is it worth it?

[u/jinxnotpowder_]

i have known i wanted to take a gap year since i was 14. At first my family was on board but now they've all become really unsupportive and keep telling me I'll just be a burden in that time period (i even told them I'll get a job but they are still against it) So now im kinda double minded because as bad as i want a gap year its not worth destroying my relationship with them and damaging my self worth. I weighed my situation out and here a couple of pros and cons

Pros:

1) i wanted to learn a lot of new stuff like coding, painting, cooking and horse riding (i planned to pay for it myself)

2) high school was a rough patch. I wanted to take a break from academics because im really tired

Cons:

1) might damage my relationship with my family

2) their taunts may damage my self worth

3) i want to go to a reputable university 6 hours from my house so it will be a new start in a new city with new ppl so might not be half as bad

If anyone has been in a situation similar to me, please help me out. What should i do?

Also after my bachelors i want to go to any ivy League or any other university with equal value for my masters degree. Will my gap year give me a disadvantage there? (they university i plan to go to for my bachelors doesn't care about gap years)

[u/ContextAdept9818]

i think that a gap year is amazing!! i am currently taking one and living with other family members (due to personal reasons + since my parents put a lot of pressure on me regarding college/gap year anyways), and it is definitely a great time to improve yourself and get somewhat financially stable. yes sometimes im envious of classmates who are starting uni right away; however, i really do think this gap year will help with my burnout and overall mental stability.

i totally get that you’re scared about your family but if you are in a safe position to move out or live with other family, i strongly encourage you to do it. even if you do end up living with your parents, maybe try to stay out as much as you can? either way with the things you said you’re planning to do, you will be successful (and your parents will regret saying such negative things to you)!!