Did you ever take a gap year after high school or university? Traditionally it’s a year to “find yourself” through travel and new experiences. It’s a way to learn which path aligns with the things that you value, and hopefully, this leads to a job that you find fulfilling. As a young person with limited life experiences, it’s difficult to know what you value without some time to explore the world. The gap year makes sense if you are privileged to have the resources and time to do it. Guess what? As a person who is retired or retiring in midlife, you have the time and resources* to take a gap year.
The Hectic Early-Adult Season
This is probably the first opportunity that you’ve had since your early twenties to reflect on your interests. Building a career, and perhaps, raising a family take up most people’s time and attention for 30+ years. Focusing on them meant that you probably gave little thought to developing new interests for yourself. Between driving kids to dance lessons and picking up them up at part-time jobs, life outside of work was hectic. Who had the time to self-reflect, play and explore?
Mid-life Offers A New Season
A mid-life gap year is time to let yourself explore things that look interesting to you, and to discover talents that you have yet to develop. It can involve a wide variety of experiences including, travelling, learning languages, volunteering, and developing new skills. It’s exciting to see where it will lead you! It’s a gift that you can give yourself.
A Limited Time Experiment
A gap year (or so) has a defined end to it. With a limited time to explore, you won’t waste time getting started. It gives you a focus for the year without worrying about committing to anything. It’s permission to follow your bliss. When the year is coming to an end, you will have a wealth of information to draw from to help you develop next steps that are fulfilling and meaningful. Until the year is over, no decisions need to be entertained. It’s free play time.
Bonus: it’s a lot of fun to answer people’s questions about what you’re going to do when you retire with, “I’m taking a gap year!”
I’d love to hear your thoughts about taking a gap year. Comment below.
*I recognize that having a pension to live on is a privilege that is not available to everyone.
Retired, And Now What? 