Pros and cons of gap years

Whilst on my gap year, I've had a chance to think of and experience the pros and cons of gap years. I have loved doing this gap year and I don't regret it at all. However, different people have different experiences of it and it's not for everyone. Many people see a gap year as a year between school and uni, but could also be a break between school and work and other things. 

Pros

Experience new things:

This year has allowed me to do many different things that I not have had the chance to do if I went straight to uni. Some examples include being involved in big worship events and having a retreat in the Lake District. 

Last big break:

Many people take a gap year as the last chance they will have to have a big break or holiday from school or work. This becomes difficult when you start working. 

Save money:

If you are taking a gap year in order to work, it can be a great way to save money. 

Work experience:

I have taken my gap year partially to get more experience. This is the case for many jobs, and can also let you try out jobs before you commit to it in a full time job or at uni. 

Meet new people:

I've met some incredible people on my gap year who I wouldn't of met if I went straight to uni. 

Practical learning:

I have found this year a great way to learn practical things such as how to do different things living away from parents. It also allows you to do this without the pressure of uni. 

Plan future:

My gap year has defiantly been a chance for me to have a break from education and have a think about what I actually want to do in the future. If I didn't take a gap year, I would have gone straight to uni to do maths. This year has given me a chance to think about it and change my mind. 

Cons

Hard to get back into education:

If you are planning to go to uni after your gap year, it can be hard to focus again and get back into the rhythm of education. This wasn't an issue for me because I did a level 3 qualification over the year. Some people start studying for their new uni course or retake exams over their gap year. 

Expensive:

As well as having a gap year being a good way to save money, it can also be expensive. Many people travel during their gap year, which can be extremely expensive. I did a gap year programme with a charity in the UK which was also expensive. Some people work for half the year then travel for the second half. This is a great way to save money and be able to travel. 

Year behind:

A gap year means that you will be a year younger than other people in your year if you go to uni. Quite a lot of people take a gap year so people are generally different ages, but this isn't an issue for most people. 

Stressful to plan:

In order to make sure that people don't get to the end of their gap year and feel like it was a waste of time, many people plan what they will do. The plans can range from working, volunteering and traveling. Planning this can be very stressful.