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Top reasons to take a break before starting your career in IT
09/05/2021
School years are continuous for most people, while it takes into more pressure when you get into college or graduation with no breaks. Also, in most cases job entry happens soon after passing out with a degree from college or university.
However a break can bring fresh enthusiasm before launching yourself into a first job, after graduation. You’ve spent the majority of your life in classrooms up to this point and probably haven’t seen as much of the world as you’d like.
You also get moral support for your choice to take a gap year or extended break. Some may fear that if you don’t go straight into the next stage of education or work, you’ll lose the mind-set of a hard worker.
The false misconceptions may however drag you into a world that can’t be enjoyed after getting into a job. You will have to fundraise and work before you travel in order to save some money. You’ll need to be self-motivated, organized and capable of sorting out problems.
In this article, here are the top three reasons to take a gap year before a great career move.
1. You can learn different cultures
Explore different communities, people, diversities, and regional factors to get the chance and change your outlook on the world. Give a try by visiting another country that you have never been to and immerse yourself in the lifestyle.
You can learn the way how people behave, the culture, the hopes, and concerns for the future. You can now be a better estimator of life, when tackling issues in the future, or how to mingle with society when it comes to your part in it.
This kind of knowledge can help inform what you decide to do with your life. You may be moved to make a difference in some way by working for a charitable organisation, or perhaps a social enterprise, or technology company.
A good understanding of different cultures can help your deal with customers, clients and colleagues in the workplace. Instead of taking several trips to several different places, you may decide to spend an extended period of time in one country, trying to learn their language.
2. Think broad
Just think of a precious gap year that should be of total fun. Of course, you not only want to be thinking about future studies and careers. Most people love to travel during their gap year and everyone will be constrained to some factors.
Few among the constraints are- about how much you want to spend, how long and where to go. The best part about volunteering or gaining work experience is that you can do something to fulfil a dream, especially with a career in IT Jobs.
Your choice of future career will help learn skills and develop knowledge that will benefit when you return home. Yes, you have the freedom of knowing anything entirely related to your choice and your contribution will be valued because of that.
3. You are the final decision-maker
Most people, who get into careers soon after grabbing a degree, later regret the decision of stepping into a particular career. This may happen in a short while or after entering the 40+, but the whole lot hard work goes in vain, if that’s the case.
It’s hard for many to make a decision while at school or college. Just because they are focusing so much on doing well in everything, they have very less time to think about the future. Tech Jobs can be much complicated while performing, without any interest. So, it’s always keen to have a specific program in a specific college decided on and applied for before you get your exam results. A gap break provides a chance to let thoughts and learning settle so a plan for the future can evolve.
FAQs
1. Why should I consider taking a break before starting a career in IT?
Taking a break before entering the IT field allows you to recharge mentally, explore interests, and gain clarity about your career goals. It helps reduce burnout and ensures you start your IT journey with focus, motivation, and confidence.
2. How can a career break help future IT professionals?
A break gives aspiring IT professionals time to develop problem-solving skills, improve soft skills, and learn new technologies at their own pace. It also offers space to explore specialisations like software development, cybersecurity, data science, or cloud computing.
3. Will taking a break affect my chances of getting an IT job?
No, a well-planned break usually does not harm your chances. Employers often value candidates who demonstrate self-awareness, learning initiative, and personal growth. Using your break productively—such as learning new skills or working on projects—can even strengthen your profile.
4. What productive activities can I do during a break before an IT career?
During your break, you can:
- Learn programming or IT certifications
- Work on personal or open-source projects
- Improve communication and teamwork skills
- Travel, volunteer, or freelance
- Research IT career paths and industry trends
5. Can a break help me avoid early career burnout in IT?
Yes. The IT industry can be demanding, and starting without proper rest or clarity can lead to burnout. Taking a break helps build mental resilience and prepares you to handle workplace pressure more effectively.
6. How long should a break be before starting an IT career?
There is no fixed duration. A break can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on your goals. The key is to use the time purposefully and return with a clear plan for entering the IT industry.
7. How should I explain a career break during IT job interviews?
Be honest and positive. Explain how the break helped you learn new skills, gain perspective, or prepare for a specific IT role. Focus on the value it added to your professional and personal development.
