28 May 2020

Some parents have a pretty gnarly aversion to the whole idea of gap years. And they have a lot to say when it comes to it.

Here are three all-too common reasons why your 'rents may not be so keen on you taking a 'year off'. Hopefully, these opinions will enlighten you with some perspective so you can skillfully object their arguments ;).

 

1. "A gap year is a waste of time and money"

This could not be further from the truth.

Gap years aren't necessarily a year off. During this time, you're figuring out what you want to pursue and how you want to get there whilst working out who you are. You might spend it working, doing short courses and of course, travelling. Not gonna lie, you're 'finding yourself' but that sounds a little too cliche, I know, but gap years really do subconsciously shape and transform you.

But, your 'rents may not see it that way. I mean, whilst you're galivanting across the globe or hitting up the beach on your rostered days off, your peers are taking tangible steps towards their careers.

In most cases, your parents are wondering why would you prolong that process. Not to mention, they're probably thinking that travelling costs quite a bit too. 

The thing is, gap years are anything but a waste. I took a gap year and worked for six months then travelled for the other six. I then applied to a film school and was told that I was prioritised over other candidates because I'd taken a year off. Not to mention, gap years also help employability as you're seen as a little more worldly, mature and have shown the initiative that you have worked on yourself.

And if your parents hit you with the expensive card, bring up the fact that a gap year doesn’t have to be expensive to be life-changing. The most important part of a gap year is having the courage to step off the traditional path.

2. "You won't go and study after your gap year"

Whether you're about to graduate or deferred your place at uni, your parents may be anxious that you're considering (what seems like to them) the choice of living in some straw hut in a foreign land for the rest of your life never wanting to return home... well, not quite. But to be less dramatic, they may see taking a year off as sucking motivation out of you to want to keep studying. 

The ironic thing is, for the most part, taking a gap year actually fuels ones drive to keep studying and keep learning more about the world. A gap year gives academic motivation to those who feel burnt out after high school while at the same time allowing someone to enter uni with a wealth of real world experiences.

But god forbid you realise that you don't want to even go to university, right... *rolls my eyes*. There are so many other post-school options that may be better suited for you after a year of reflection, so don't fret.

3. "You'll fall behind academically"

Working, travelling or hitting up the beach every day you can - either way, your parents may think that time spent away from studying will make you fall behind your peers. In most cases, they argue you'll go back to studying and be disadvantaged because you may have forgotten how to learn or retain knowledge (ridiculous, I know).

Students who take gap years actually often thrive once they get back to an academic setting, and universities, like my film school, obviously have noticed that those who take a gap year end up doing better than their non-gap year classmates.

Students return to the classroom reenergized and eager to learn. This can probably be attributed to the experiential learning that defines many gap years. 

Just remember that your parents want what's best for you, but that doesn't mean they are always right. Be open about why you want a gap year, listen to their perspective and encourage them that time off is super beneficial. Heck, even show them this article if they really won't budge.