Thoughts on working during a gap year?

I'm thinking of using my gap year to work, either locally or abroad, to build my resume and maybe earn some money. What are the pros and cons of doing this instead of going straight to college?

Working during a gap year can provide you with valuable life experiences and skills that can not only enhance your resume but also make for compelling stories in future interviews, essays, or conversations. Let's discuss some of the potential pros and cons:

Pros:

1. Earning Money: Besides contributing to your current savings, this money could be put toward college expenses or new opportunities.

2. Work Experience: This experience can give you insights into different jobs and industries, which can help you refine your career interests before starting college.

3. Skill-building: You can develop professional skills like time management, decision-making, and communication, which could be beneficial in college and beyond.

4. Maturity and Independence: Spending time working can foster a sense of responsibility and independence, which can be beneficial when transitioning to college life.

Cons:

1. Potential Detachment from Academics: Taking a gap year could make it harder to get back into the groove of studying, writing papers, and taking exams.

2. Potential FOMO: Seeing friends and peers head off to college could induce a Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO).

3. Uncertainty of Job Availability: Depending on your location, the job market might be highly competitive, meaning you're not guaranteed to get a job.

4. Limited Long-Term Benefits: The skills and experience gained from a gap year job might not directly contribute to your long-term career goals, especially if the job is unrelated to your field of interest.

In conclusion, it all comes down to your personal goals and circumstances. You might gain more work during your gap year than you would going straight to college, or vice versa. Consider your long-term academic and career goals, your current finances and financial needs, and what you hope to gain from a gap year before making your decision.