Taking a gap year before the next stage of your life, whether that’s further studies, a trade, or entering the workforce, or changing careers, can be an incredible opportunity. It’s a chance to stop and smell the roses, gain life experience, build valuable skills, or discover new passions. There are lots of ways you could choose to spend a gap year, but to help inspire you, here are just 5 meaningful ways you could make the most of yours.
Travel and volunteer abroad
Travelling to new places is one of the best ways to expand your world-view, especially when combined with volunteering. By helping in local communities with projects like teaching, wildlife conservation, or community development, you’re not only giving back but also gaining insight into other cultures and ways of life.
- What you’ll gain: Cultural awareness, language skills, adaptability, and new friendships from around the world.
- How to get started: Look into organisations that align with causes you care about. Some programs even offer extras like accommodation, which can be helpful if you’re on a budget. Organisations like Workaway, International Volunteer HQ, Projects Abroad, and WWOOF (or WWOOF Australia) offer volunteer and work exchange programs all over the world.
Get work experience and try out different jobs
If you’re not yet sure what career path you want to take, trying out different jobs could help you get a better idea of what you enjoy. From working in retail or hospitality to trying out internships in fields like marketing, graphic design, or IT, the skills and experience you’ll gain can be invaluable.
- What You’ll Gain: Work skills, financial independence, confidence, and connections that might lead to future job offers.
- How to Get Started: Look for job openings in your local area or apply for cadetships and internships in fields you’re curious about. You could even give gig work or freelance opportunities a go, giving you the flexibility to explore different interests at the same time.
Learn a new skill or pursue a passion project
A gap year can be a great time to dive deep into a skill or passion project you might not have had time for during high school (or afterwards). If you’ve always wanted to learn a language, master an instrument, learn to scuba dive, develop coding skills, or start producing blogs or podcasts, this could be the perfect time to give it a go and unlock new talents.
- What you’ll gain: Dedication, creative skills, time management, and a portfolio that could set you apart in applications and interviews.
- How to get started: Find online courses on platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, Openlearning, or even YouTube. Many platforms offer one or two free courses, a free trial period, or are are always free like Khan Academy and Duolingo. Look for local classes or clubs that align with your interests, too. Set personal goals and track your progress to keep your motivation high. Short courses, microcredentials, or certifications from platforms like LinkedIn Learning, edX, or Udacity are affordable options in a variety of subjects that could also help you to be prepared if you decide higher education is right for you.
Start a small business or side hustle
If you’ve ever been curious about entrepreneurship, a gap year is the perfect time to dive in and try your hand at running a small business or side hustle. This could be anything from selling handmade crafts online, offering freelance services (like graphic design, photography, or tutoring), or even running a small pet-sitting or dog-walking business in your local area. Or if you have a big idea, be bold and look for investors, join incubators and prepare to launch your brand. Even if you choose not to continue, entrepreneurship is a crash course in everything from budgeting to marketing, and it can help you develop a sense of responsibility and creativity that can be used in all walks of life.
- What you’ll gain: Potentially a life long career and passion. Also, business and marketing skills, financial literacy, problem-solving, and a stronger work ethic. With the added bonus that any income you make can support future studies or personal goals.
- How to get started: Think about what you enjoy and what skills you have that people might pay for. You could sell items on platforms like Etsy, start a blog or YouTube channel, or offer local services. There are tons of resources online to help you start small, so take it one step at a time and watch your side hustle grow!
Engage in personal growth and wellbeing
Personal growth might not sound like a “to-do” list item, but taking a break to focus on your mental, emotional, and physical health is incredibly valuable. You could use the time to establish healthy habits, start journaling, learn how to meditate, join mindfulness or fitness classes, or simply find balance after the demands of high school.
- What you’ll gain: Emotional resilience, self-understanding, and positive habits that could help to keep you healthy and grounded throughout life.
- How to get started: Start small. Try yoga or meditation apps, read personal growth books, or look into joining local fitness groups. Set simple goals to make this period a time of meaningful self-reflection and growth.
Make your gap year your own
Ultimately, your gap year is about finding what’s best for you and creating a journey that will enrich your life. So, try things that align with your goals, whether it’s travelling, gaining work experience, or building new skills. With a bit of planning and an open mind, your gap year could be the most rewarding adventure of all.
Find more information about gap years on our website here.
