Taking a year off??

[ValentineGirl]

Hey guys, I haven't been here in awhile and I miss this place:)
I'm graduating in August and I'm having a hard time deciding whether to take a year off and decide what I want to do or to just go ahead and go to grad school. Taking a year off is good for me because I'm REALLY burned out. I've gone to both summer sessions the last two summers and I'm gonna have to go this summer since I'm not finshing until August.
My question is, did anybody on here take a year off after graduation and then go to grad school?? What did you do in that time off?? I'm afraid I'll get depressed and end up not doing anything because I have trouble being motivated.
I just look around at all my friends that are graduating and they have all these fancy plans, like law school and moving to cool places and I haven't really got a plan. I'll make a plan and then the next day I change it.

[pisces2473]

Hi ValentineGirl,

I didn't take a year off and regretted it. I graduated in May 02, and in September started grad school right away. Not soon after school started, I realized that I didn't really know what I wanted, wasn't sure if the program was right for me, etc. By Christmas, I had made my mind up and moved back to my hometown. I got a job at a local university (which is good because it keeps me in somewhat of an academic surrounding) and I am plotting my next move. The first grad program I went to was more of a liberal arts type degree--I would have needed to get a PhD in that field to do anything (teach) and now I'm thinking about something more career oriented. A former undergrad prof has recently hired me to be a research assistant on his upcoming book (which I will be doing 1.5 hours away and while working full time) but this project will help me to decide if this is what I want to go back to school for. My advice--take a year off, work in something related to what you're going to school for (if you can) and then decide. You need a break! Good luck!

[TranquilSkye]

well i haven't been in your situation, but i know plenty of people that took time off. what i noticed was that they didn't do anything. didn't take fun classes, work, travel, an internship, nothing. if you're burnt out and want a break from school take one. but pursue something. there has to be something you've always wanted to do. and i think with the motivation problem, you just need to keep yourself school minded. if you know what grad school you're going to then make sure you're on their mailing/email list so you get reminders of when to submit things. put their open house days on your calendar also and attend them. make an appt to see a counselor and go over your goals. the more you tell yourself you are going back to school the more likely you are to go.

[mjcfw]

There are a few things to think about first. But you may be in the right time to take a year off because of the slow economy. It may last for another year or two.

First of all, what is your major or your background? If you are majoring in Computer or Technology field, you have to keep up with the language, (programming language, (HTML, C++, and many languages). Second, work experience, you need working experience to get able to get a job or get your foot to the door but it is not important though because the economy is flat and will be slow for awhile.

If your parents are supporting with you with a roof, money, and food, great! Take a year off! Now if you know what you want to do to take a master degree, good, take a year off! If you are not sure what you want to take in masters degree, get a part time job that you might be interesting in before you go graduate school.

Life is like a rock climbing. Remember that as you continue to move forward in your education and your career path, each new opportunity takes you "ONE" step closer to "YOUR" Summit.

To get to " YOUR" Summit you will have to climb many ridges(CHALLENGES), navigate deep crevasses (STRATEGY) and ascend steep slopes(DETERMINATION) you do this only by taking small steps.

Also, you will make this climb ropes (SUPPORT & SAFETY) with your peers and you will have "Professional Guides" (your friends, your professional, your family, your advisors, your guidance, your manager, your father or your mother) to guide you each step of the way.

Now, My best advisor is DON'T HURRY TO REACH THE TOP! It is the best to take your time. I can see you that you need a year off. Why? You took two summer session and even this summer too.

I did took about six months off before I started to work my first job.

You are young!

Good Luck!

Hopefully it helps!

Now, if you need to talk to me or ask me more questions, feel free to email, mjcfw@aol.com

[mo1]

ValentineGirl-

You sound like me...or me nearly 12 months ago. Since ive been in your situation i thought id add my two cents.

I think you need to take a really good look at what your planning to do with that time off. I decided to put grad school off for what i thought were good reasons...and still pretty much do...but things havent turned out quite like i had hoped they would. Take it from me and have some kind of plan for that year. I was pretty lost at the end of my senior year in school. I was dealing with alot of pressures and it was making me very depressed and confused. Everyone around me was heading to something it seemed like...while i was sitting around wondering what the hell i wanted to do with my life. Needless to say this feelings made it even more difficult for me to stay focused on me and not everyone else. In retrospect i wish i had not worried so much about the choice i made...constantly second-guessing it...and then just got on with figuring out was right for me. Now its nearly a year later and im still dealing with trying to figure out what i want b/c i didnt take the time to just focus on MY future and not compare where i was to everyone else. My plans were to get a job for awhile in a field related to what i thought i wanted to study and gain some experience before going back to school....but unforunately that hasnt happened quite so easily. Thus my "year off" is going to be extended...which is okay for me b/c i realize now that everyone takes their own path.

From my experience than i would offer this advice: 1. If your plan is to work for awhile after school before going back, you'll need to consider whether its worth the time and effort trying to find a career-related position or whether its better instead to take any job(related or otherwise). I point this out b/c to find something career related(whether FT/PT job or internship) is an involved process....and if your wanting to use your year off to study for the GRE or do research into grad schools then this might be extremely hard. Not impossible but hard. I tried this route and have been flat out unsuccessful. Either route you go you'll have to use discretion in whether you mention your future plans or not.
2. Alot can change between Aug when you graduate and August of the following year. I was pretty gung-ho about going back to school after a year, but now after all ive been through in the last year with trying to find a job, its been hard trying to get excited about going back at this point. Perhaps I would have felt different if I would have found a job in my field right away, but it might also have been alot harder to go back. So what im trying to say is if your worried that your motivation to go back might change after a year...then that is something to definately consider b/c things do change. However in my opinion that's not necessarily a bad thing.
3. If you do postpone grad school, and decide to travel, or just get a job somewhere whether related or not....then definately make sure you use the time off to do some self reflection and narrow down your interests. So that when you back to school you are going back to study something that will benefit your future both in your happiness and your career goals.
4. And lastly....when you make your decision, make it and move on. Dont dwell on what you could have done, or should have done. Trust me its only detrimental.

I know its a hard decision but at least your not taking it lightly like so many people do these days. The economy is rotten for sure but if you go back and do not have any idea why your there studying what your are studying...than in my opinion its not going to benefit you regardless. Good luck!!!

[chan]

If you really are planning to take a year off, my suggestion is to go ahead and apply to grad schools. Once you get in, defer your admission for a year. This way, you know you have something waiting for you after your vacation. Plus, it works as a motivational factor. You're probably likelier to keep up with that field if you're still in some way connected to it. And if you decide to change your field, then just drop the deferment and reapply. Taking a year off is more difficult than it sounds, since you're going to be living in uncertainty for quite some time. For most people that's difficult, especially when their friends seem to going full speed in their life. When they ask you what you're doing, it's easier to say "I'm taking a year off, but I got accepted at a grad school program and will probably start a year from now" than "I don't know yet, but I'm taking a year off to figure it out."

I'm currently in my fifth month of an after-graduation hiatus, and let me tell ya, it feels just like one very loong day to me. Instead of reading the books that I always wanted to read, and doing things that I always wanted to do, I ended up just watching tv and beating my head on the wall trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. But, I finally did figure what I wanted to do (no grad school for me), got a job, and am actually counting the days until my start date. The hiatus did work as I'm more certain on what I want to do with my life (at least moreso than I did last year), but my vacation wasn't as fun as I would have thought.

[ValentineGirl]

Thank you guys so much for the replies. They really helped a lot. I'm graduating with a B.A. in Psychology for those that wanted to know, but I don't think I'm interested in staying in that field. I'm interested in theatre and acting (at least for now, lol).
But mo1, you hit the nail right on the head. I've been so consumed with comparing myself to everyone else and worrying about what they're doing, that I haven't taken time out to figure out what I want. I've got one friend that is going to law school, one moving to D.C, etc. etc., and I just feel silly because I'm not doing anything like that, but I don't want to rush into anything without giving it any thought. I'm already graduating with a degree I don't want, so I don't want to waist anymore time and money.
But, you guys were really helpful as always, thanks for sharing your experiences.

[slater1018]

I took a year off b/w college and law school.
Originally, it sounded like a great idea - I had graduated college in 3 years and didn't decide I wanted to apply for law school until it was too late.
For me, it was the biggest mistake of my life - but only b/c I did not make any plans for that year off and basically wasted it working as a receptionist with a B.S. (I too graduated with a degree in psychology)
If I could go back and do things differently, I would have traveled during my year off, which is my suggestion to you. Traveling to other places/cities/countries opens your eyes to other people and gets you out of your me, me, me thinking - at least it does for me. Traveling always helps me put things in perspective.
Just a suggestion! Good luck!

[kearney32862]

I went through that same debate you did. I didnt take the time off after college, went straight to the work force, and started the grad school application process. A few months later, I was so tired, and no rest in site. Luckily, I managed to talk my employer into granting me the summer off. I will be living with a family in France, and taking language courses. It is a while away from work, and the hustle and bustle of modern American life. I have set my trip up, and now I am so excited I can hardly wait. I really think that when I do start grad school, I will be more focused because I took the time to do something I really wanted, and got it out of my system.

[seacassie]

I took a year "off" between college and law school to do an AmeriCorps program. I personally think it's a great thing to do. In fact, I deferred my law school admission until 2004 and am taking one more year off to do another AmeriCorps year.

The benefits of this are many -- First of all it's a job that can go on your resume and also looks GREAT on grad school apps. Also, the hours aren't as demanding as a full time job (you work about 33 hours/week) so you can study for the GRE, work on your applications, etc. You meet lots of great people and help out a community or group. There are AmeriCorps programs that can allow you to make use of your love for theater and acting. It's also a chance to try something out without the big commitment. For me, after college I was waivering between law school and teaching. My AmeriCorps position involves a lot of teaching and I've decided that it's not what I want to do w/ the rest of my life. But I'm still gaining skills and experience I can use in any career.

The big downside is low pay. However, if you can work it that you can live at home or w/ a roommate, it's not all that bad. Plus you will get an education award that will help pay off your loans or go toward grad school.

Just another option for you to consider! As if you didn't have enough already :)