Do it! I did at your age and loved it. I still think about trekking in Nepal and night trains in India 20 years later. You won’t want to come back to your old job anyway. It truly opens horizons.
Spent 2 days on a train from Delhi to Goa a couple of times. Loved and hated every second of it. Travelling in India is really an experience that I can't put into words. I'm just glad I did it.
People here offering anecdotal advice but let me just say that India is never going to be safe, especially on your own, and especially if you're a woman. I am sure there are many nice people there, but it's definitely one of the most dangerous countries for a woman to travel in.
Please don't.
I travelled quite a bit of India for a month with my fiancé and whenever he wasn't with me (in a shop, poorly or just caught up doing something else) I was harassed verbally and also groped in the street.
It absolutely does not *feel* safe for a solo woman, I certainly wouldn't be able to enjoy myself feeling so vulnerable, and that's without any of these actions turning into something worse, God forbid.
Totally depends where - I've travelled solo across the world since I was 19. Some countries it's just completely fine, some you get a few looks and some lovely helpful people, others it can be quite mentally tiring. An example would be when I was in India, I got gropes, stares, comments etc. but none at all in Nepal. It's not necessarily unsafe (although obviously keep your wits about you and don't put yourself in unsafe situations) but it does get knackering being constantly on the defensive.
Being male I wouldn't want to give you a definite answer, but if you do decide to go, try to find out as much as you can - particularly from other women travellers -about where to go, as some places are safer than others. Also, from what I gleaned from talking to other travellers (and I know how terrible this sounds) what you wear can matter a lot when it comes to how much hassle you get.
The other thing to remember is you won't be hanging out with actual Indians that much, so don't let your guard down too much even when you're around "safe" Westerners.
I still tingle thinking about it. It improved my life in so many ways. I’m 54 now and stopped working at 50 to live and travel full time in my campervan, towing a dirt bike around the UK and EU. The seed for this lifestyle was that gap year. Seriously just do it and go to places and do things outside your comfort zone. It’s so much fun.
I'm so with you. I travelled around Latin America for 2.5 years when I was 29 and it completely changed my life and me for the better in so many ways. I am just a much richer person for it
I let out my flat and another house, the house has friends as long term tenants on affordable rents, and I have a small occupational pension which I could claim at 50. I’ve also dabbled in deliveroo deliveries occasionally, but don’t do that anymore as it was hard work. Mainly it’s simple living and low outgoings.
Haha yes up to that point I was like 'hmmm, could this actually be obtainable?' then realised I didn't own 2 properties outright that I could rent out.
Well I didn’t own two properties when I took a gap year 20 years ago. I was pretty poor and lost. The gap year gave me the space and confidence to start my own one man band engineering consultancy company, which paid so well that it gave me options in life. My income now is very significantly lower than that when I was working. It feels like simple living to me, non consumerist.
I hate to break it to you, but in order for you to be having a quarter- life crisis, you’d have to live to 116 which is unlikely.
Given the average life expectancy for men in the UK at 79.0, you are having a 29/79-life crisis
In all seriousness, I want people to realise how short life is, because you don’t want to be on your deathbed with regrets and discontentment - the ultimate goal in life is to die contently.
Recently read Five Regrets Of The Dying by Bronnie Ware, super interesting book and it sounds like it'd be right up your street, I recommend it to people whenever I get the chance. She worked in palliative care for years and basically collated the main regrets she was told from people lying in their deathbed. Heavy reading at times but important to acknowledge.
Given they want to go now, not sure it would work rocking up to an interview and saying can I take a year off in 3 months time.
Best bet is to explore the options with there current employer.
I used to lodge with a solicitor. He bought a house, lived in a room on the top floor and kept a spare room for guests. The middle floor was kitchen and living room then there were two more bedrooms on the ground floor he rented out to help pay for his travels and mortgage etc. You could do something similar, buy a house, get some lodgers you trust then have the best of both worlds. You've got someone to look after the place while you're away, you've got a regular income still and a decent base to come back to when you want to come home. He generally works 6-8 months of the year and spends the rest of the time travelling the world.
Came here to suggest this - if you can (and have friends/family that will help you with it), definitly consider getting that mortgage ticking and maybe even some extra cash. on top.
Friend was 31 when she packed in her job as a solicitor and went off to Aus. Worked on the farms for a few months then moved to one of the cities and the time of her life. People have this belief that you should have your life sorted by 30 and it’s absolute bollocks.
Go travelling and enjoy yourself.
I did it in my late 20’s. Spent 7 years in Australia. Became a citizen. Now back in Leicester which I like and was happy to return to. I can always go back to Aus. Just happy I did it. Only went for 12 months 😂
I don't even need to read your question....take the year, have fun, enjoy yourself while it's easy to do and you don't have a family or house to worry about.
Go.
Enjoy.
You can always work more and earn more later....you'll never get freedom back
exactly! working is endless, making money is endless!
making yourself happy doesnt stop at ANY age, why are we expected to stop having fun when we reach a certain age?
OP, there is absolutely NOTHING you are "supposed" to be doing in life
Do it! I had three gap years (18, 22 and 26/27). The last one was amazing, the best one. I was also living in the Midlands. Bought a round the world ticket and went. Worked a bit in Australia, but only there. Loads of adults go travelling, you’ll meet so many people along the way and make memories that last forever. And it didn’t slow down my career at all. In fact it looks great on your CV! Have fun planning your adventures!
Start with smaller holidays in Europe and figure out what you want from yourself. If you want to be more confident or out going them think about someone who is that and figure out a way to harness the skills they use.
I don't want to be fake obviously. I think I'm fine the way I am, but not many adults are very open at all, and as I have no one, it's a bit hard. Maybe it's made harder by my position, how am I meant to be able to be honest with people about my position. It's probably not wise to be, but then I'll have to lie somewhat.
You have nothing to lose. Travelling in certain parts of the world is inexpensive and you could even volunteer abroad if that’s your interest. If you don’t like it, come home. I could regale you with tales of my experiences, they were incredible, but it’s the magic of travel that you’ll find yourself that will stay with you forever. Please do this for yourself - you’ve earned it. Perhaps plan a shorter period of time away at first, or sign up for an organised activity (like trekking in the Amazon, volunteering with wild animals in South Africa, learning to scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef - the world is open to you - just pick one and go. There are so many to choose from) so you know you’ll meet like-minded people. I promise that you won’t regret it.
Thx. Maybe I'll just do a week group travel thing in europe first, hmm. I can barely bring myself to speak to new people, or put myself in new situations to lol.
Most of us feel that way and are just faking confidence. Don’t overthink it, just do it. I went on a couple in Ireland and Scotland by myself before doing a full year away. I made friends quickly enough - the way they are set up is to help people chat and get to know each other. I’ve always wanted to do a cooking course in Tuscany - I will some day. Cooking side by side other people and a glass of wine at the end of the day while trying the food seems like a good way to be with new people :)
I’m a teacher so have to show everything that I’ve done including career breaks (it’s part of safer recruitment) since leaving school, but I’ve also added it to my interests and hobbies section. It’s also something to use when you write about the reason you wish to pursue that particular career - for example, the inspiration, experience etc you had and how this links to your values etc. World travel shows that you have initiative, possibly a wider view of the world and resilience to cope with new situations. I’m older now and more likely to be on the interviewer side of the table, but am always interested in candidates who have travelled and experienced more than just school, university/training and a job.
And it’s not a silly question.
Agreed. At our work it's a plus, not a minus (and our field isn't related to travel). I think it would be in most jobs, unless it means not finishing your qualifying year or something like that.
I would. I firmly subscribe to the “no guarantees tomorrow comes” philosophy. Not saying be irresponsible, because chances are tomorrow does come, but experience and take more opportunities if you can afford to.
We quit our jobs 6 months after buying our first home to go travelling around the world for 9 months.
We decided home ownership and stressful jobs seemed a bit too ‘adult’ for us in our late 20s and we’d earnt quite a bit by contracting so we quit and did it.
Best decision we ever made.
Do it, it's the ideal time and getting on the property ladder is a big financial chain around your neck. Also, most employees are much more understanding / reasonable about gaps in your career history.
I lived and worked in Japan for a year in my early twenties and it was a wonderful, life changing experience.
I take what is essentially a gap year every 5 or so years. Literally just started my first in 6 years.
Long term I probably don't do as well as I could financially, but life is supposed to be lived. I never signed up for a lifetime at work only to retire and have time when I'm old. Noooo.
I enjoy just clocking out of the rat race for a while and it reinvigorates me when I do rejoin the hussle.
If anyone in an interview ever had an issue with those employment gaps, then they're not who I want to be employed by anyway.
Life is too short mate, go for it.
I didn't really do any travelling until my 30s and even now it's just the odd solo city break, but I'd much rather have that than nothing.
There's too much of the world to see to not travel and see places. You can get on the property ladder when you're back. Your qualifications ain't going anywhere
I did 27-30. 3 whole years of absolute bliss and madness. The thing about those 3 years of my life is I did so many different memorable things. They really stand out. I'm 35 now and have worked like a maniac since I got back and am doing quite well for myself. If you are ambitious you will catch up no problem. You'll only be 29 once and whilst you may feel older than you did 10 years ago one day you'll be old and you'll realise you really were just a baby at 29.
I took a gap year when I was 29 and it was amazing. I went to Australia, bought a 4x4, tent and drove around the coast (as best I could). Would recommend
Do it. I got a Working Holiday Visa for Aus and landed the day before my 30th then I landed in NZ the final days of my 30th year so I could use the Working Holiday Visa there as well. I had the BEST time ever! I was one of the older backpackers in the hostels but it didn't matter, you make your friends, meet people from all over, some crazy highs and some crazy lows but I miss it everyday, the freedom, the fun, the randomness, the different cultures (I did SE Asia too). When my child is old enough I'll be encouraging him to do it.
ETA. In interviews it always becomes a topic of discussion, people are interested and ask questions, can derail the interview but it's better than the standard interview chat.
Your qualifications won’t go away, the opportunity/means to travel can and likely will. If you stay your future is pretty predictable however if you travel the possibilities are endless, you many even find something else you fall in love with, wether that be a place, profession, person… if you have the opportunity then go for it!
Can’t speak to your industry. But I’ve got a friend that’s a qualified accountant and similar age (so somewhat relatable position?).
Anyway. He goes off travelling for a quarter of the year and comes back and lands a job quite easy. Then repeats. He’s done it the last couple of years.
He seems so happy with his decision and I’m really happy for him.
Apparently one of the biggest regrets at deathbeds is not living life the way we want to, by doing things we want.
I say do it. Don’t look back. You’re a qualified solicitor and (hopefully?) you’d like to think you’d land a job when you get back with relative ease.
All the best.
No personal experience of this, but a very wise lady said to me recently that taking gap years mid career is a really good idea. My generation (40s) will end up working longer than our parents, and your generation will likely work longer than we will. So the long, healthy old age, post retirement, that my grandparents enjoyed, is likely to become extinct. Sorry to be a downer.
Have have fun now, cos you may not get chance later, was her advice!
If you use the year to do something mind expanding like travel then you will come back a better person in every way. Employers will recognise this.
You'll have more fun than you've ever had too. Make sure you don't just go to rich countries. Go to poor countries too.
Have you considered doing a tefl qualification? You could travel to another country and still earn money while teaching English, it’s not for everyone though and there’s a lot of paperwork for visas. If you have a degree though you could do China or South Korea, but most South American countries would accept tefl teachers without one.
If you’re genuinely serious about it speak to your work. Unless they’re total bell ends they may work with you on it. Nothing to lose if you’re going to do it anyway.
Plus you’ve got another 35+ years of working life and as a solicitor should still be able to make enough coin to retire well. As Romy says ‘enjoy your life’
Do it.
I did, so glad I took the opportunity when it arose.
Consider volunteering to break up the 'holiday' vibe, can help you conserve funds and offer a good way to connect with different people - Workaway is a good platform to check out for this. For something more like an NGO, All Hands And Hearts offer disaster relief opportunities without the need for specific skills or raising lots of money.
Take a few weeks paid leave at once and have yourself an extended holiday. See how you're feeling after that. Whether you dread coming back to work and want to commit to travelling or if you can wait to invest in your future.
Remember these things aren't mutually exclusive and you can do both but it's completely down to which one you want to do first.
I was 32 when my gf of 6.5 years dumped me.
I applied to the JET Programme (Japanese Exchange Teaching) and was accepted, moving to Japan 9 months after my application.
Ended up living there for 3 years and loved it.
I was in IT, in the UK (both my working experience and degree) and came back in 2008 during a really bad time for IT jobs. Took me 7 years to get back into IT because I kept getting told I'd been out of the industry too long and I'd spent that time doing translation on minimum wage.
I definitely don't regret what I did but fuck you to those companies who thought I'd just forget all my IT knowledge because I'd spent 3 years in Japan.
Also lost all my no claims bonus on my car insurance even though I was driving over there all the time.
Yeah that's really my biggest concern - whether companies would be worried about taking me back upon return. I guess it really depends how long you go for.
I've seen TEFL mentioned a few times and it's definitely something I'm considering.
I appreciate your perspective 🙂
I get the feeling if I'd taken a year out, rather than 3, then it would have been easier but I have no clue overall :) I also came back at a really bad time for jobs, so I am sure that was also a factor, plus living in the North East has never been great for jobs.
I would say, though, if you feel stuck in a rut or just need a break, then you're the one who can decide and it's not a crazy idea. I know I wouldn't have the wonderful friends I have now, nor would I speak another language if I hadn't :) If you do think about teaching English abroad, then feel free to ask me anything regarding my experiences :)
If you can do it, do it.
You could do something which makes you more attractive to employers once you're back and/or you can do something that makes you better prepared for anything that comes your way in the future, good or bad. Try to do something unique that you will always remember and be proud of.
I did it at 28/29 (celebrated my birthday in Singapore) with my missus.
I'd agreed with my company that I'd return to them when I got back to the UK. I arrived back in the UK in late March 2020, due to start work April...
...that didn't happen for obvious reasons. But I found another, better paying job a month later. A year later I returned to my old company earning 30% more than when I left.
Was an incredible experience. I'd do it again but the wife isn't interested.
I did a working holiday visa in Canada in my early 20’s and loved it. No need for a job to be in place and there’s loads of good paying work out there and back in 2019 at least much better quality of living. Minimum wage was 15$ an hour and my rent was only 515$ a month with all bills included (plus renters don’t pay Council tax there)
If you go to places like Banff during the off season you can pretty much just walk into a hotel/hostel/bar and get a job.
I don’t exactly have the best CV and yet got a job within a week of landing. It sounds silly but the English accent really takes you places there. Everyone assumed that I’d gone to uni and shit little did they know I flunked second year of college and failed the next 3 attempts at further education.
Same here, 20s spent with an 8 year apprenticeship and 2 years of lockdown. Working and studying and working and studying.
I bumped into a older couple on holiday this year, his knees were shot and she was struggling with some health conditions. We were talking about travel with him.
His advice " do it now because you may not be fit enough to do it later"
And they're right... you don't know what's coming.
Right now I have the physical ability to drag my life around in a rucksack and the stability to hold my breath financially for a while.
So im taking a 4 months sabbatical to go south east Asia.
Can't fucking wait.
P.s.
I would do longer, but I have a mortgage that's recently substantially increased. I'll run out of cash unless I rent it out and work on the way.
Can you find a job overseas in your profession? I was an accountant and sick of living in the UK so went travelling and found a job within 2 weeks of arriving in Hong Kong. It was a tough job but still always felt like being on holiday every day. Never lost that feeling 25 years later (all in Asia).
What area of law do you work in? A lot of the larger firms offer career break policies, potentially you could move, as you are 3 years PQE, work long enough to pass probation and then utilise the policy?
While taking a gap year might seem like a detour, it doesn't necessarily have to derail your career. Many people take breaks to travel or pursue personal interests and return to their careers with renewed energy and perspective.
Go for it or you'll always wonder. Me and my now-wife managed six months of travelling Asia just before Covid hit, and it was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. It admittedly did set my career back (not helped by Covid ruining the company I was supposed to start with when I returned) but not a day goes by when I don't look at the pictures on our wall and marvel at the things we experienced.
I'm am accountant and I took a year out aged 27/28, went to Thailand, Bali and Australia for 12 months.
Took in all 5 Ashes test matches whilst in Oz, best year of my life.
Also, being qualified, most of the accounting agencies have offices in Oz, so I worked for 3 months whilst there to top up the money, also let them know when I was leaving and was working within a week on my return.
It's never hindered my career. I'm fact any interviews I've had and been asked what happened in 2002/3? I have a great story to tell.
Go for it, would be my advice
Just do it.
You'll regret it for the rest of your life and find reasons not to do it later because you'll be trapped by jobs and houses.
You can figure out the rest later.
Obviously I don’t know your career and if it is something that you can’t step away from.
However most large companies have a career break policy that allows you to take time away (unpaid) for travelling.
If you can, do it. If you are still living with your parents even more so because you don’t have to worry about paying your mortgage etc etc.
Also must careers will be enhanced by the experience travelling gives you. Project management, adaptability, communication and high pressure decisions. Some people have done major careers changes afterwards.
You may benefit from Voluntary Service Overseas or taking a Teaching English as a Second Language qualification. This could allow you to travel but still keep your CV current
You only get the one life mate, go for it. I feel like I missed the opportunity to do something like this and I regret it all the time - I'm not even much older than you, but once you're 'mid career' and you're saddled with property, pets and more responsibilities the concrete sets a bit. Go find some stories to tell, life'll be here when you get back.
Do it. Not too long after a depressing break up, the company I worked for lost a contract so it was tupe over and move somewhere I didn't want to live or walk away. I was 31-ish. 2 weeks later (the ticket was cheaper!) I was on a plane and had the best adventures and met some incredible people as i wandered round this amazing planet. Headed back to England 2 years later knowing a lot more about myself and what I wanted in life and chose to see how it went living somewhere I really wanted to live. Few years later i had a decent career and committed to buying a house here, knowing it was right for me. I don't regret a moment, and got more out of it doing it a bit later in life than I would have if I'd done it at 18.
Still get itchy feet every now and then 15 years on, but don't think it'd be quite the same with a 7 year old in tow :)
Do it. Do it. Do it. I went about 25 and its still the best thing I ever did (apart from my son... but it's close!)
That feeling of freedom is unparalleled. Its bliss and it will change your life. Excited for you!
Do it!
Before you settle down. And the way things are going, while you still can...
I didn't, much - I had a couple of short trips, but that's all. Only real regret tbh.
So yeah, go, and take plenty of pics while you're there.
Buy a house and rent it out. If you've a lot of money saved up as a solicitor you can afford a deposit and to travel. The rent money can subsidise you further. Good luck
can you afford to? will you become out skilled on your return?
other than that ..
I'd say, Go for it!!
take pictures so I can live vicariously through you
Please please do it.
I spent my 20s raising kids and wish I could have a ‘gap year’ without worrying about money or responsibilities.
Once you get on the property ladder you’ll be tied down in a way you aren’t now. Have fun!!!
I did it at 36 after a divorce. Once all the finances were settled I took my money, left Scotland and travelled for 2 years. Writing this from Sydney where I have now lived for 13 years. Best thing I ever did.
Here in NZ (sorry, not British but love the UK) we can it an OE, short for 'overseas experience', where 20-30 year olds, and sometimes even older head overseas for a taste of life beyond our shores. I never got to have an OE because of health issues and it's a great regret of mine. Bite the bullet and give it a go! You only live once
Do it. I want to when I'm a few years into my career, although luckily it seems fairly common in Audit, a fair amount of people take a few months to a year out once qualified, I plan on doing it although I may need to move to a bigger company for that.
I did a three month backpacking trip age 29. Got made redundant so slightly different situation. Best experience of my entire life. I am working again now but am saving up to eventually do a longer 6 month-1 yr trip.
I spent an obscene amount of money on my trip and also paying my rent still in London and it was a pain the ass to find a job when I returned (I work in a different industry than you). But you know what, I didn’t care.
When I was eating pot noodle for the third day in a row after not making it through to the next stage of another job interview, I thought back to how happy and insanely ALIVE I felt riding around the mountains of Vietnam on a motorbike. I felt so grateful and lucky to have experienced that, and experienced all the other amazing moments from my trip. And even if I had to eat pot noodles for the next 6 months and do 50 more job interviews then it’s a price I was more than willing to pay.
The small hardships paled in comparison to the pure joy I experienced travelling and how much it changed my outlook on life and changed me as a person.
My memories will last a lifetime. That short time period where I was being frugal and looking for work? A distant memory.
It’ll be the best decision you’ve ever made. Go for it mate.
Slightly similar situation to you. 26M still live at home - could probably move out if I really wanted to. Studied all my life then straight into work and never got a chance to consider travelling. Anyway I’ve asked my work if I can have a 3 month sabattical to go travel in January and they have approved 😁 can you ask for a sabbatical too so you have a job to return to?
Do it and scratch that itch, it’ll be much harder maybe even not possible further down the line when you have ties like property, kids etc at least then you won’t have that regret of not having gone
When you retire would you rather have spent a year travelling the world or a year saving money? On your deathbed will you sit thinking “god I wish I’d saved more”?
Go for it. When I was a NQ, one of the slightly more senior solicitors took a sabbatical. He came back and got on with his career afterwards. That was 18-20 years ago, last time I saw him he was doing big cases and loving life.
My mate is 34 and quit his job as an architect to travel Asia, and has been doing for the last 8 months. He would have made partner there in a few years too.
I'd certainly trade what I'm doing for that if I was in a position to. The house will come but you may not be able to travel like that again, and certainly not while you're young. I feel like I'm going to regret not doing it myself. Although I have lived in different countries at the expense of my career.
Just do it, I go every year for 3 months, rather than a long time, I’ve been doing it for 12 years, best lifestyle choice I’ve ever made.
You will not regret it.
Do it, mate, imagine not doing it and then regretting it? That'd be way worse than doing it and regretting it. Life ain't a Monopoly board, there's more than one direction to go.
When you're ready it's time .... time spent travelling and exploring is never wasted .... the personal development far outweighs the professional gap ...
New Zealand allows you to do a 3 year visa, maybe come and get experience at this side of the world, or buy a house now and then rent it out while you travel so you have some security to come home to.
Travel now, while you can. I did a bit in my 20s in Africa and Australia and regretted not doing more now I'm married and have a child. We are remedying that now but understand that we are fortunate and not everyone can do this.
See as much of the world as you can as soon as you can!
If you can do it, do it.
I was working on setting my life up to be able to work from abroad 6 months or the year. I did it 2 years in a row and it was fucking awesome.
I got covid and now can’t really travel at all. You never know what a coming down the track. Travel is a life changing experience, and very very few people ever regret it. It gives you a much wider appreciation for life.
I’ve found that the more widely travelled someone us, the higher likelihood they’re nice people.
I might be projecting onto you, but as someone who did some travelling but now can’t, it’s something I’ll think about forever.
Travel! I always said I would when I finished uni and qualified as a teacher. I then got diagnosed with a multitude of long term medical conditions, fractured my spine and got medically retired and can’t walk. I can still travel and do things, but can’t work to save the money to backpack around the world now. Also not being able to stand means much of what I wanted to do (climb mountains, hike rainforests etc) I couldn’t do even if I could afford to. I don’t stop my disabilities holding me back, but I has crushed my dreams of a gap year. Basically what I’m saying is life is short, you don’t know what’s around the corner. Travelling now is a great way to network, find a job you want to do or even a place you want to do it. Having the qualification you have, means you’ll always be able to come back and work, so don’t have to worry about that. Go. Travel. See the world and have fun! Enjoy your 1/4 year crisis!
There's no age limit. If you don't have kids then do it. You only have one life (cliche but true). If you're motivated you will always be able to get a career back on track.
Do it. You will 100% not regret it.
31m from the midlands. Went to NZ in late 2019, came back in late 2021. Went to Aus in late 2022 and still here.
Do it, you may never get the chance today and noone is gonna take your experience or qualifications off of you. The absolute worst case scenario is you need to get a flight back and move back in with your parents. My girlfriend and I briefly moved back in with my parents when we got back from NZ whilst we organised our lives again.
In terms of a gap on your CV, if you're worried then just lie and say you did some work abroad. I mean this wholeheartedly, DM me if you want me as a reference in that fake job. Give me whatever title you want and I'm excellent at bullshitting that stuff. Employers are more lax about gaps nowadays, especially if you frame it as a personal growth journey, but I'll happily be your Mega Vice Chief Solicitor boss if it helps facilitate your trip.
Here's a slightly counterintuitive perspective, but I personally think doing this kind of thing helps your career and your lifetime earning potential.
I did it (two separate 3 month and 5 month stints) and probably wouldn't be where I am today without it.
It's also great for long term mental health, as it puts things in perspective.
Basically if you're in a position to do it, just do it you won't regret.
I mean at the end of the day what's more important, living life how you want to or starting work a bit late. Jobs come and go, opportunities to get up and go somewhere when not paying for a mortgage do not.
You will never, ever regret not spending more time at work. I'm also 29, and if I had the money I would do exactly what you're proposing. I think rather than being an issue when you return, you'll have plenty to say in future job interviews about how you grew as a person during your time away.
Also, you don't mention any input from a partner, so I assume you're single. Who knows who you might meet on your travels? You might find yourself in Australia, say, for a seasonal job, suddenly not planning to return.
I'm not saying don't do it, but...
You're 29 and still living with parents. You have savings to get on the property ladder. But if you go travelling for a year or two, how much will be left? What does that mean for you on your return? Moving back in with parents again at 31 for a couple more years while you save up again? Would _they_ be OK with that?
Do it. You can always buy a house later on (plus interest rates aren't great right now, if you're looking for practical reasons to pick travel over property 😏).
I did it at 32 (36 now) with my partner and went all around west Africa for six months. We both took a sabbatical from work so had jobs to come back to. We ended up coming back a bit earlier than expected because of the pandemic but it was an absolutely wonderful trip and I would do it again in a heartbeat given the chance. Just go for it, you won't regret it.
This is probably the last chance you'll get to do something like this until you're retired. I'd do it, so long as you can afford it. It will probably take you a little while to get a job when you return. No point sugar coating that.
But it sounds like you've got good qualifications and prospects in a valuable field. And it's a productive reason for taking a break which some employers will see as a sign of good character. So I think you don't need to worry too much on the job front either.
I've done a fair bit of travelling myself and it's really worthwhile if you're into that sort of stuff. You'll remember those experiences for life. Hopefully fondly!
I left my job and moved to South Korea to spend a year teaching English as a foreign language when I was 26/7. I did a TEFL in London before I went so I could get a little bit of teaching experience. I had a fantastic time, met my wife, saved a decent amount of money, took holidays to Japan and around South Korea. When I got back some employers didn't understand the gap (some definitely thought I'd been on a beach the entire time) and some really liked that I had done it. I know I was working vs travelling but I suspect you will find the same thing. The right employers will understand it as a character building experience. You're dealing with challenging situations, meeting people from different walks of life, experiencing different cultures... it's extremely enriching. I don't think it'll hurt your career particularly if you do choose to go back to what you do now. Much better to do it whilst you don't have dependents or a mortgage IMO. Go go go!
Do it. Did it 3 times during my career, never affected my career,if anything it improved it as I had me time. We only got one life, make it count. No regrets.
All the best 🙏
I had a similar dilemma when I was 27. I am a qualified accountant and worked in finance and had saved some money which could’ve gone a large way towards a house deposit. Instead I used the money to go backpacking for a year and it was the best year of my life. No regrets whatsoever. When I returned I was able to get a job on the same salary that I was on before I left. As a trade off though, the year travelling means that my career progression is perhaps a year or two behind my friends who also started working as professionals at the same time, but given that we will be working for another 30 or so years this really does not bother me. I am now 31 and have just bought a house (although again a couple of years later than my mates).
You will spend the majority of your life working and owning a home, but you may only get a couple of opportunities to travel without any commitments. In my personal opinion / experience, the enjoyment of travelling the world has far outweighed the fact that my career is now a year or two behind where it could otherwise be and that I had to wait a couple more years before I could buy a place.
I don’t know what the employment market is like for your particular job, but assuming there are jobs available I do not think a year out travelling will be viewed unfavourably by potential employers. They will undoubtedly ask you about it in any interviews, but I just told them something along the lines of “I needed to get the urge to travel out of my system and now I’ve done that I’m ready to refocus on my career etc etc” and this was fine.
Hope this helps and good luck deciding!
Maybe buy a place if you can and rent it out as you travel to cover the mortgage and maybe a small amount to help cover the fairly minimal travel costs if you go budget-style!
Then you don’t risk coming home realising that you’ve splashed too much cash travelling to afford anywhere and have to move back in with the ‘rents in your 30’s…
Do it! I did at your age and loved it. I still think about trekking in Nepal and night trains in India 20 years later. You won’t want to come back to your old job anyway. It truly opens horizons.
Spent 2 days on a train from Delhi to Goa a couple of times. Loved and hated every second of it. Travelling in India is really an experience that I can't put into words. I'm just glad I did it.
Can a woman go alone at the age of 25?
People here offering anecdotal advice but let me just say that India is never going to be safe, especially on your own, and especially if you're a woman. I am sure there are many nice people there, but it's definitely one of the most dangerous countries for a woman to travel in.
Being a single woman is so horrible
Of course. Check out itchy boots on YouTube. She is something else. A true inspiration. Maybe avoid Egypt though…
Thank you
Please don't. I travelled quite a bit of India for a month with my fiancé and whenever he wasn't with me (in a shop, poorly or just caught up doing something else) I was harassed verbally and also groped in the street. It absolutely does not *feel* safe for a solo woman, I certainly wouldn't be able to enjoy myself feeling so vulnerable, and that's without any of these actions turning into something worse, God forbid.
This article seems reasonable: https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/southern-asia/india/womens-travel-safety-in-india
Thanks… I feel like this is yet another thing that single women are not able to do as well as being vilified by society
I wouldn't recommend it. Travel in a group, it's a lot safer.
Totally depends where - I've travelled solo across the world since I was 19. Some countries it's just completely fine, some you get a few looks and some lovely helpful people, others it can be quite mentally tiring. An example would be when I was in India, I got gropes, stares, comments etc. but none at all in Nepal. It's not necessarily unsafe (although obviously keep your wits about you and don't put yourself in unsafe situations) but it does get knackering being constantly on the defensive.
Being male I wouldn't want to give you a definite answer, but if you do decide to go, try to find out as much as you can - particularly from other women travellers -about where to go, as some places are safer than others. Also, from what I gleaned from talking to other travellers (and I know how terrible this sounds) what you wear can matter a lot when it comes to how much hassle you get. The other thing to remember is you won't be hanging out with actual Indians that much, so don't let your guard down too much even when you're around "safe" Westerners.
That must've been amazing :)
I still tingle thinking about it. It improved my life in so many ways. I’m 54 now and stopped working at 50 to live and travel full time in my campervan, towing a dirt bike around the UK and EU. The seed for this lifestyle was that gap year. Seriously just do it and go to places and do things outside your comfort zone. It’s so much fun.
I'm so with you. I travelled around Latin America for 2.5 years when I was 29 and it completely changed my life and me for the better in so many ways. I am just a much richer person for it
What do you do to be able to fund yourself?
I let out my flat and another house, the house has friends as long term tenants on affordable rents, and I have a small occupational pension which I could claim at 50. I’ve also dabbled in deliveroo deliveries occasionally, but don’t do that anymore as it was hard work. Mainly it’s simple living and low outgoings.
Simple living is not the same as living off the rent of two properties lol that’s higher than most people’s salaries
Small print is always a bitch. "Just have 2 properties." Come on.
Haha yes up to that point I was like 'hmmm, could this actually be obtainable?' then realised I didn't own 2 properties outright that I could rent out.
Well I didn’t own two properties when I took a gap year 20 years ago. I was pretty poor and lost. The gap year gave me the space and confidence to start my own one man band engineering consultancy company, which paid so well that it gave me options in life. My income now is very significantly lower than that when I was working. It feels like simple living to me, non consumerist.
And opens your mind. There is nothing like extended travel to improve a being.
I think if you're over 20 it's called a sabbatical
Don't get religious on me
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
My thoughts exactly 😂
I hate to break it to you, but in order for you to be having a quarter- life crisis, you’d have to live to 116 which is unlikely. Given the average life expectancy for men in the UK at 79.0, you are having a 29/79-life crisis
Jeez it’s just a figure of speech. No need to get your calculator out for it!
And life expectancy must be increasing. He might make 116.
Haha shall we say a third life crisis then? :)
In all seriousness, I want people to realise how short life is, because you don’t want to be on your deathbed with regrets and discontentment - the ultimate goal in life is to die contently.
Recently read Five Regrets Of The Dying by Bronnie Ware, super interesting book and it sounds like it'd be right up your street, I recommend it to people whenever I get the chance. She worked in palliative care for years and basically collated the main regrets she was told from people lying in their deathbed. Heavy reading at times but important to acknowledge.
Understood 👍
Nope. Straight up midlife crisis, plenty of people die at 58. …sadly, you’re one of them. Now, knowing that, are you going to take that trip or not?
Well when you put it like that ...
find an employer who has a career break scheme - best of both worlds.
Given they want to go now, not sure it would work rocking up to an interview and saying can I take a year off in 3 months time. Best bet is to explore the options with there current employer.
Wouldn't they have to work for ~3-5 years at the place before they could go then though?
I've been qualified for 3 years but I also work for a very small high street firm so sadly it's not really an option, but thanks :)
Mine is 10 years!
depends on the policy.
I used to lodge with a solicitor. He bought a house, lived in a room on the top floor and kept a spare room for guests. The middle floor was kitchen and living room then there were two more bedrooms on the ground floor he rented out to help pay for his travels and mortgage etc. You could do something similar, buy a house, get some lodgers you trust then have the best of both worlds. You've got someone to look after the place while you're away, you've got a regular income still and a decent base to come back to when you want to come home. He generally works 6-8 months of the year and spends the rest of the time travelling the world.
Came here to suggest this - if you can (and have friends/family that will help you with it), definitly consider getting that mortgage ticking and maybe even some extra cash. on top.
You only live once ✈️
Use it wisely
Work to live don’t live to work
Nah... enjoy it !
Friend was 31 when she packed in her job as a solicitor and went off to Aus. Worked on the farms for a few months then moved to one of the cities and the time of her life. People have this belief that you should have your life sorted by 30 and it’s absolute bollocks. Go travelling and enjoy yourself.
Good for her :) did she return to law afterwards?
I did it in my late 20’s. Spent 7 years in Australia. Became a citizen. Now back in Leicester which I like and was happy to return to. I can always go back to Aus. Just happy I did it. Only went for 12 months 😂
Exactly right mate - perfect attitude to have. Home will always be there for you so may as well see what the rest of the world has to offer
It's only true if you're a woman who wants to get pregnant. So much pressure.
Not true. Guys also get lots of pressure from family to buy house, get married and have kids before 30
Right, and it's not true. Guys *can* do it later. Women really do have a time limit.
If you've got the money, sure why not? That's probably the best time to do it!
I don't even need to read your question....take the year, have fun, enjoy yourself while it's easy to do and you don't have a family or house to worry about. Go. Enjoy. You can always work more and earn more later....you'll never get freedom back
exactly! working is endless, making money is endless! making yourself happy doesnt stop at ANY age, why are we expected to stop having fun when we reach a certain age? OP, there is absolutely NOTHING you are "supposed" to be doing in life
Do it! I had three gap years (18, 22 and 26/27). The last one was amazing, the best one. I was also living in the Midlands. Bought a round the world ticket and went. Worked a bit in Australia, but only there. Loads of adults go travelling, you’ll meet so many people along the way and make memories that last forever. And it didn’t slow down my career at all. In fact it looks great on your CV! Have fun planning your adventures!
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How did you manage that? Rich enough to retire at 30 I mean
Well he lives with his parents and lives very frugally, not really doing anything. I think it’s usually just called being unemployed.
I'd like to know this too 😅
Lived at home, saved everything I earnt, had no life at all!
Start with smaller holidays in Europe and figure out what you want from yourself. If you want to be more confident or out going them think about someone who is that and figure out a way to harness the skills they use.
I don't want to be fake obviously. I think I'm fine the way I am, but not many adults are very open at all, and as I have no one, it's a bit hard. Maybe it's made harder by my position, how am I meant to be able to be honest with people about my position. It's probably not wise to be, but then I'll have to lie somewhat.
You have nothing to lose. Travelling in certain parts of the world is inexpensive and you could even volunteer abroad if that’s your interest. If you don’t like it, come home. I could regale you with tales of my experiences, they were incredible, but it’s the magic of travel that you’ll find yourself that will stay with you forever. Please do this for yourself - you’ve earned it. Perhaps plan a shorter period of time away at first, or sign up for an organised activity (like trekking in the Amazon, volunteering with wild animals in South Africa, learning to scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef - the world is open to you - just pick one and go. There are so many to choose from) so you know you’ll meet like-minded people. I promise that you won’t regret it.
Thx. Maybe I'll just do a week group travel thing in europe first, hmm. I can barely bring myself to speak to new people, or put myself in new situations to lol.
Most of us feel that way and are just faking confidence. Don’t overthink it, just do it. I went on a couple in Ireland and Scotland by myself before doing a full year away. I made friends quickly enough - the way they are set up is to help people chat and get to know each other. I’ve always wanted to do a cooking course in Tuscany - I will some day. Cooking side by side other people and a glass of wine at the end of the day while trying the food seems like a good way to be with new people :)
Apologies if this is a silly question, but how do you include travelling on your CV? I mean what do you write?
I’m a teacher so have to show everything that I’ve done including career breaks (it’s part of safer recruitment) since leaving school, but I’ve also added it to my interests and hobbies section. It’s also something to use when you write about the reason you wish to pursue that particular career - for example, the inspiration, experience etc you had and how this links to your values etc. World travel shows that you have initiative, possibly a wider view of the world and resilience to cope with new situations. I’m older now and more likely to be on the interviewer side of the table, but am always interested in candidates who have travelled and experienced more than just school, university/training and a job. And it’s not a silly question.
Oh wow. I had no idea employers in the UK valued this kind of experience, it's definitely useful to know! Thank you very much!
Agreed. At our work it's a plus, not a minus (and our field isn't related to travel). I think it would be in most jobs, unless it means not finishing your qualifying year or something like that.
Mate I'm fucking sick of where I am in life, I'll come with you 😂. 29M
Haha let's do it 🤣
Turning 30 soon and i feel the same!
You can’t live on what ifs. Go do it while you can! Life is to be lived!
Definitely do it, you’ll only regret it if you don’t. Life gets so much harder to be able to do these things as you get older.
I would. I firmly subscribe to the “no guarantees tomorrow comes” philosophy. Not saying be irresponsible, because chances are tomorrow does come, but experience and take more opportunities if you can afford to. We quit our jobs 6 months after buying our first home to go travelling around the world for 9 months. We decided home ownership and stressful jobs seemed a bit too ‘adult’ for us in our late 20s and we’d earnt quite a bit by contracting so we quit and did it. Best decision we ever made.
Do it, it's the ideal time and getting on the property ladder is a big financial chain around your neck. Also, most employees are much more understanding / reasonable about gaps in your career history. I lived and worked in Japan for a year in my early twenties and it was a wonderful, life changing experience.
I did this at 38 - still doing it 2 years later
I take what is essentially a gap year every 5 or so years. Literally just started my first in 6 years. Long term I probably don't do as well as I could financially, but life is supposed to be lived. I never signed up for a lifetime at work only to retire and have time when I'm old. Noooo. I enjoy just clocking out of the rat race for a while and it reinvigorates me when I do rejoin the hussle. If anyone in an interview ever had an issue with those employment gaps, then they're not who I want to be employed by anyway.
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Best wishes to you mate x
Life is too short mate, go for it. I didn't really do any travelling until my 30s and even now it's just the odd solo city break, but I'd much rather have that than nothing. There's too much of the world to see to not travel and see places. You can get on the property ladder when you're back. Your qualifications ain't going anywhere
I did 27-30. 3 whole years of absolute bliss and madness. The thing about those 3 years of my life is I did so many different memorable things. They really stand out. I'm 35 now and have worked like a maniac since I got back and am doing quite well for myself. If you are ambitious you will catch up no problem. You'll only be 29 once and whilst you may feel older than you did 10 years ago one day you'll be old and you'll realise you really were just a baby at 29.
Go for it! It's only a year (ish), and travelling isn't seen as a negative thing on CVs. You're only young once. If you can afford it then go for it.
I took a gap year when I was 29 and it was amazing. I went to Australia, bought a 4x4, tent and drove around the coast (as best I could). Would recommend
Do it. I got a Working Holiday Visa for Aus and landed the day before my 30th then I landed in NZ the final days of my 30th year so I could use the Working Holiday Visa there as well. I had the BEST time ever! I was one of the older backpackers in the hostels but it didn't matter, you make your friends, meet people from all over, some crazy highs and some crazy lows but I miss it everyday, the freedom, the fun, the randomness, the different cultures (I did SE Asia too). When my child is old enough I'll be encouraging him to do it. ETA. In interviews it always becomes a topic of discussion, people are interested and ask questions, can derail the interview but it's better than the standard interview chat.
Your qualifications won’t go away, the opportunity/means to travel can and likely will. If you stay your future is pretty predictable however if you travel the possibilities are endless, you many even find something else you fall in love with, wether that be a place, profession, person… if you have the opportunity then go for it!
Can’t speak to your industry. But I’ve got a friend that’s a qualified accountant and similar age (so somewhat relatable position?). Anyway. He goes off travelling for a quarter of the year and comes back and lands a job quite easy. Then repeats. He’s done it the last couple of years. He seems so happy with his decision and I’m really happy for him. Apparently one of the biggest regrets at deathbeds is not living life the way we want to, by doing things we want. I say do it. Don’t look back. You’re a qualified solicitor and (hopefully?) you’d like to think you’d land a job when you get back with relative ease. All the best.
No personal experience of this, but a very wise lady said to me recently that taking gap years mid career is a really good idea. My generation (40s) will end up working longer than our parents, and your generation will likely work longer than we will. So the long, healthy old age, post retirement, that my grandparents enjoyed, is likely to become extinct. Sorry to be a downer. Have have fun now, cos you may not get chance later, was her advice!
Do it
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Do it!!! You'll never regret traveling. I WISH I travelled more when I was a student.
Please do it
I'd had enough at 26 packed in work and went travelling for 18 months the best time ever
Do it
The real quarter life crisis is realising you're suddenly nearly a decade too old for a quarter life crisis.
If you use the year to do something mind expanding like travel then you will come back a better person in every way. Employers will recognise this. You'll have more fun than you've ever had too. Make sure you don't just go to rich countries. Go to poor countries too.
Google the site careergappers...this is their bag.
Have you considered doing a tefl qualification? You could travel to another country and still earn money while teaching English, it’s not for everyone though and there’s a lot of paperwork for visas. If you have a degree though you could do China or South Korea, but most South American countries would accept tefl teachers without one.
Yeah I've definitely considered this, I know it's quite popular to do although not sure post COVID. Have you had any experience doing it?
Absolutely, do it! You also still qualify for working holiday visas at your age so even better!
If you’re genuinely serious about it speak to your work. Unless they’re total bell ends they may work with you on it. Nothing to lose if you’re going to do it anyway. Plus you’ve got another 35+ years of working life and as a solicitor should still be able to make enough coin to retire well. As Romy says ‘enjoy your life’
Do it. I did, so glad I took the opportunity when it arose. Consider volunteering to break up the 'holiday' vibe, can help you conserve funds and offer a good way to connect with different people - Workaway is a good platform to check out for this. For something more like an NGO, All Hands And Hearts offer disaster relief opportunities without the need for specific skills or raising lots of money.
Do it! People take sabbaticals all the time. You won’t be 29 again, and I don’t know how much more to stress this point.
Take a few weeks paid leave at once and have yourself an extended holiday. See how you're feeling after that. Whether you dread coming back to work and want to commit to travelling or if you can wait to invest in your future. Remember these things aren't mutually exclusive and you can do both but it's completely down to which one you want to do first.
Go. I'm old now, and never traveled when I was young. I have the time and money now, but my health is gone. Go while you're still young and strong.
I was 32 when my gf of 6.5 years dumped me. I applied to the JET Programme (Japanese Exchange Teaching) and was accepted, moving to Japan 9 months after my application. Ended up living there for 3 years and loved it. I was in IT, in the UK (both my working experience and degree) and came back in 2008 during a really bad time for IT jobs. Took me 7 years to get back into IT because I kept getting told I'd been out of the industry too long and I'd spent that time doing translation on minimum wage. I definitely don't regret what I did but fuck you to those companies who thought I'd just forget all my IT knowledge because I'd spent 3 years in Japan. Also lost all my no claims bonus on my car insurance even though I was driving over there all the time.
Yeah that's really my biggest concern - whether companies would be worried about taking me back upon return. I guess it really depends how long you go for. I've seen TEFL mentioned a few times and it's definitely something I'm considering. I appreciate your perspective 🙂
I get the feeling if I'd taken a year out, rather than 3, then it would have been easier but I have no clue overall :) I also came back at a really bad time for jobs, so I am sure that was also a factor, plus living in the North East has never been great for jobs. I would say, though, if you feel stuck in a rut or just need a break, then you're the one who can decide and it's not a crazy idea. I know I wouldn't have the wonderful friends I have now, nor would I speak another language if I hadn't :) If you do think about teaching English abroad, then feel free to ask me anything regarding my experiences :)
Thank you much appreciated 😊
Do it ..you can just over charge people for average advice in a years time ....
If you can do it, do it. You could do something which makes you more attractive to employers once you're back and/or you can do something that makes you better prepared for anything that comes your way in the future, good or bad. Try to do something unique that you will always remember and be proud of.
I did it at 28/29 (celebrated my birthday in Singapore) with my missus. I'd agreed with my company that I'd return to them when I got back to the UK. I arrived back in the UK in late March 2020, due to start work April... ...that didn't happen for obvious reasons. But I found another, better paying job a month later. A year later I returned to my old company earning 30% more than when I left. Was an incredible experience. I'd do it again but the wife isn't interested.
I did a working holiday visa in Canada in my early 20’s and loved it. No need for a job to be in place and there’s loads of good paying work out there and back in 2019 at least much better quality of living. Minimum wage was 15$ an hour and my rent was only 515$ a month with all bills included (plus renters don’t pay Council tax there) If you go to places like Banff during the off season you can pretty much just walk into a hotel/hostel/bar and get a job. I don’t exactly have the best CV and yet got a job within a week of landing. It sounds silly but the English accent really takes you places there. Everyone assumed that I’d gone to uni and shit little did they know I flunked second year of college and failed the next 3 attempts at further education.
Do it. On your death bed you will never regret having the time of your life at an age you can really appreciate it.
Do it!!! I got chronically ill at 29 so you never know what’s around the corner! You’ll never regret spending this money when you’re 40
Just do it mate ffs. You’ll never regret seeing the world but you will absolutely regret not seeing it
Do it now, you never know what is around the corner. Live life to the fullest when you can because it might not always be possible. Go, go.go
Great idea, do it while you can
You have the test of your life to continue your career enjoy the gap year, u earned it
Same here, 20s spent with an 8 year apprenticeship and 2 years of lockdown. Working and studying and working and studying. I bumped into a older couple on holiday this year, his knees were shot and she was struggling with some health conditions. We were talking about travel with him. His advice " do it now because you may not be fit enough to do it later" And they're right... you don't know what's coming. Right now I have the physical ability to drag my life around in a rucksack and the stability to hold my breath financially for a while. So im taking a 4 months sabbatical to go south east Asia. Can't fucking wait. P.s. I would do longer, but I have a mortgage that's recently substantially increased. I'll run out of cash unless I rent it out and work on the way.
Why not? It’s your life to live, you’ve only got one shot at it!
Do it do it do it do it. Do not delay.
I would try and build up your career for 2-3 years. Then go on your travels.
Can you find a job overseas in your profession? I was an accountant and sick of living in the UK so went travelling and found a job within 2 weeks of arriving in Hong Kong. It was a tough job but still always felt like being on holiday every day. Never lost that feeling 25 years later (all in Asia).
You won’t regret it if you do but you’ll regret it if you don’t. Go for it! You’ll get more out of it now as well. Come back and update us!
What area of law do you work in? A lot of the larger firms offer career break policies, potentially you could move, as you are 3 years PQE, work long enough to pass probation and then utilise the policy?
I'm in criminal. Not a bad idea though, thanks :)
While taking a gap year might seem like a detour, it doesn't necessarily have to derail your career. Many people take breaks to travel or pursue personal interests and return to their careers with renewed energy and perspective.
work till you can buy house, buy it, rent it out to part fund your travel/pay your mortgage.
Go for it or you'll always wonder. Me and my now-wife managed six months of travelling Asia just before Covid hit, and it was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. It admittedly did set my career back (not helped by Covid ruining the company I was supposed to start with when I returned) but not a day goes by when I don't look at the pictures on our wall and marvel at the things we experienced.
I'm am accountant and I took a year out aged 27/28, went to Thailand, Bali and Australia for 12 months. Took in all 5 Ashes test matches whilst in Oz, best year of my life. Also, being qualified, most of the accounting agencies have offices in Oz, so I worked for 3 months whilst there to top up the money, also let them know when I was leaving and was working within a week on my return. It's never hindered my career. I'm fact any interviews I've had and been asked what happened in 2002/3? I have a great story to tell. Go for it, would be my advice
Just do it. You'll regret it for the rest of your life and find reasons not to do it later because you'll be trapped by jobs and houses. You can figure out the rest later.
Obviously I don’t know your career and if it is something that you can’t step away from. However most large companies have a career break policy that allows you to take time away (unpaid) for travelling. If you can, do it. If you are still living with your parents even more so because you don’t have to worry about paying your mortgage etc etc. Also must careers will be enhanced by the experience travelling gives you. Project management, adaptability, communication and high pressure decisions. Some people have done major careers changes afterwards. You may benefit from Voluntary Service Overseas or taking a Teaching English as a Second Language qualification. This could allow you to travel but still keep your CV current
DO IT. When you are on your death bed which is more likely to be the regret? That you did it or that you didn’t?
Are you alive? Then do it!
You only get the one life mate, go for it. I feel like I missed the opportunity to do something like this and I regret it all the time - I'm not even much older than you, but once you're 'mid career' and you're saddled with property, pets and more responsibilities the concrete sets a bit. Go find some stories to tell, life'll be here when you get back.
Do it. Not too long after a depressing break up, the company I worked for lost a contract so it was tupe over and move somewhere I didn't want to live or walk away. I was 31-ish. 2 weeks later (the ticket was cheaper!) I was on a plane and had the best adventures and met some incredible people as i wandered round this amazing planet. Headed back to England 2 years later knowing a lot more about myself and what I wanted in life and chose to see how it went living somewhere I really wanted to live. Few years later i had a decent career and committed to buying a house here, knowing it was right for me. I don't regret a moment, and got more out of it doing it a bit later in life than I would have if I'd done it at 18. Still get itchy feet every now and then 15 years on, but don't think it'd be quite the same with a 7 year old in tow :)
Do it. Do it. Do it. I went about 25 and its still the best thing I ever did (apart from my son... but it's close!) That feeling of freedom is unparalleled. Its bliss and it will change your life. Excited for you!
Do it! Before you settle down. And the way things are going, while you still can... I didn't, much - I had a couple of short trips, but that's all. Only real regret tbh. So yeah, go, and take plenty of pics while you're there.
Buy a house and rent it out. If you've a lot of money saved up as a solicitor you can afford a deposit and to travel. The rent money can subsidise you further. Good luck
Live your life
can you afford to? will you become out skilled on your return? other than that .. I'd say, Go for it!! take pictures so I can live vicariously through you
Definitely do it but you probably don’t need 2 years. Plan to return with some of your savings left, starting to save again at 30 would suck a. It!
Please please do it. I spent my 20s raising kids and wish I could have a ‘gap year’ without worrying about money or responsibilities. Once you get on the property ladder you’ll be tied down in a way you aren’t now. Have fun!!!
I did it at 36 after a divorce. Once all the finances were settled I took my money, left Scotland and travelled for 2 years. Writing this from Sydney where I have now lived for 13 years. Best thing I ever did.
Here in NZ (sorry, not British but love the UK) we can it an OE, short for 'overseas experience', where 20-30 year olds, and sometimes even older head overseas for a taste of life beyond our shores. I never got to have an OE because of health issues and it's a great regret of mine. Bite the bullet and give it a go! You only live once
Do it. I want to when I'm a few years into my career, although luckily it seems fairly common in Audit, a fair amount of people take a few months to a year out once qualified, I plan on doing it although I may need to move to a bigger company for that.
Do it
Do it. You're only young once.
Travelling is never a mistake at any age.
I did a three month backpacking trip age 29. Got made redundant so slightly different situation. Best experience of my entire life. I am working again now but am saving up to eventually do a longer 6 month-1 yr trip. I spent an obscene amount of money on my trip and also paying my rent still in London and it was a pain the ass to find a job when I returned (I work in a different industry than you). But you know what, I didn’t care. When I was eating pot noodle for the third day in a row after not making it through to the next stage of another job interview, I thought back to how happy and insanely ALIVE I felt riding around the mountains of Vietnam on a motorbike. I felt so grateful and lucky to have experienced that, and experienced all the other amazing moments from my trip. And even if I had to eat pot noodles for the next 6 months and do 50 more job interviews then it’s a price I was more than willing to pay. The small hardships paled in comparison to the pure joy I experienced travelling and how much it changed my outlook on life and changed me as a person. My memories will last a lifetime. That short time period where I was being frugal and looking for work? A distant memory. It’ll be the best decision you’ve ever made. Go for it mate.
Slightly similar situation to you. 26M still live at home - could probably move out if I really wanted to. Studied all my life then straight into work and never got a chance to consider travelling. Anyway I’ve asked my work if I can have a 3 month sabattical to go travel in January and they have approved 😁 can you ask for a sabbatical too so you have a job to return to?
Do it and scratch that itch, it’ll be much harder maybe even not possible further down the line when you have ties like property, kids etc at least then you won’t have that regret of not having gone
When you retire would you rather have spent a year travelling the world or a year saving money? On your deathbed will you sit thinking “god I wish I’d saved more”?
I quit my job and moved to Canada
Do it! I did mine at 26 and it was the best thing I’ve ever done.
Do what you want to do. Life is short, don’t have regrets
Go for it. When I was a NQ, one of the slightly more senior solicitors took a sabbatical. He came back and got on with his career afterwards. That was 18-20 years ago, last time I saw him he was doing big cases and loving life.
My mate is 34 and quit his job as an architect to travel Asia, and has been doing for the last 8 months. He would have made partner there in a few years too. I'd certainly trade what I'm doing for that if I was in a position to. The house will come but you may not be able to travel like that again, and certainly not while you're young. I feel like I'm going to regret not doing it myself. Although I have lived in different countries at the expense of my career.
Just do it, I go every year for 3 months, rather than a long time, I’ve been doing it for 12 years, best lifestyle choice I’ve ever made. You will not regret it.
Do it, mate, imagine not doing it and then regretting it? That'd be way worse than doing it and regretting it. Life ain't a Monopoly board, there's more than one direction to go.
When you're ready it's time .... time spent travelling and exploring is never wasted .... the personal development far outweighs the professional gap ...
New Zealand allows you to do a 3 year visa, maybe come and get experience at this side of the world, or buy a house now and then rent it out while you travel so you have some security to come home to.
Quarter life? How long do you want to live hahah
Travel now, while you can. I did a bit in my 20s in Africa and Australia and regretted not doing more now I'm married and have a child. We are remedying that now but understand that we are fortunate and not everyone can do this. See as much of the world as you can as soon as you can!
If you can do it, do it. I was working on setting my life up to be able to work from abroad 6 months or the year. I did it 2 years in a row and it was fucking awesome. I got covid and now can’t really travel at all. You never know what a coming down the track. Travel is a life changing experience, and very very few people ever regret it. It gives you a much wider appreciation for life. I’ve found that the more widely travelled someone us, the higher likelihood they’re nice people. I might be projecting onto you, but as someone who did some travelling but now can’t, it’s something I’ll think about forever.
Travel! I always said I would when I finished uni and qualified as a teacher. I then got diagnosed with a multitude of long term medical conditions, fractured my spine and got medically retired and can’t walk. I can still travel and do things, but can’t work to save the money to backpack around the world now. Also not being able to stand means much of what I wanted to do (climb mountains, hike rainforests etc) I couldn’t do even if I could afford to. I don’t stop my disabilities holding me back, but I has crushed my dreams of a gap year. Basically what I’m saying is life is short, you don’t know what’s around the corner. Travelling now is a great way to network, find a job you want to do or even a place you want to do it. Having the qualification you have, means you’ll always be able to come back and work, so don’t have to worry about that. Go. Travel. See the world and have fun! Enjoy your 1/4 year crisis!
The honest answer? There's never a right or wrong time.
Do it do it! I’ve had 2 gap years so far and they’re the best thing I’ve ever done
There's no age limit. If you don't have kids then do it. You only have one life (cliche but true). If you're motivated you will always be able to get a career back on track. Do it. You will 100% not regret it.
31m from the midlands. Went to NZ in late 2019, came back in late 2021. Went to Aus in late 2022 and still here. Do it, you may never get the chance today and noone is gonna take your experience or qualifications off of you. The absolute worst case scenario is you need to get a flight back and move back in with your parents. My girlfriend and I briefly moved back in with my parents when we got back from NZ whilst we organised our lives again. In terms of a gap on your CV, if you're worried then just lie and say you did some work abroad. I mean this wholeheartedly, DM me if you want me as a reference in that fake job. Give me whatever title you want and I'm excellent at bullshitting that stuff. Employers are more lax about gaps nowadays, especially if you frame it as a personal growth journey, but I'll happily be your Mega Vice Chief Solicitor boss if it helps facilitate your trip.
Here's a slightly counterintuitive perspective, but I personally think doing this kind of thing helps your career and your lifetime earning potential. I did it (two separate 3 month and 5 month stints) and probably wouldn't be where I am today without it. It's also great for long term mental health, as it puts things in perspective. Basically if you're in a position to do it, just do it you won't regret.
I mean at the end of the day what's more important, living life how you want to or starting work a bit late. Jobs come and go, opportunities to get up and go somewhere when not paying for a mortgage do not.
Cant really comment for myself but my mum did it when she was about your age and it was one of the best things she ever did!
You will never, ever regret not spending more time at work. I'm also 29, and if I had the money I would do exactly what you're proposing. I think rather than being an issue when you return, you'll have plenty to say in future job interviews about how you grew as a person during your time away. Also, you don't mention any input from a partner, so I assume you're single. Who knows who you might meet on your travels? You might find yourself in Australia, say, for a seasonal job, suddenly not planning to return.
Perfect age to do so!
Buy a flat and rent it out. You’ll start paying your mortgage and can travel as well. Your parents will get their lives back as well!
Go. You've got your health. The World hasn't flooded or burned down yet. Do it while you can, then sit at a mahogany desk.
I'm not saying don't do it, but... You're 29 and still living with parents. You have savings to get on the property ladder. But if you go travelling for a year or two, how much will be left? What does that mean for you on your return? Moving back in with parents again at 31 for a couple more years while you save up again? Would _they_ be OK with that?
Do it. You can always buy a house later on (plus interest rates aren't great right now, if you're looking for practical reasons to pick travel over property 😏).
I did it at 32 (36 now) with my partner and went all around west Africa for six months. We both took a sabbatical from work so had jobs to come back to. We ended up coming back a bit earlier than expected because of the pandemic but it was an absolutely wonderful trip and I would do it again in a heartbeat given the chance. Just go for it, you won't regret it.
Just go! 🤙🏻
This is probably the last chance you'll get to do something like this until you're retired. I'd do it, so long as you can afford it. It will probably take you a little while to get a job when you return. No point sugar coating that. But it sounds like you've got good qualifications and prospects in a valuable field. And it's a productive reason for taking a break which some employers will see as a sign of good character. So I think you don't need to worry too much on the job front either. I've done a fair bit of travelling myself and it's really worthwhile if you're into that sort of stuff. You'll remember those experiences for life. Hopefully fondly!
I left my job and moved to South Korea to spend a year teaching English as a foreign language when I was 26/7. I did a TEFL in London before I went so I could get a little bit of teaching experience. I had a fantastic time, met my wife, saved a decent amount of money, took holidays to Japan and around South Korea. When I got back some employers didn't understand the gap (some definitely thought I'd been on a beach the entire time) and some really liked that I had done it. I know I was working vs travelling but I suspect you will find the same thing. The right employers will understand it as a character building experience. You're dealing with challenging situations, meeting people from different walks of life, experiencing different cultures... it's extremely enriching. I don't think it'll hurt your career particularly if you do choose to go back to what you do now. Much better to do it whilst you don't have dependents or a mortgage IMO. Go go go!
Do it. Did it 3 times during my career, never affected my career,if anything it improved it as I had me time. We only got one life, make it count. No regrets. All the best 🙏
I had a similar dilemma when I was 27. I am a qualified accountant and worked in finance and had saved some money which could’ve gone a large way towards a house deposit. Instead I used the money to go backpacking for a year and it was the best year of my life. No regrets whatsoever. When I returned I was able to get a job on the same salary that I was on before I left. As a trade off though, the year travelling means that my career progression is perhaps a year or two behind my friends who also started working as professionals at the same time, but given that we will be working for another 30 or so years this really does not bother me. I am now 31 and have just bought a house (although again a couple of years later than my mates). You will spend the majority of your life working and owning a home, but you may only get a couple of opportunities to travel without any commitments. In my personal opinion / experience, the enjoyment of travelling the world has far outweighed the fact that my career is now a year or two behind where it could otherwise be and that I had to wait a couple more years before I could buy a place. I don’t know what the employment market is like for your particular job, but assuming there are jobs available I do not think a year out travelling will be viewed unfavourably by potential employers. They will undoubtedly ask you about it in any interviews, but I just told them something along the lines of “I needed to get the urge to travel out of my system and now I’ve done that I’m ready to refocus on my career etc etc” and this was fine. Hope this helps and good luck deciding!
Maybe buy a place if you can and rent it out as you travel to cover the mortgage and maybe a small amount to help cover the fairly minimal travel costs if you go budget-style! Then you don’t risk coming home realising that you’ve splashed too much cash travelling to afford anywhere and have to move back in with the ‘rents in your 30’s…
I went to teach abroad at 30. Best decision I ever made.