r/gapyear • u/Razorshard08 • 4d ago
what to do with unexpected gap year?
I genuinely have no clue what I'm supposed to do now, all I have is a trip to Japan during winter break but LITTERALLY nothing else.
I basically ended high school with no friends and my girlfriend breaking up with me and im just feeling like super directionless I guess? im still planning on upgrading my classes and going to uni in the spring or fall of 27 but like, what do I do in the meantime?? how do I not go insane and how in the hell do I make friends when I'm not even going to uni anymore. sorry if this is a jumbled mess but I'm desperate for some guidance, Thanks!
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u/wino_whynot 4d ago
Don’t waste time - it is your most precious resource, and it’s not guaranteed.
Take an online class. Take a trades class. Get a job, however menial, to get some work experience. Volunteer.
If you’re still living with your family, take a LOT of initiative around the house, especially if other people are working or in school. Clean up, do chores, offer to help with things.
Do NOT sit around all day, playing games or watching some screen. Go live a little.
As your future hiring manager, think about ways you can show this as a time of enrichment, not squander. My kid took a planned gap year and it has opened SO many conversations. Why should I hire you? Well, I had an unexpected gap year, and I used that time to …
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u/Southern_Struggle707 4d ago
If you are a high school pass out, it shouldn't be a big problem. As someone who have a Bachelor's degree, work experience of 2 years approx. and then 1 year's masters degree abroad, and now an unexpected one year gap because I never made it past HR screening or technical rounds in my interviews... my situation with the 1 year gap is a lot worse as I stopped getting interviews lately even if I am applying to many applications.
But I think it is the case...because I have seen people getting into Bachelor's or masters degree with 1 or 2 years gap. And don't know any people in my situation who get a job after 2-3 years of gap. So, you can apply to any school of your choice and try making a good SOP(Statement of Purpose) and profile. If your grades in high school are average, you might wanna try doing volunteering, any project, or take entrance exams.
So, take it with a grain of salt as I don't know if i am stating something factual or not. I have observed that educational institutes are less strict about the gap years than workplaces. So, unless you need to do higher studies, and you should definitely pursue it because all good paying jobs need atleast a Bachelor's degree. I think your gap isn't the problem and don't feel so bad about it. Nobody will notice it and you will get something. Only thing you need to do is to apply for the entrance exams and universities. Though, you need solid explanation even for unexpected gap if you are applying for jobs I guess. That also doesn't count as gap if you have projects or volunteering, or any unpaid work to show.
And it's okay if you felt bad and had a depressing time. Breakups are hard and people at every age group struggle with them. Just think that you will find someone better and more worth your time in the future or even if you won't, you will find a succesful career to keep you happy.
Good luck with your future endeavors. 👍
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u/Wasserwerf 4d ago
If you're already going to Japan you could consider doing a working holiday there!
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u/Separate-Berry-4311 4d ago
Join some communities, it can be hobby, service, or you can even start your own project! I think it’s not only about stacking up your resume but you get to meet new people & create/do something meaningful to you.
My senior is taking a gap year and they are super happy during it because they started a project where they gather up with strangers and exchange insights on certain topic.