u/Dull-Jury-6629

I am planning on taking a gap year. I just graduated high school and have no clue what to do with my life. I have no clear career goals, so I figured a gap year would be nice to keep the pressure off of me. I heard from other people that taking a gap year can be difficult because when it’s over, you’ll be 1 year behind in everyone, you might not be as motivated to go to college, etc. I am curious to know if you had any mental challenges after a gap year and how it affected you.

I am planning to take a gap year but I am still doubting it because I feel like it might be a little difficult to find motivation to go to college. How did you experience life after a gap year? You’re behind on all your friends and how did you handle it all? Curious to know

I am 17 about to turn 18 and I just graduated high school. I have 2 options, take a gap year or go to college. My gap year would involve working and traveling. The thing is my heart says I should send it and chase my dreams because tomorrow is never promised. My mind says to study and work when I’m done. The thing is I am interested in finance but I wouldn’t see myself working such jobs. I want to take the year off to really know who I am and what I want. I want to know what my dream career is because it’s not an office job. But I’m still doubting whether I should or shouldn’t do it. My parents prefer me to go study, all my friends are going to college, I will be behind 1 or 2 years compared to my fellow high school graduates, and so on. There is plenty of downsides of a gap year. I want to ask your help because mentally I am a little stuck. Should I or not?