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What is it I will gain
from these
experiences?
What are my reasons for stepping out? Are they
personal? For a greater good? Related to my career
goals? Because
I’m tired of school? Because I want to try
something new
and different?
Begin by thinking through your
reasons. Write
them down. Talk to friends and family.
Let them sit
for
a while. But make sure that you understand them.
Once you
have a better idea of why you want to step out, you can proceed to the
when, where, how, and what of it.
If you are unsure why you want
to take time
off, or perhaps want more motivation and ideas,
read on below!
SUMMING IT ALL UP:
In
case you don't want to take the time
to open all
the pages listed above, here is a quick summary:
- Stepping out
gives you a dose of perspective, coupled with better
understanding of yourself and greater self-confidence.
The
opportunity to be on your own, take responsibility for your choices,
and do something new leads to more maturity and personal
growth.
- A common
misconception is that taking time off will ruin your chances to go to
college or get a job.
Not true; so not
true,
in fact, that universities such as Princeton and Harvard ask in their
acceptance letters if students wish to defer a year.
They see that students coming in after a year off
are entering with more maturity and direction. Having some
work
experience can also give you an edge when applying for jobs.
(i.e. should I hire person A who has been in school the last
16
years, or person B who, in addition to school, has some previous
experience in business?)
- Taking time off is a way to "make
the mistakes
when they
don't really count" (as one student who took time off
explained). Maybe you need to grow up, maybe you
want
to figure out what it is you want to study, maybe you're just burnt
out. Instead of floating through school trying to figure all
this
out while footing a $4000-$40,000 bill each year, do so before going to
college. Or do it during college if you find yourself unsure as to
why
you are there.
- Stepping out is a way to avoid burning out. As the Dean of Admissions for Harvard, William Fitzsimmons, points out: “Many of us are concerned that the pressures on today’s students seem
far more intense than those placed on previous generations. College
admission-the chance to position oneself for “success” through the
acquisition of the “right” college degree-looms large for increasing
numbers of students…….We want to do everything possible to help the
students we enroll make the most of their opportunities, avoiding the
much-reported “burnout” phenomenon that can keep them from reaching
their full potential.”
- Stepping out is a way to give back.
Maybe you
realize that as a young person, while
you may
not have money to give, you can give your time. Stepping out
can
be time spent giving back, volunteering for a social or
environmental organization. You can learn more about yourself
while doing
something for the greater good at the same time.
- In summary, stepping out gives
you the opportunity to try out and try on your different
passions.
Disclaimer: While this is a website
advocating for
taking
time off school, it may not be the right choice for you. You
can
get an amazing education and be 100% ready to enter the real world
without ever having taking time off school. Decide what is
right for you.
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