Last year I was facing a difficult decision. I had just finished high school and I wasn’t quite sure what to do with my life next. I knew I wanted to continue studying, but I wasn’t sure what I should study. So I made a decision – I would take a gap year, and see if it brings any clarity to future plans.
My year off is almost over – I’m starting university in October. And looking at it now, what then seemed like a risky jump into the unknown, now seems like one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Why?
For almost my whole life up until that point I have been a student. So to suddenly become someone who didn’t have any plans, any schedule, has opened my eyes to start looking at my life differently. I could do whatever I want with my time, go wherever I want.
So at first, I did what most people do on their gap year – I travelled. I had an opportunity to visit many European countries, and learn a bunch in the meantime. The people I met have changed my mindset, showing me a different way of living and doing things. Thanks to that now I worry less, I am more curious and willing to take the opportunities that come my way.
When I got back from my travels in October, I was quite lost. I had cleared my mind about what I wanted to study, but I couldn’t start university until later in the next year. So I figured I would find a job for a few months and save money for some more travels. The process of finding a job was quite challenging as well. It was my first time looking for a job in a big company. I ended up getting hired as a part of an IT Service Desk, and it has helped me to gain some experience in a real world and get some knowledge about IT.
The months have passed by, and I was ready to start travelling again, but then the pandemic has broken out. It was clear that travel would not be possible.I was lucky enough to be able to still work from home, and so I spend the first few months in a lockdown still working and trying to keep sane. It was a hard time for everyone but I managed to keep my head on my shoulders by making sure I keep in touch with friends online.
Still, I was eager to get out of the country as soon as the situation has calmed downed a bit. So as soon as the opportunity came to volunteer in Portugal, I didn’t have to think twice. And here I am, on the last adventure of my gap year. Since getting here I have become even more open to people, taking every opportunity to talk to strangers and get to know new people. I have made great friends, learned a few things about different and got to fall in love with a beautiful country (and it’s sweets!)
So to anyone who is considering taking a year-long break from school or from work -I would say go for it! It has it’s ups and downs, but you can only end up better at the end of it.
