Taking A Year Off After High School

[fabz]

Lets start a debate with affirmative and negative points

Would you reccommend it?

[[Ned]]

I took a year off after highschool. That eventually lead to a 2nd year. Then a 3rd...... I graduated HS in 97, and I'm still working on my college diploma. I hope this helps.

With that being said I've been working full time the past 7 years. School was put on the backburner on a part time basis (night classes).

[MadCow]

There's not much to debate.

If you don't qualify for loans/OSAP and/or want to pay for your education yourself, then go ahead and take the year off to work and save up.

If you have the money and resources to go to school right away, and you want to go to school right away, then go to school.

[konfusion666]

IMO, if you're taking a year off to "find yourself", doing it after high school is the wrong time.

I find that people just aren't mature enough after high school to figure anything out. End result is a lot of wasted time.

After finishing university on the other hand... I think that's a great time to take a year off.

[najibs]

I'd recommend taking a year off if you're not totally sure what you want to do in life, otherwise if you have even a rough idea, I'd say not to take a year off. A year is a long long time.

[UrbanPoet]

dont do it... Even if u want some time to relax and figure things out you could always join an undecided degree program and take a lighter course load. This way you wont be totally wasting your time.

[[Ned]]

I think taking a year off is ok if you really are committed to going back to school after the one year. Not everyone can do it though.

[YnD]

If you're completely confused to what you want to do and your able to get an OK fulltime job (anything not fast food) then it may be worth. Otherwise your just waisting a year.

[dealguy2]

Sure helped me decide that I did indeed want to go to school and do something other than menial jobs. A year is nothing. At your age it seems like forever but as you get older a year feels like nothing. Just do something cool like go to Australia or teach english in Japan. Don't stay here and do some stupid McJob, you have the rest of your life for that crap.

[BadDrafter]

Unless you are going backpacking in some distant country, don't do it.

I double the warning if you come from a low income family.

[fabz]

Sure helped me decide that I did indeed want to go to school and do something other than menial jobs. A year is nothing. At your age it seems like forever but as you get older a year feels like nothing.

LOL

[fabz]

i dunno da whole thing is just overwhelmin i really am not sure if wat im going for is wat i reaaaaally wanna do

[dealguy2]

I can't stress my point enough. GET OUT OF DODGE FOR A WHILE. Do something that you will not be able to do again until you're at least 55 years old. Take the opportunity now before you start to build a career, a family and all that crap. Go overseas or something.

[Tiberius]

For 90% of people... it's a BAD idea...

Keep the momentum going in your life... you are in the learning and formative years... keep growing and learning and working towards a goal. Don't minimize the value of the life experience, friends, etc. that you will have in your college/university years. Honestly, high school is but a warm-up where you learn some basics of life... college or university is where you start to truly become an adult (for better or for worse... you learn a lot through mistakes and frivilous abuse of your newfound freedom).

Going to classes and passing tests so you can graduate is only part of the college/university experience. Delaying it means delaying your growth as a person... and the momentum loss can be - and often is - permanent!

Just my 2 cents... obviously there are some people for whom delaying or skipping post-secondary education works. They are usually people who really have a strong sense of purpose and direction in what they are going to be doing with their time though... not people who are lacking motivation and direction and are just hoping it will jump out and grab them.

Having said that... if you are truly clueless about what to do or take in post-secondary education... you risk going and flunking out due to a lack of focus and purpose there... so... I'm assuming you can decide on a post-secondary educational path - and the question is simply whether to delay going to school for a year.

[BadDrafter]

Delaying it means delaying your growth as a person... and the momentum loss can be - and often is - permanent!

Maybe 20 years ago or so a post secondary education wasn't the requirement that it is these days, but things have changed....... for the worse.

I learned firsthand how the disenfranchised live. Getting kicked about for a few years was not fun at all. Then I got an education, a college diploma. Soon I will be going back to get even further education. I am 24 right now so I am a little biased towards education.

If you have a strong family to go back to, there is nothing wrong with taking a year off. I know a few people who did that and survived, just know that you are playing with fire. Don't be surprised if you get burned. If you must 'get the hell out of dodge' go to a university away from your home town and leave it that.

[Thai]

Don't do it. Real bad idea. Everyone I knew that took time off after HS, they still are.

[dealguy2]

Indeed you need to get an education at some point but if you aren't sure what you want to do yet then getting one now could be a huge mistake. Look at all the people with arts degrees and nothing to show for it. Trust me man you've got lots of time for work and family, take a year and live but don't just do something stupid. Do something you'll talk about for the rest of your life. Life's really short trust me. I've seen guys work all their life and die on their front lawn 5 days before retirement.

[beerbaron105]

i highly recommend it

i didnt know what i wanted as highschool ended, so i took a year off, worked construction, saved enough money to buy a car and pay for college cash money - deciding that law enforcement was the right road for me, now i am a graduate of college and on my way to becoming a police officer.

[fabz]

i highly recommend it

i didnt know what i wanted as highschool ended, so i took a year off, worked construction, saved enough money to buy a car and pay for college cash money - deciding that law enforcement was the right road for me, now i am a graduate of college and on my way to becoming a police officer.

success story

[Evil Techie]

it just depends on each individual

some really benefit from taking a break and then go for it full force after the year of break and go into university and work ur way thru it asap

or u can take it slow and jsut dont take a break

it all depends on your mental conditions and how determined you are i think

some ppl get lazy after taking a break and dont want to go to school afterwards, some are able to control themselves better and still work hard at school after a year of break

i have a friend, he took a year off after highschool, went to BCIT after that year and finished it in 2 or 3 years graduating the top of his class and started working, making good money when im still in school.

we both started post-secondary the same time, he is now promoted to manager for a big software company and im still digging thru university

so like i said, depends on people

[xwar]

I wouldn't recommended it, 1 year is a long time, it's hard enough for people to get good jobs nowadays, it's a year that could be used to find that special job.

[Tijuana]

you have to remebr that mentally you are used to going to school after teh summer, you can really mess up your cycle and your learnign habits. Its best just to go through the whole education as fast as possible without any interuptions.

[cmge]

i took a year off coz i wanst sure what i wanted... then i tried to juggle school and work together and guess which one suffered... took 2 years of univerisity, 1 year off to get more money since i can never get approved for OSAP.. and now im going back to school full time no more work.. >_<

[jason9945]

If you're completely confused to what you want to do and your able to get an OK fulltime job (anything not fast food) then it may be worth. Otherwise your just waisting a year.
I took the past year off. Now i'm all ready to go back to school. Got my osap ready and i'm to learn...

Taking the year off encouraged me to go to schoo, especially since my co-worker took a year off after school and its been 6 years and has not gone back, he was a big help, mostly by limiting how much money i make. If I got a good job I would not have went back to school.

[Casper]

YES.
take the year and travel. Work your way around europe....whatever.
Gives you perspective that school never will. Who knows, you may find out what you want to do with your life :cheesygri

[vasilli]

I completely agree w/ konfusion666. Don't do it. Go to university (or college) first. Then if you really feel like it, take a year off.

Tell us, why do you wanna take a year off? What were you thinking of doing? You don't yet have any money to do anything fun (travel, for example). You can't really work b/c you have no education ($10/hr job @ McDonald's doesn't count). So really, you'll be wasting a lot of time.

Stay in school. Besides, after the assignment and exams are done, university is much fun!

[Handa]

Lets start a debate with affirmative and negative points

Would you reccommend it?

DEFINITELY

I was pressured into going into University, and wasted my first year... I guarantee if I would have taken more time to research programs at other schools and the benefits and drawbacks of taking a certain program I would have not wasted 6000 dollars and not wasted a year of my life. An extra year of maturing would have been key.

Also I could have worked for a year in order to kickstart my education payments. I'm already finding myself behind 2 payments and I'm going into my last year. An extra year's worth of money would have been perfect.

I want to go to my old highschool and ask the principal if I could give a talk on taking a year off because I was so for it. Although I'm sure parents wouldn't appreciate the school sanctioning a meeting in which their sons/daughters are encouraged to take a year off.

These days kids are pressured into going into University/College right after High School, but most of them aren't even 18... I went into Uni at 19 and I still feel like that was too early.

[Handa]

I completely agree w/ konfusion666. Don't do it. Go to university (or college) first. Then if you really feel like it, take a year off.

Tell us, why do you wanna take a year off? What were you thinking of doing? You don't yet have any money to do anything fun (travel, for example). You can't really work b/c you have no education ($10/hr job @ McDonald's doesn't count). So really, you'll be wasting a lot of time.

Stay in school. Besides, after the assignment and exams are done, university is much fun!

What's the rush? Why not take your time to find a degree/program that you really like and that you will really benefit from in your life?

Almost 90% of the people I go to school with and friends and family all say 'I never used my degree for much...' or 'My job is completely irrelevant to what my degree is'.

Think things out, don't rush... this is your life we're talking about, not some shopping spree where you have to spend all your money at once.

[konfusion666]

Almost 90% of the people I go to school with and friends and family all say 'I never used my degree for much...' or 'My job is completely irrelevant to what my degree is'.

Oh, that's just all degrees in general. ;)

Unless it's for a "professional" program such as Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry, Architecture... IMO the vast majority of "liberal arts & sciences degrees" are meant to provide an academic background to an individual, and provide him/her with a core of skills such as critical thinking, research skills, blahblahblah ;) ... it's normal, and I think it's a great thing.

[bionicbadger]

Unless you are going backpacking in some distant country, don't do it.


If you want to do that, wait a couple years until you are at least 21. It makes a big difference in some countries as to what you are able to do.

[SLOGAN]

Take time off, secondary school is so overrated. Decide what you want to do. There is too much pressure from society that you need to be well schooled or you're facked. All you need is some motivation and a good work ethic. You can't teach that stuff in school.

I took a year off, went to college because I felt I had to. Got bored really quickly, finished the year, started work at a company on the bottom end. Two years later I was promoted. I'm 23 and I wouldn't have it any other way because I really enjoy my job and I know that I can continue to progress up the latter in the company and as an individual.

You can grow as an individual outside of the classroom. I know too many of my friends that went to school for something and when finished didn't even work in that field and ended up in some low paying job and not happy. That or continue being a full time student hoping that some day it'll all pay off, but realistically wasting 10 years of their life. That's far more pathetic.

[CodecX81]

Taking time off after highschool? I did it but I do not recommend it.

I piddled around trying to get certs out of the adult learning centre, ultimately it did not do anything for me and I ended up fastracking through TriOS to catch up with my peers, losing out on the whole college scene and paying a buttload for it.

Luckily, theres much better alternatives nowadays for IT schooling.. but still..

By the end of highschool, you should know what you are able to apply yourself to. College, University or Trade.. You should do something that will make something of yourself. I suggest taking time off after post-secondary education before you begin your career. Chances are you'll be a little more financially stable after growing up a couple more years, and if you decide to travel to other places, you can tell people what you are.. you never know what social networking can open up for you!

[vasilli]

Why not take your time to find a degree/program that you really like and that you will really benefit from in your life?

You have a YEAR of Googling programs, talking with parents, friends, and councelors to choose the right program. No need to take a year OFF for this.

It would greatly help if you (the guy who asked the question) would tell us YOUR thoughts on this. Why did you ask the quetsion? What do you have in mind? Perhaps we can help you better if we know what you're thinking.

[raptorfan]

going on 39 and still am taking a year off.. ;) I regret it still. Tried going as a mature student, but $ and being away from the routine of school, it just kept getting put off and now 2 kids & a husband later after working a ton of crappy jobs (good one now) it doesn't look like it will happen. Do your college or univ, take a general course the first year if you're not sure. Travel after univ before settling down to a career/family, i agree you're at a better age then. Just my 2 cents based on my experience.. Depends what kind of person you are, if you really will resume your education after a year. I'm a procrasintor big time (obviously!) so it was a bad call on my part.

[zoomzoom]

I say take a year off and go and travel the world and see what it has to offer - some stuff, you just can't get from sitting in a classroom. Unless you end up winning the lottery or something later on in life, this is going to be the only opportunity you have to do this.

[DaVibe]

This may sound crazy, but I wouldn't do it if you live in Toronto (or a big city for that matter) ...

I think taking a year off for relaxation, "finding yourself" or just making more money is great, but in a large city like Toronto, you'll never "find yourself" and end up wasting more time for no reason.

Do something great over the summer holidays, plan a vacation like never before, go somewhere far. Otherwise, I just think you'll get lost for no reason and it is not worth it.

On the flipside, I didn't "take a year off" but I took a lesser load and took an extra year ... Grade 12 and 12+ and THAT to me was very much worth it. I DID learn a lot because my mind and social life was still active.

[poorwingman]

I say take a year off and go and travel the world and see what it has to offer - some stuff, you just can't get from sitting in a classroom. Unless you end up winning the lottery or something later on in life, this is going to be the only opportunity you have to do this.

not necessarily.

imo, i think it's a lot more normal to take a year off after undergrad than it is to do it after high school

edit: i realise uni isn't for everyone. but i think it's important to do something after high school whether it's trade school, college or uni

[konfusion666]

imo, i think it's a lot more normal to take a year off after undergrad than it is to do it after high school

nowadays, there's not just the "normal" issue, but the fact that at the age of 19 you are severely limited by the amount of things you can do in foreign countries.

being 18 helps, but someone earlier in the thread mentioned 21 as the age in which you lose all restrictions in certain countries. this is a more compelling reason to do your "year off" after you finish Uni rather than before you enter.

[clarabeara]

My suggestion:

Go to school while you're still kind of in study mode, get all your lower levels out of the way. Even if you don't know what you're going to do, at least you'll have those done.

Take a year or two off in the middle of your post-sec career (if you still need it), then come back and finish off degree.

It's much harder to get started late than to continue on what you already started. And this way you can do both!

[beerbaron105]

i highly recommend it

i didnt know what i wanted as highschool ended, so i took a year off, worked construction, saved enough money to buy a car and pay for college cash money - deciding that law enforcement was the right road for me, now i am a graduate of college and on my way to becoming a police officer.


i also wanted to add that working a year of construction made me realize how much i wanted to further my education and do something better in life then work a dirty hard physical job - just to seperate from the people saying once you start work full time you wont go back to school - it was a motivational tool to work harder.

[demha88]

I thought "finding youself" only happened in the movies.

[Sgt_Strider]

I know a couple of people who took a year off from post-secondary. It has now end up being three to four years. I don't think they have any reason or motivation to go back now. They're currently 23 right now and although they say they are interested to go back, I'm convinced they aren't.

[fabz]

the thing is right now im just not motivated

and i think that may lead me to the wrong path

[poppa]

If you really are unsure about yourself and you think that you may do some soul searching to find out who you are, TAKE A YEAR OFF THEN. I did it, then went to Uni. Honestly, I wasn't ready to go after 4 years of high school. I felt that the only reason I wanted to go was to be like everyone else (my friends) around me. I definitely chose a different path as opposed to what I was going to do a year before. As of now, I believe I made the right choice.

[fabz]

If you really are unsure about yourself and you think that you may do some soul searching to find out who you are, TAKE A YEAR OFF THEN. I did it, then went to Uni. Honestly, I wasn't ready to go after 4 years of high school. I felt that the only reason I wanted to go was to be like everyone else (my friends) around me. I definitely chose a different path as opposed to what I was going to do a year before. As of now, I believe I made the right choice.

high school-to-university transition is so damm overwhelming and you're right about that wanting to do it cuz everyone else is. i also kinda chose my university based on dat now im really reconsiderin.

[fabz]

but truly and truly everyones gonna think im a slacker....i had such a bright future in everyones eyes

[poppa]

but truly and truly everyones gonna think im a slacker....i had such a bright future in everyones eyes

It's your life, they shouldn't be making your decisions.

[fabz]

dats wat i tell myself :cheesygri

[raptorfan]

but truly and truly everyones gonna think im a slacker....i had such a bright future in everyones eyes

change "had" to "have" for starters.sometimes people don't see their own potential...if there's a bunch of people telling you that you have a bright future then they are looking out for your best interests i would think..don't focus on the negative you think they may think about you, listen to the positives and use that to motivate you. You don't have to know what you're doing with your life right now, but lay the foundations that will lead you in a successful direction whatever you choose. Not everyone knows what they want to be since they were a little kid and you don't magically wake up one day and know the answer, so don't stress over that. As someone mentioned, school is alot more than studying and exams. Good luck with your decision!

[jjj3663]

do it ONLY if you know you won't slack off and be a potato couch. use your time wisely like work p/t or f/t or taking of-interest leisure courseswhile thinking of what you what to do.

don't forget, you will eventually have to make up your mind about goin' back to school or work. it's not a year for you to get away from the problem.

[adehbone]

kids are graduating at 17, these days coming into university and feeling overwhelmed.......if you really think you need to take a year off do it.......a good break before university is fine...and when your 18 your mind matures, so you wont go out drinking/partying every nite....and you understand how important university is...and being disclipned....

alot of ppl are not ready for university when they are 17, they bomb 1 or 2 years, and then excel...why not mature before you bomb 1st year?

i really dont get why ppl think its a waste of time.....your 17 you have 50 yrs! to build a career...1 yr wont hurt

on the other hand...my friends who were mature and academicly smart..when they were 17, are gonna be dentists and lawyers when they are 23-25.....which is a nice time to begin your career...

go with your gut feeling

[adehbone]

but truly and truly everyones gonna think im a slacker....i had such a bright future in everyones eyes

omg...you need a year to relax and mature if you think like this...university is not a joke.....20-30k debt is not a joke......this is your life your choices..if you dont like it.....dont make them...you will regret it....and the morons who would think your a slacker.....are prolly jus jealous of your smarts

i recommend volunteering f/t or p/t for the industry you are interested in......or some other kind of volunteering...working at burger king for 8 months....isnt gonan help you mature much