The gap year has traditionally been a break in education before continuing on an academic or career path, in which a person takes time for activities like personal development, work, self-discovery, and most importantly, travel. Recently, more people are taking gap years or sabbaticals later in life, using the time to refresh their careers, pursue new passions, or escape the hustle and bustle of city life to travel the world. If you are a West London resident craving a change, a sabbatical might be just what you need – and we can help you plan it.
How Practical Is an Adult Gap Year?
This all depends on your current circumstances and where you are in life. If you’re single and without many obligations, you may have fewer constraints. However, those with children or family responsibilities may find it more challenging. Your current financial situation will also play a part in this, as even on a shoestring budget, your trip will require funds to cover essential expenses.
After this, the biggest consideration is your career. If you’re contemplating a job change, a gap year could be an opportunity to reassess your goals. Even if you plan to return to the same field, some companies offer sabbatical options to employees who have worked a certain length of time. For instance, a host of well known companies such as McDonald’s do this depending on tenure, making it easier to take a break without permanently stepping away.
Financing an Adult Gap Year
If you have savings, they’re a logical place to start to fund your travels. However, if you need more funds or prefer to leave your savings intact, you do have some other options.
One place to start is evaluating what you could sell to raise some money. Will you need your car when you are away? Do you have a property that you can rent out? If you don’t like the idea of managing it remotely, or you have other rental properties, you could consider selling them. Websites like Sold.co.uk will offer you several options for selling your house. That can include cash offers turned around quickly, so you can set off very soon. They may also suggest going a more traditional estate agent route, which may yield more return but could take longer.
Another option is following a digital nomad lifestyle by setting up an online business or freelancing. Many professionals work remotely while traveling, performing tasks like consultancy, administration, or freelance writing. Many websites offer remote work opportunities, enabling you to maintain an income while exploring.
Preparing the Budget
Once you’ve secured financing, the next step is planning your budget. Some countries will be more affordable than others – Southeast Asia is generally the cheapest, and budgets can stretch much further.
The distance and level of comfort will also have a bearing. Homestays, living with friends, and shared accommodations are budget-friendly options. However, there may come a time when you need to spend on luxuries and home comforts, so keep something aside for this.
A gap year is not for everyone, and it will not resolve all of life’s challenges. However, it can provide a welcome break from the strains of city life and careers. More advice can be found at gov.uk. Think about your ideal trip, if it is right for you now, and plan ahead. You could be on your gap year before you knew it.
