Is a Gap Year in Your Post-College Planning Regrettable?

The age-old debate continues: should you take a gap year after college to travel, explore, and recharge, or immediately dive into a career or further education? I am here to share my personal experience, which might help you navigate this decision.

My 7-Year Gap Year and the Regret

I took a 7-year gap year, and now as I look back, I wish I hadn't. Gap year decisions can be regrettable if you aren't careful. The world is tough, and every opportunity may not be available in the future. Tuition costs rise, and competition for employment increases. When you try to enter Master's or Doctorate programs, the one who took a year off might be at a disadvantage compared to the one who remained on track.

Is a Gap Year Always Justified?

Many post-college planning involves considering a gap year, especially if you are mentally or physically struggling. However, unless it's crucial for your health, I recommend making life changes and sticking with them. Life only gets tougher, and education and employment are much easier when you are younger.

My Personal Journey

My journey to PhD is a testament to both luck and the benefits of a gap year. Consumed by the intense experience of undergraduate studies, I was burnt out. There were many things I wanted to do, such as travel and explore new cultures. Financially, the cost of applying to graduate school and the GRE was a significant obstacle.

Strategizing My Gap Year

I decided to work overtime in various jobs for a couple of months, allowing me to save enough for a comfortable grad school application and extra funds for travel. Traveling for a few months not only helped me clear my head but also allowed me to visit graduate schools I intended to apply to. This interview process was beneficial as it gave me a clearer idea of what I wanted and professors noticed me, as I had traveled half across the globe to visit their labs.

Embracing a New Culture

The next phase involved moving to a new country where I lived with a family, helping them with their children. This experience allowed me to learn a new language and immerse myself in a new culture. It was a very relaxing period that helped me recharge.

Recommitting to My PhD

Returning to my PhD program, I started much more enthusiastic and well-rested than if I had gone directly. I felt determined and knowledgeable about the university environment. Plus, I had not only professors who were impressed by my visit but also an advisor who chose me because he was impressed by my enthusiasm and passion.

The Unforeseen Consequences

Despite the positive outcomes, I discovered some drawbacks. Initially, I thought my gap year had given me an advantage in admission, but it may not be the case for everyone. Some advisors or admission committees may frown upon a gap year, especially if it doesn't align with your field of study. After being admitted, my advisor also mentioned that he never read my CV or application properly, as he was more focused on our conversation about the gap year. This made me wonder if I would have been admitted if he had known about it.

The Final Verdict

In the end, I got admitted to my first-choice program on the last day of the application deadline, with a total of eight rejections from other choices. While it's possible that my gap year application might have appeared lazy, I believe it was ultimately a valuable experience that helped me grow.

Am I regretting my 7-year gap year? Not necessarily. Will I take another gap year in the future? Probably not. But at the end of the day, your decision should be based on your personal circumstances and needs, rather than societal pressures or expectations.

Conclusion

Life is unpredictable, and every opportunity comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you choose to take a gap year or not, the key is to make informed decisions that align with your goals and aspirations.