21 Dec 2019

There is no formula on how to have a bangin' gap year, because no two gap years are the same. 

We all want different things from a gap year. To have a break, to travel, to get a new job, to move out of home, to figure out what to do for the rest of our lives...

Things can go wrong, though. So perhaps by examining the most common gap year mistakes, we can ensure we have the grooviest gap year possible.

Doing too little

A trap for young players is treating a gap year as a year of rest and relaxation. I mean fair enough. You've copped an onslaught of studying, assessments and stress for years. It's time to chill!

But chilling gets boring after a while.

You're not learning anything new and you're not getting inspired or motivated (a feeling that should overwhelm you during your gap year). It's a pivotal time, where you're finally free of classroom constraints and can grip onto any lesson the world has to throw at you. That means getting a job, finding a hobby, risking it to get the biscuit! Reach out to likeminded people, make new friends, find out what you want to do with the rest of your life. Get inspired, get motivated and make some goddamn dreams a reality! 

Take some time to relax then jump into your gap year full throttle.

Doing too much

Agh, but then there is such a thing as doing too much.

I know I know, it seems like I'm contradicting myself. What I'm trying to say is: do as much as you can, but also give yourself time to breathe.

There is no point trying to simultaneously travel, work, volunteer, write a book, start a business, learn a language, join an orchestra.... AGH! Now I can't breathe, jeez. 

Life is about balance. Don't do too little, don't do too much. You'll know that perfect mid-point, as it'll just feel right.

Not having a plan

Not everything has to be set in stone, but having at least some goals and dreams from the gap year is a wise idea - even if they change. 

If you don't have a plan, you may just get stuck into a routine of vegging out on your parents' couch, watching the same movie on repeat or being stuck in a job you hate, feeling like you have to at least do something with your time.

Just having a general outline of the year can make or break it. It could be as simple as "work for 4 months, travel for 3 months, volunteer for 2 months and work for the last 3 months". Having something to work towards is a great mindset for your gap year.

Now, if you plan it out a little and make sure you do as much as you can whilst still having time to breathe, you'll have a bangin' gap year.