Why have a year out

Knowing what you want from your year out and having your priorities clear will help you select the right option for you. Common reasons to have a year out are:

• to travel and live abroad before launching into your “career”
• to “put something back” by dedicating yourself to an organisation or cause you are interested in
• to develop extra confidence and new skills
• to gain valuable knowledge and work experience in your field
• to research opportunities and make contacts in a specific country or field
• to buy yourself some time (but make sure you are not just putting off the inevitable!)

Your motivations and goals will be key in deciding what kinds of activities to undertake during your time away. Common options are:

• Get a job, for example a temporary full or part-time position 
• Volunteer
• Travel
• Study ─ perhaps a short or part-time course

Many people mix and match some or all of the above activities ─ perhaps working for a while to save up for travel which might be combined with overseas short-term work or a part-time course. Whatever taking time out means for you, focus on why you want to do it and what the potential benefits will be. 

An appointment with a careers adviser can help you assess what is best for you from the point of view of your career planning.