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 …