When it comes to life after high school, many people have no clue what they’re going to do. Most people go to college, but others may choose a different path.

Gap years are pretty standard amongst people who aren’t quite sure what they want to pursue in life. There are many reasons someone might take a gap year. Some people might choose to take a gap year for financial reasons. Working for a year allows students to save up enough to pay for tuition and not come out the other end drowning in debt. Others may choose to spend a year traveling and exploring the world. Even so, gap years come with their downsides and benefits and this story will list some of the pros and cons of gap years and see if they are actually worth it.

Gap years can be beneficial when it comes to gaining real-life experiences. Instead of going straight to college after high school, taking a year to gain experience can be very helpful. It also gives students more time to figure out what they would want to go to school for. 

“Students use the time to volunteer, work or take on an internship to figure out what they are passionate about and what they want to get out of their future careers,” said Mary Giunta, College and Career Counselor for Affton High School.

Other students like to spend their gap year doing something a little more fun, like traveling. Traveling the world and exploring new places has become very popular amongst people who decide to take a gap year. Traveling provides real-world experiences and life skills that you can’t learn while sitting in a classroom.

Although taking a gap year can be valuable, it does have its cons. A significant factor that people consider before taking a gap year is the possibility of a loss of academic momentum. By taking a year off of school, students are at risk of forgetting crucial skills they learned in school and getting out of the rhythm of going to school. It can be difficult to get back in the swing of things and the routine of going to school.  Another big drawback is the need for more time. By taking a year off, students will graduate a year late and fall behind their peers, which can be unappealing for some.

Gap years can also affect people’s probability of finding a job. Michelle O’Donnell, who has a blog about gap years and traveling writes that “Unfortunately, if a person has too much time off from their studies or work, it can put employers off. They normally prefer to hire people that seem more “together” and have recent work experience as it makes you seem more professional.” Through the eyes of many corporations, gap years can be very off-putting during the hiring process, leading to less success in the hunt for a job. 

Overall, gap years can be great ways to explore the world while taking time to decide which direction you want your life to take. They do have their disadvantages but ultimately are a good path to take if you are unsure about life after high school.