Young people in modern society have a tendency to take a gap year before tertiary education starts. While I believe there are certain benefits to this trend, such as real-life experience being widely open and career orientation, it also presents some challenges to teenagers.
On the one hand, having a year traveling or working before university provides valuable insights into self-development and career defining. Being able to independently tour around is synonymous with the ability to cope with hardships, after which people may develop their life skills, including perseverance and determination. Besides, working or traveling after teenage offers a variety of lessons that can not be acquired through schools, which lays the foundation for their university and career path in the future. Furthermore, when taking a gap year, people may have a chance to reflect on themselves and discover their potential talent as well as personal liking. This is of great importance for those who have yet decided on their major, as it would help them define their career path better. In short, sabbatical time is definitely advantageous for self-development.
On the other hand, a gap year may engender a considerable number of obstacles for teenagers, such as demotivation and financial constraints. Choosing not to go to university after high school may leave many students with a feeling of lagging behind their peers, which consequently demotivate them from further academic options. A year off could also be challenging to get back into the swing of things, as study habits and learning abilities may deteriorate in such a long period. Another vital disadvantage of a gap year is its expenses. Working during a gap year may bring people money, but that may be nothing compared to the amount of money spent on traveling and experiencing new things. This is particularly true for students graduating from high school, because if they do not act budget wise, the possibility of getting into a financial breakdown is high.
In conclusion, having a gap year can bring both advantages and drawbacks. It is of utmost importance for young people to consider carefully before making a decision.