Some feel that if a student decides to take a gap-year it is better to work than to travel. I am generally in agreement with this proposition as it will better prepare individuals to choose a university major.
Those who argue in favor of travel contend that after school, individuals may be too busy to travel for an extended period. Graduates must typically either begin applying for graduate school or for positions in the workforce. Once a person has a job, they will then only have limited time for holidays, most of which they are likely to spend with family. This is why many high school graduates take advantage of the freedom before university to explore exotic destinations that require long flights like countries in Southeast Asia and South America.
However, there is immense value in work experience that can inform one’s future career choices. Most students are ill-equipped to make a career choice at the age of 18 and this is reflected in the number of graduates who switch jobs and never establish a career in their field of study. By working for a year, not only will students have a firmer understanding of the challenges of the typical workweek, but they might also gain perspective as to what kind of work they enjoy. For instance, a prospective film student who interns at a film studio may decide that they would prefer to work in a less stressful environment and subsequently change majors.
In conclusion, despite the singular opportunity to travel that a gap-year provides, it is more important to work and learn one’s career inclinations. There could naturally also be some balance between work and travel.