This is inspired by my conversation earlier today with a friend & former team member.
The short answer is, if you are asking, then Yes!!
Now, let's unpack this.
There is a lot of stigma perpetuated by traditional employers that our resumes and career paths need to be clean, with clear evidence of stable employment cited as evidence of a reliable and capable employee. Being a hiring manager & employer myself, admittedly there was a time when I believed this too, and to a certain extent stability is good. However, simple generalised rules and beliefs do not fit the actual complex world.
Personally, soon after graduation, I left my job and tried to become a monk, which resulted in a gap year (almost a year). I realised that path wasn't for me (and that discovering the truth doesn't require the monastic path). But I have no regrets whatsoever and that precious and valuable experience forms a core part of who I am.
Have you discovered yourself?
This question can be asked from many perspectives...career (ikigai), spiritual, ambitions, etc. Without discovering ourselves, our why, the core of our being, how do we operate at our true potential? How do we lead a fulfilled life?
Life throws us challenges and opportunities in various ways, in the different phases of life. There are precious few phases, moments, times in our lives, where we stop in our tracks, and wonder why. Why are we here, why are we doing what we are doing, why why why...
For many of us, this is forced upon us, as it were. It could be traumatic (or lightly traumatic) life events, people that we meet, life events, etc. When we use this wisely, our lives transform, being never the same anymore.
When this is coupled with freedom, a lack of financial burdens/obligations for whatsoever reason, then we have a greater capacity to pursue this period of introspection and wander.
If you have this, recognise that it is precious. Likely you may not have this freedom again until much much later (perhaps after retirement).
Having a gap year in this phase of our lives, is a wonderful transformative experience. Rest assured, you will not regret it, regardless of any temporary difficulties faced readjusting your career afterwards.
Do you just need a break?
Let's be honest, the workplace can be really brutal sometimes, depending on our luck of the team we end up working with.
Especially at the beginning of our career, our co-workers may find giving respect and kindness optional (such is the world we live in), and inhumane working conditions are often normalised as a "good foundational experience", and "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger".
Let's face it. The workplace can and does kill some of us. And when it does, the people who suffer most are our family and close friends. For them, we are irreplaceable. Leaving this world too early results in irreparable damage to them.
For the workplace, regardless of how "valuable" our employer says we are, we are an input for the production of work. When one input leaves, they get another one to replace us. That is just how it is.
Let's normalise leaving toxic work environments, allowing ourselves to heal, and making a healthy work environment an important criteria. We are in this world to thrive and shine, not to dull our light to conform to the norms of society (many of which are dubious).
Do you have an idea/many ideas to experiment with?
Sometimes, some of us have dreams, ideas, and visions. And then we get a feeling from within that this is the time to try it out.
Hopefully we don't have too much financial obligations at that time. Well, I know many who still took the leap with significant responsibilities too.
When this happens, we know we have to leap. Leap with faith, leap while scared, leap with some plans (maybe), leap with courage. For me, this leap was to start my own business. It could be something else for you.
Not everyone will cheer you on, some may doubt the possibility. Find your tribe, and keep only those who cheer you on with you. No doubt you need to be cognisant of the risks, downsides and your blind spots. But find people who point these out in an encouraging way, not dampening your spirit.
How do we get back into our career?
This is the main fear with taking a gap year. The world has changed considerably in the last 15 years, making career stability a thing of the past. With rapid changes, disruptions, economic issues etc, I would argue that a well rounded person, with a variety of skills, able to think critically and creatively has become critical to business needs.
Connections are now the best way to search for jobs rather than traditional job applications online through HR portals. Utilise your connections well, work with suitable recruiters if needed, and find your own unique paths to the career you seek.
Watch the Gap!
If you are considering a gap year, and have the freedom to pursue it, make the most of it! Discover, heal, leap, swim, whatever it is that you intend to do, and do it whole-heartedly!
Some say YOLO (you only live once). That's not my perspective, but life is precious indeed, and we want to live and thrive.
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