It's The Question Worth A Million Dollars...
Or at the very least, a couple thousand. When is the perfect time to take a gap year? If you’re indecisive by nature, it’s a question that will make your skin crawl. And even if you’re a decision-maker, you’ll still wonder ‘what if?’
What if I go now and miss out on opportunities that may never come up again? What if I’ve done all I need to do, but now it’s too late? We’ll go over all of the benefits and reasons for taking a year off to travel at different stages of life, but spoiler alert: there is no perfect time so if you’re thinking about it, just bloody do it.
Why Not Straight Out Of High School?
There is no doubt that travelling on a gap year will allow you to experience new cultures, contribute to your personal growth, help you to develop life skills and teach you independence and maturity. With these new skills and experiences, you will be better prepared to tackle what comes next, whether that’s more study, work, or even more travel. So if leaping into the unknown sounds appealing to you, leap. Enjoy this moment and use it to be carefree and feed your curiosity. You won’t regret it.
After University?
Don’t underestimate the power of soft skills that so many people look for in potential candidates: open mindedness, time management, social skills, stress management and teamwork, to name a few. These are all strengths that come hand in hand with travelling to new, exciting places, stepping outside of your comfort zone and demonstrating a willingness to challenge yourself. All of these things will ultimately make you more attractive to employers and more valuable in the workplace.
So, don’t question whether taking a year off before entering the workforce is a smart decision, and certainly don’t worry about employers not taking you seriously because of it. Gaining a global perspective, reflecting on your strengths and working on yourself and the way you deal with those around you will make you that much more hirable in the long run. What have you got to lose?
After Working For A While?
How About When You Just Need A Change?
There Is No Perfect Time
So if you can’t stop thinking about it and any or all of the above arguments speak out to you, pack your bags. There’s a whole world out there waiting for you to explore it, and there are always going to be reasons to say no. Don’t miss out on an opportunity that could ultimately change your life just because you’re feeling pressured to stick to the status quo. Eat the food, watch the sunsets, meet the people and feel the feels.
If we haven’t already made it obvious enough, we think Australia is the perfect place to start exploring. We also know the perfect tour to set you up for your year-long (or longer) adventure.
