My time at school is almost up, and of course I’m thinking about the big question: what next? Perhaps I’ve left it a bit late to start thinking about it, but that’s how I am. I think I’ll do well in my exams, so maybe I’ll go to university or college and get more qualifications – but I’ve been asking myself if it’s better to just find a job and start a career that way. On the other hand, if I do go on to study further, should I do it right away or perhaps take a year off – a “gap year”? Helpful comments and ideas, please. Thanks.

Hi, John. I’m doing a gap year right now. I saved up some money and went to Thailand, but after two months of “holiday” I got bored and the money was running out. Then I learned about a volunteer medical organisation working in poor parts of the country and they let me join as a driver. Now I’m working, struggling with the Thai language and learning lots about myself. I’ve made a resolution, too – when I go home, I’m going to study medicine, to be a doctor or a nurse. So my advice? Do a gap year, but don’t just travel around – do some volunteer work somewhere. For me, it’s been life-changing.

Hey! I left school three months ago and I didn’t want to go to university or travel. So I’m doing a course. I’m studying to become a yoga teacher. I took up yoga a couple of years ago and I’ve loved it ever since. I was quite lazy at school, but I’ve changed my ways and now I study really hard. The course starts every day at 7.00, so I’ve had to get into the habit of waking up early. But that’s fine – I love what I’m doing. That’s the important thing – do what you love, if you can.

Hi there! Here’s my advice. Do what feels right for you now, but keep an open mind and be prepared to change. Some of my friends went travelling after school, but I didn’t have the courage; I just went to university. It was OK and I was having a good time. Then one day an old friend from school phoned me and said he was going to start an online company and asked me to join him. So, I gave up the university course and went to work with him. It was the best thing I’ve ever done. I wasn’t intending to leave university, but I took the chance to try something different, and I don’t regret it.