Leap of Faith

Your career path doesn't always have to be a straight line. If you're considering taking a year off, here are a few things you should consider when planning a productive and fulfilling gap year

- Emmilyn Yeoh

As your time at high school or college comes to an end, the transition to college, university, or the workforce can bring about a mixed bag of emotions. The mentality of working hard and taking fewer breaks has been deep-rooted in our Asian culture, and there is the perception of being viewed negatively if you decide to take an adventurous time-out after years of education. However, it has become increasingly clear in recent years that there are no “right” or “wrong” career moves.

Friends and family may not fully understand the benefits of a gap year, but every choice comes with an opportunity. By delaying your entry to university, you can take a well-deserved break and dabble in other interests, which in turn can help you feel refreshed and energised when you return to pursue your dreams.

Gap years don’t hurt your résumé, but what you do matters. Here are some things you can do to ensure you have a productive gap year.

EXPAND YOUR CULTURAL VIEW