Are you debating whether taking a gap year is worth it? Read this first! I’m sharing essential gap year pros and cons and some ideas to help you decide. I took a gap year after high school, which was very personally valuable. There are some drawbacks, but a little preparation goes a long way to make the most of a year off between school or other commitments.

For context: I dual-enrolled in 11th and 12th grade and took freshman-level college classes while simultaneously attending high school. As a result, I went straight into sophomore year when I returned to college after my gap year.

Gap years sometimes get a bad rap, and you’ll hear many stereotypes that people who take gap years are procrastinating their responsibilities or slacking off. There can be some truth to this, but it’s also true that gap years can be beneficial and positively impactful. Here are some gap year pros and cons to consider based on my own experience.

Pro: Working to save up money

Saving money is one of the most popular reasons people take gap years. I started working hourly jobs at 16 and had two part-time positions at different points throughout my gap year. This helped me save some spending money before starting college. While I could have worked more hours during my gap year, I wanted to maximize my time living at home (aka free—thanks, Mom and Dad!) and have a good work-life balance for traveling, hanging out with loved ones, and pursuing new hobbies.

Con: Feeling a step behind

This may be an isolated experience, so take it with a grain of salt, but there were times I felt out of touch with friends heading straight into college. While I had plenty of free time, my friends had classes, homework, projects, and sometimes work.

Taking a full year off of school was a blessing for which I’m so thankful—I just didn’t know anyone going through the same phase of life. Having someone to relate to in these niche life moments can help you feel not so alone in challenging times.

Pro: Prioritizing mental health

In the spirit of being transparent and open about something a lot of people go through: I started seeing a counselor during my gap year. Since my schedule was emptier than usual, I had much more downtime than I was comfortable with. I quickly learned I had a tendency to use school, internships, and work as a distraction from some aspects of my mental health that I was struggling with. Through counseling, I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and mild depression.

I don’t believe there should be a stigma around seeking help for your mental health concerns. With the help of medication, routine counseling sessions, and opening up to my close friends and family, my symptoms became significantly more manageable. Having access to these resources is something I don’t take for granted, and I’m glad I took advantage of them in my newfound free time. It was uncomfortable at times, but reaching out for help was incredibly positive overall.

Con: Getting back in the groove of going to school

Adjusting to college life can be challenging after a gap year. You’ll likely become comfortable setting your own schedule (to an extent) and having the flexibility to explore different opportunities. School can feel restrictive and limiting—to be fair, you must sacrifice some time for classwork.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in college, so getting used to the schedule and cadence of school again took a little bit of time. There was a learning curve, so give yourself some grace the first week or two of the semester.

Pro: Pursuing new interests

Throughout my gap year, I worked, participated in an internship, and explored and challenged myself in new areas of interest. I fell in love with backpacking and took several multi-day trips. I started a work-trade program at a local yoga studio, took tons of classes, and learned some new skills. I went on a cross-country road trip that deepened my love for travel. I started working at a rock climbing gym where I made lifelong friends, became a stronger climber, and had the rewarding opportunity to step into a management position. Overall, I learned what fulfills me and what I genuinely enjoy doing.

Pro: Having time to prepare for college

I enjoyed having a year to tour colleges and apply for scholarships. I ended up at what I consider the perfect school to start my college experience—I transferred after my first year but still had the best time. While there, I met one of my closest friends to this day and had some incredible experiences while living in a stunning area of North Georgia. I fondly look back on those days and am so grateful for every second of them!

What are your thoughts on taking a gap year? I’d love to hear your thoughts and how you spent your gap year!