Graduation day is quickly approaching. What is one to do now that a window of opportunities has just opened up?
Regardless if the path of traveling, continuing education or a career is chosen, with all three, timing is important. When some argue that taking a year or so off is good as a debriefing period, I, on the other hand, feel differently.
I have already made the decision to continue my education through graduate school. That is crazy, I know- not even being half-way finished with my bachelor’s and already thinking of graduate school. I have always been told that I have a thirst for knowledge. I never want to stop learning.
Although I want to go to graduate school, I have also made the decision to take a break before starting. When I tell people this plan the first thing they always say is “why would you not just go right away? Will you lose your momentum?”
I do recognize that once I am out of the so-called school mode it will be harder to get back in the swing of things. I sometimes have a hard time coming back from summer vacation! But, what I believe is that my desire to always be learning will be the driving force to keep me going. Between the time of graduating with my bachelor’s degree and beginning my master’s degree, I will focus on my career and save money.
I think the smartest thing to do is to begin a career shortly after graduating, preferably for me, within three to six months. Once beginning a career, I would spend a couple of years working before starting a graduate program. This makes the most financial sense to me.
Starting to work shortly after graduating will help tremendously with the repayment of college loans. Once the six month grace period is up, I do not want to be stuck. By working for a few months, I would, hopefully, be able to begin paying off my loans. My fear of returning to school without paying off the loans would be that the debt will just pile up, leaving me in a lifetime of poor financial status.
While some may want to take a year or so break from the seriousness of the real world, just remember the world keeps on moving. There will be loans and even loan interest that needs to be paid back. By taking a year off to do whatever one’s heart desires could end up possibly hurting more than helping.
Do not get me wrong, if the financial aspect of college is not a problem, then do whatever makes one happy. If I could, I would definitely take the time to do all the impossible things I have always wanted to do before settling down in a career. However, the cruel, constant reminder from Great Lakes Student Loans prevents me to living life to the fullest.
