When we hear "gap year," most of us picture a young adult fresh out of school, backpacking through Europe or volunteering in a remote corner of the world. But what about the rest of us? What if you're in your 30s, 40s, or even 50s and feel that burning need for a break—a serious reset that goes beyond a two-week vacation? Enter the adult gap year, a growing trend where people, long past their school years, are taking time off from their careers to travel, explore new passions, or simply rest.
The adult gap year is no longer an unconventional idea reserved for the daring few. It’s becoming a mainstream choice for adults seeking fulfillment, balance, and, in some cases, a total life reset. Whether it’s a company-approved sabbatical, a long-term travel adventure, or just a few months off to recharge, it offers a refreshing alternative to the burnout culture many of us are trapped in. But how exactly does it work, and what should you consider before taking the leap?
Simply put, an adult gap year is a longer break from work, typically ranging from a few months to a year, where you take time away from your job to focus on personal growth, travel, or pursue other interests. Unlike the traditional gap year, which often comes before entering university or the workforce, an adult gap year occurs well into one’s career, often as a response to job burnout or a desire for something more than the daily grind.
This isn’t just about quitting your job and hopping on a plane. That is a chance of course, but there are also people negotiating extended leaves of absence with their employers or taking unpaid leave for the entire length of their gap year. The chances are endless and totally depend on the “why” behind your gap year. For some, it's a way to reconsider their careers entirely—taking the time to figure out what they really want from life. And for others, it’s simply about experiencing the freedom of being untethered from daily responsibilities, even if just for a while. That is, as long as you are an adult and taking a sabbatical from your work, no matter how you do it and for how long, you are on an adult gap year.
The adult gap year trend is on the rise for several reasons, not least of which is a growing awareness of the impact burnout has on both mental and physical health. And with the pandemic causing a global reassessment of priorities, more people are realizing that life is too short to wait until retirement to pursue dreams, explore the world, or just take a much-needed break.
In today’s working scene, many people reach a point in their careers where they feel stuck or unsatisfied. The grind of a 9-to-5 job, the pressures of balancing work and family, and the lack of fulfillment in their professional lives can leave them yearning for something different: a gap year offers a chance to hit the reset button and figure out what truly makes you happy.
But this is not just about escape—it’s about recalibration. An adult gap year can be a period of deep self-reflection. What are your goals? What do you want from your career? Are there aspects of your life that need change? With this time, many individuals return to work with a renewed sense of purpose or find entirely new career paths that align more closely with their passions.
While the idea of taking an extended break from work and daily life sounds appealing, it’s natural to have some reservations. Whether it’s concerns about job security or family responsibilities, many adults worry about the potential challenges of stepping away. However, with the right planning, these concerns can often be managed, and the benefits of an adult gap year can far outweigh the risks.
Let’s address two of the most common worries and how to navigate them!
One of the biggest concerns for anyone considering an adult gap year is the fear of losing their job or jeopardizing their career prospects. This is a valid worry, especially in industries where competition is fierce and gaps in your resume might raise questions.
However, many companies are becoming increasingly supportive of sabbaticals and career breaks as they recognize the benefits of retaining employees who return refreshed and with a renewed sense of purpose. What’s more, offering these extended breaks can also help address employee burnout, a rising issue in workplaces across the globe.
If you’re worried about leaving your job, talk to your employer. In many cases, you may be able to negotiate a sabbatical or a leave of absence, especially if you’ve been a long-time employee. Some companies have formal policies in place for extended breaks, and in those that don’t, you might be surprised by how flexible they can be when you make a strong case for it. Additionally, remote work has opened new opportunities, allowing some people to take their jobs with them while they travel!
If, on the other hand, quitting your job is your only option, it’s important to have a plan. Most people spend time saving up for their gap year, ensuring they have a financial cushion when they return. And it's also worth noting that taking time off doesn’t necessarily mean your career will suffer: many return from an adult gap year with new skills, perspectives, and experiences that can actually enhance their resumes.
For those with families, the idea of an adult gap year may seem even more worrying. How do you balance travel or time off with the needs of children, a partner, or even elderly parents?
The good news is that you don’t have to choose between family and your own need for a break. Many families are opting to take gap years together. And the rise of remote learning and work is making it easier than ever. Nowadays, you can manage both schooling for children and/or work on the road or in a new location with minimal troubles. This is why more and more families are now traveling together, using the opportunity to expose their kids to different cultures and ways of life, all while continuing their education remotely.
Alternatively, you can choose to not leave your family behind. Some people, in fact, use their adult gap year to slow down, stay closer to home, and spend more quality time with loved ones while pursuing personal passions or side projects. The point of this time off isn’t necessarily about hopping from one exotic destination to another—it’s about stepping out of your routine, whatever that may look like for you.
If the idea of an adult gap year excites you, the next step is planning. This involves more than just booking a plane ticket. It takes indeed thoughtful consideration of finances, logistics, and, of course, where you want to go and what you want to do.
If you’ve been feeling burnt out, unfulfilled, or simply ready for a change, an adult gap year might be exactly what you need. While it requires some financial planning and a leap of faith, the rewards—both personal and professional—can be life-changing.
You will step away from the daily grind, gain new perspectives, and reconnect with what brings you joy. It’s an opportunity to discover new passions, strengthen relationships, and return to work with a renewed sense of purpose. Whether you’re looking to travel the world, explore new hobbies, or simply take a break, there’s no better time to consider an adult gap year. After all, life is too short to wait until retirement to live your dreams.
In the end, the most important step is to take the leap. The adult gap year isn’t just for the adventurous few—it’s for anyone ready to prioritize their well-being, explore new horizons, and embrace the idea that it’s never too late to take a break and start fresh.
Take your chance and shape your future in the “Bel Paese”!
Explore our programs!
.webp){kind=small}
.webp){kind=small}
.webp){kind=small}
What is Italianforawhile?
Your gateway to life-changing journeys to Italy: join us and create memories that last a lifetime.
Enrollment and admissions
Help center
