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Post by Elliefunt - Debbie on Feb 4, 2016 7:40:55 GMT -5
I'm not a fan of taking a "gap year". People close to us who's children took a gap year never went to college after. I know that college isn't for everyone, but I do feel that kids need some sort job skills. I have another friend who's son is going to electrician school. Learning a trade is always an option. My youngest talks about maybe taking a gap year. She's almost 15. So we have time. I've given her an option of attending an accredited Bible college at the camp she's attended for almost 10 years! Year long, live at the camp, go to school, work serving others. I think it would be a good fit for her. Do you have any options for your child if the "gap year" topic comes up? (I took a gap year and I'm still enjoying it now 30+ years later)  Wish someone had pushed me into a career choice. Not that being a SAHM is bad - I'm at a point in my life where a career would be nice to settle back into now that the girls are older. |
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Post by Elliefunt - Debbie on Feb 4, 2016 8:43:50 GMT -5
Wanted to add: I had the same *rule* for my oldest regarding a gap year. I knew if she got out of the habit of studying and doing homework she would not return to school. I actually kind of encouraged her to go to the Bible college - to find some direction in her life. So many of the young adults that went there talked about how much it helped them.
I also don't want anyone to read my post and think I'm accusing them of not pushing their kids. Just typing/talking out loud here.
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cshoremom
Mod Squad 
“What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.” ― Mother Teresa
Posts: 4,170 
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Post by cshoremom on Feb 4, 2016 9:03:23 GMT -5
I'm not a fan of taking a "gap year". People close to us who's children took a gap year never went to college after. I know that college isn't for everyone, but I do feel that kids need some sort job skills. I have another friend who's son is going to electrician school. Learning a trade is always an option. My youngest talks about maybe taking a gap year. She's almost 15. So we have time. I've given her an option of attending an accredited Bible college at the camp she's attended for almost 10 years! Year long, live at the camp, go to school, work serving others. I think it would be a good fit for her. Do you have any options for your child if the "gap year" topic comes up? (I took a gap year and I'm still enjoying it now 30+ years later) Wish someone had pushed me into a career choice. Not that being a SAHM is bad - I'm at a point in my life where a career would be nice to settle back into now that the girls are older. I have always been "leery" of a gap year, thinking that it will stagger the desire to start college… Just doing it… going to college right after HS always seemed like the most reasonable thing to do…. My nephew did not go right away…. and he started working…..and liking his paycheck, ended up going back, but only part time… ( because he had a job he liked), and still, 8 years later does note have a degree…. He has a perfectly good job… but I know he wishes he just went for it right away…… I think your plan of attending/working at the Bible college is a great idea! I went to a college planning seminar given at our local HS, and out guidance counselor said that GAP Years are not all bad….First, some kids are NOT ready to jump into college life… they need that year…to mature, to pursue ideas on what they would like to do… She did say to not let it be a year of leisure… Volunteer, job shadow, do a casual "internship" in a career that they wish to pursue, travel that relates to your career plans, etc. Keeps them in a structured "college-type" schedule, so they will be ready for college when it is time. |
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Kinsa
Oldies but Goodies
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Post by Kinsa on Feb 4, 2016 9:04:48 GMT -5
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love3c
Oldies but Goodies
Posts: 129
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Post by love3c on Feb 4, 2016 21:49:31 GMT -5
YWAM Discipleship training schools (DTS) are how lots of kids I know spend gap years
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sarahw
Oldies but Goodies
Posts: 136
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Post by sarahw on Feb 6, 2016 21:53:30 GMT -5
I was pushed into a career choice and college. 20 years later my degree is really useless (and I had a lot of student loans to pay off). And 10 years from now when dd is leaving the house it will be even more so. I have already told dd she does not have to go to college (we will encourage community college). I really wish I could have done a gap year or worked and part time community college until I was clear about God's plan for my life. And then went to college or trade school as my child was leaving the house and I was ready for a career.
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Post by LisainMN on Feb 7, 2016 17:55:48 GMT -5
DD took a 2+ year gap. She didn't know what she wanted to do and refused to go to college without a goal. She's very frugal. She worked part time, did a lot of nannying and a lot of self education. She learned a lot about what she was interested in and found a path that felt right for her. It took 2 years to get into the selective 2 year program she wanted so she took classes on the side during that time to prepare. She is now in her program and thrilled to be where she is. She is 22.5 and still has another year to complete her program. But she doesn't regret the years of working on herself and figuring things out on her own.
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Post by bronte73 on Feb 10, 2016 8:29:06 GMT -5
My oldest son wants to do 1-2 gap years because he has no idea what he wants to do and he is also very frugal. My parents are driving me nuts because they keep saying he HAS to go to school and just take on astronomical debt. We really can't help him that much either, so I understand his feelings. My rule is though, if you take gap years, you have to have a plan and be actively looking/researching what you want to do. As a guy, Brock really needs to have a college degree of some sort, unless he goes into a trade/apprenticeship type thing, and even then at least an associate's degree. Unfortunately, in this world, without a degree it's much harder to get a job. :\ To be honest, I'm really tired of pushing my kid. It's like moving a boulder uphill by myself as dh has been very hands off about this stuff. I'm just completely done with the whole thing, to be honest as I mostly feel like this ---->  |
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Post by LisainMN on Feb 11, 2016 20:16:39 GMT -5
Life paths just aren't what they used to be and older generations don't understand/realize that. Going to college right out of high school, getting a bachelor's degree, getting a job and staying there 40 years and retiring with a pension just doesn't happen anymore. Most people will change jobs many times and even change fields.
The pressure on kids these days in school to know what they want to do and start preparing to do that in junior high is crazy! Though I want my kids to be prepared to support themselves and have a bright future, I also want them to be happy and content in life. Sometimes the path to that is more zig zaggy.
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