In my day there was really no choice. You either went directly to University, or directly to work; I chose the latter.
These days no self respecting school-leaver would dream of doing either. They're off to India, on to Oz, buy a van, pick some fruit, get arrested, pick more fruit, on to Thailand, phone home for money; and when they realise that 5 years have somehow flitted-by, make one final grasp at freedom by staying in a squat in Paris. Then, and only then, when the Euros have completely run dry (and parents refuse to cough-up any more), will they finally make for home.
All three of my children took time off to travel, and all three returned wiser, more independent, and focused.
Above is Junior Magnon (the last to travel) with his lovely Swedish/Russian girlfriend (now my daughter-in-law), Kellogg, photographing themselves somewhere (in their van) in Oz.
I have only one gripe with the Gap Year ethos; it tends to teach children that the only time to contact parents is when you're BROKE.
N.B. I originally posted this in 2010.
What made you post it again today? (my son is in nonrtheren Europ...).
ReplyDeleteI've been very busy, and didn't have time to prepare anything else.
DeleteNo recipes?
DeleteFood was the last thing on my mind; I was cleaning 'drains'.
DeleteFROST here this morning. -1C, the first of Winter 2017.
ReplyDeleteWe always had a tradition of the OE (overseas experience), back then it was the 'continent' now many seem to go to Asia.
ReplyDeleteI worked weekends and nights for a couple of years to pay for it all. Well, most of it. Must admit I did 'request' a little extra a couple of times, even though I worked in London at various jobs.
Friends went back after 2 years. And I'm still here.
Wills and Kellogg came back after 2 years, but they've continued travelling ever since.
DeleteA modern phenomena, and not always for the young, some middle ages people are now catching up with the idea and taking a "gap year". Sadly perhaps they have to rely on their own finances.
ReplyDeleteI got as far as Paris for weekends. I was not very adventurous.
DeleteGap years are alright if you have the financial support if you get into trouble. When I finished school (no college or uni for me) I had a mind to go to Australia for a while. That idea was soon scuppered after my parents said that I had to save enough money up which they would send to me if I got in trouble. So I had to go to work, and then life took hold, with marriage, children, divorce, etc following on. But I did get to leave England when I came to France at the age of 60, so perhaps I am in my 'gap time' now!
ReplyDeleteI feel as if every day is a 'gap day' here. No worries, and very few commitments.
DeleteThe spirit of Orwell prevails. Down and out in Paris and London. Spanish Civil War. George on the Rambala. Burmese Days. Even the road to Wigan Pier would be a foreign country to some. A student I know is translating bibles in Senegal. The world is our oyster!
ReplyDeleteThat is certainly the case for my son and DIL above; they see the world as one big town.
DeleteBack in the day my choice was V.S.O., Uni or work. I too chose work. Now I wish I'd had a Gap year or two but on the whole it worked out fine.
ReplyDeleteVSO and Kibbutz work were both very good character building occupations. I don't know if they are as popular these days; they should be.
DeleteAll the kibutsim were privatzed,there are no "volunteers" like it used to be.
DeleteMy life is one long gap year. I have yet to stop. I am now entwring another. It has been very enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI feel rather the same. It's only been the having to earn a living that's interrupted matters.
DeleteStarted work when I was 17, never had the opportunity for a gap year. Having said that, my gap year started when I was 49 and is still going strong!
ReplyDeleteI think mine started when I was 25, when I moved here.
DeleteI feel much like Sue, above. We had high school until grade 13, then directly to university, then directly to grad school, then directly to work and have never stopped. I retire in 3 1/2 years and CANNOT wait! -Jenn
ReplyDeleteIt didn't even cross my mind to take time off after school. I had to earn a living.
DeleteSchool, teachers' college, work, bringing up children, work and finally retirement. no gap year or travel till almost 60. I think the younger generation look at us and hope for more out of life ..... but it wasn't so bad. and NOW it's really good !
ReplyDeleteMy 3 all spent wonderful 'gap years'. All 3 came back as true young adults; ready to face the world.
DeleteStill a grand post. Gap years were just a tiny bit known when my girls started college. None for them; I couldn't afford it. (I'll work as I go, Mom!) It's making a lot more sense to me now.
ReplyDeleteI honestly think it was the making of my 3. They all benefitted so much.
DeleteA good post..and does he still look like Magnon Senior?
ReplyDeleteHe looks very much like my mother!
DeleteNo chance of a gap year for me, but then nobody I knew had one back in the sixties. I had to work and my parents were in no position to fund anything. Tragically, a contemporary of my granddaughter was killed when in Australia last year and this has rather coloured my feelings on it . said granddaughter has decided to use her savings for a deposit on a house, which she may or may not regret in the future (I hope not)
ReplyDeleteThis all sounds a bit negative doesn't it? sorry.
Tragedies unfortunately do happen, and it must affect people's attitude. I'm sure the house deposit will prove wise.
DeleteGap years were unknown when I finished my secondary schooling first time around. BUT when I repeated VCE & finished in 2013 I took a truncated Gap Year of fours weeks in Europe with a very small back-pack.And a suitcase more in keeping with my age.
ReplyDeleteNo back up money from parents for me,not at my age, & I had the best time.
Alphie
I don't know when the whole idea of the 'gap year' began; maybe in the 1980's? They were certainly not known when I left school.
DeleteI chose work. I had to really as my parents were not well off. I commuted to London every day from leafy Surrey. One quarter of my salary went to my mother for my keep, one quarter on rail/bus fares, one quarter had to be saved (parents insistence, which paid off as I eventually needed a deposit for my first home) and one quarter to spend on me, including my clothes - I had to be smart for work - etc. I never regretted it as the job was interesting - shipping - so I could read all about far flung places at my desk. Now, life is one long gap-year - I love it!
ReplyDeleteThis all sounds a bit negative doesn't it? sorry.
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