essential before any further education or career.

Myth #5 That you have to travel in order to make the most of your gap year

Going to university, after my gap year I found so many others that decided to do the same.

I found that everyone's gap year experience was unique to their own personal experiences. Some travelled, some worked, some just continued with other hobbies and creative projects and some used the time to take care of their families.

Whatever you want to do, it is personal to you.

After I made the decision, I found myself scrolling endlessly on social media thinking to myself “what have i done, i don't have anything to actually do.”

This is just a poor reaction to having complete free time to myself. If you are someone who doesn't really take time for themselves and focuses more on others than you do your own life, a gap year is perfect for you.

Some of my absolute favourite moments of my gap year where the zip-lining, surfing and learning another language, but also they were the moments alone drinking coffee, walking my dog on the beach, watching the sunset and having the freedom on a random Tuesday afternoon to just do whatever I wanted.

If you want to find out more and read on, look at our blog post of; Top 10 Things you can do for exciting growth and adventure in your gap year

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