For many years, several events with family and friends resulted in conversations about where we see ourselves in our future life.
I could myself traveling abroad extensively as it’s something I truly enjoy. too young to retire with retirement far in the future what was I to do?
Take an “Adult Gap Year” and travel. Hence The Midlife Escape
This short article will assist you in discovering what an adult gap year is about. So, what is an Adult Gap Year, Why take an Adult Gap Year, Suggestions for what to do with an Adult Gap Year.
What is an Adult Gap Year?
Typically, the term ‘gap year’ has been connected with high school graduates desiring to travel and party their way around the globe before deciding and committing to a career.
There is a growing trend amongst those in their 40s and 50s (me) who feel they are stuck in a rut or looking to take midlife for an adult gap year.
Some taking an adult gap year choose to travel, nevertheless, but there are numerous that take this time to study, pursue a hobby, or change careers.
Why Take an Adult Gap Year?
The factors as to why people pick to take an adult gap year can differ from person to person. For me, the uniformity of the day-to-day grind left me feeling unsatisfied. I didn’t want to live for the weekend and two-week vacations if lucky.
Short life story. My father passed and within six months I had sold everything I owned (not much). Ended up in Spain walking the Camino de Santiago. Started travel nursing upon return and over the last few years worked part of the year and traveled the rest. Now living in Thailand taking a Gap Year for 2023. That’s how my midlife gap year came about. What will be your story?
Reasons for Adult Gap Year:
- Feeling disappointed/ stuck/ bored in your life and/or career
- Evaluate where you are at and what is essential in life
- Travel and check off bucket list items while seeing the world
- Live abroad, immerse yourself in another nation and culture
- Break to evaluate and energize
- Time to pursue a passion or hobby, such as scuba diving, learning a language, writing a novel, the list is endless
- Volunteer and give back to others
- Learn about yourself and what you desire from your life
- Return to school to enhance or change careers
- Change life direction
Anywhere and anything you desire! Some people may want to remain at home while others pick to spend their year overseas.
There are numerous options readily available to those who choose to take an adult gap year. You are only limited by your imagination
- Teach English as a second language
- Travel in an RV
- Volunteer work
- Sail around the Mediterranean
- Travel the World During Your Midlife Gap Year
One of the most popular things to do whilst taking a professional break is to travel overseas. This is the perfect time to check out brand-new nations and cultures and expand your mind. It is a remarkable world out there and there are many things to see, do, and experience.
Some locations we advise, and some that are still on my bucket list
- Machu Picchu in Peru
- Galapagos Islands in Ecuador
- Cross ocean in a sailboat
- Hike thru Nepal
- Shark diving in South Africa
- Safari in Kenya
- Northern Lights in Iceland
For some, visiting that first foreign country helps you break out of your comfort zone. It is healthy, although uneasy at times, to be pushed beyond your limitations, but overcoming your constraints and challenging yourself assist you to grow as an individual
Explore Where You Live During Your Mid-Life Gap Year
Taking an adult gap year offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself and explore the city or nation where you live. Get that RV and hit the road and explore. Follow the Oregon Trail, and Route 66, visit national parks, and have so many exciting adventures.
Volunteer during Mid-Life Gap Year
Volunteering whilst taking a career break is a fantastic method to use your time to help others, take your career in a different direction, acquire some valuable abilities, or simply try something brand-new and interesting!
There are lots of reputable companies offering numerous and varied volunteer chances all over the world if you are a little nervous about venturing out on your own and offering abroad. Some of these programs even spend for your room and board in exchange for your service. This is an excellent choice for those mindful of budget.
Things you will need to think about are:
Finances
- Adult gap years can be pricey so you will require to prepare beforehand accordingly.
- What will be your budget plan for the year?
- How will you pay for your adult gap year?
- Will you have to work to subsidize your gap year/travel?
- Do you have a home mortgage, vehicle loan, or other debts?
- How are you going to make these payments while you are away?
Plan to save for a minimum of six months’ worth of additional earnings for when you return.
Current Employment and Living situation
- Do you want to remain in your existing career
- How much notification do you need to offer for leave/ resignation?
- Someone to look after your home.
- Would you think about a home swap/ exchange
- Rent out your home to help finance your gap year?
- What do you do with your valuables?
- Storage place
After Midlife Gap Year
- What happens at the end of your midlife gap year?
- Prepared to go back to your old life?
Hope this article helps you learn more about what an adult gap year is. How a gap year works, how to take an adult gap year. Is it the right choice for you?
The reasons why people pick to take a midlife gap year vary from person to person. Taking an adult gap year offers the opportunity to discover and reinvent yourself.