How to convince parents to let me take a gap year?

My parents see taking a gap year as something a failure does because theyre too dumb to do anything else. They dont agree with the idea of me travelling (because it could be dangerous) , working (idk why) or volunteering (they dont want me to work for free). i really need a gap year for personal reasons but I cant explain to the the benefits of one, I cant seem to shift their perception of a gap year being for failures, despite me showing them Oxford/Cambridge students who have taken a gap year to work and travel. Any advice?

Reply 1

DrawTheLine

22

Original post by Anonymous

My parents see taking a gap year as something a failure does because theyre too dumb to do anything else. They dont agree with the idea of me travelling (because it could be dangerous) , working (idk why) or volunteering (they dont want me to work for free). i really need a gap year for personal reasons but I cant explain to the the benefits of one, I cant seem to shift their perception of a gap year being for failures, despite me showing them Oxford/Cambridge students who have taken a gap year to work and travel. Any advice?

I assume you're 18/turning 18 in the next few months, in which case you say "I'm an adult/almost an adult and it's my life, you have no say in what I do. You don't have to like my decision but at least accept it." That's pretty much it. Once you're an adult you don't need to ask your parents for permission about what you do in your life. It'll be hard and seem mean but if you don't stand up to them, then the next thing you know they'll be telling you what jobs to apply for and what person to marry, what house to buy etc. (Not saying your parents are this controlling but they have the potential to be if they're already doing this).

Reply 2

Joshey

13

Original post by Anonymous

My parents see taking a gap year as something a failure does because theyre too dumb to do anything else. They dont agree with the idea of me travelling (because it could be dangerous) , working (idk why) or volunteering (they dont want me to work for free). i really need a gap year for personal reasons but I cant explain to the the benefits of one, I cant seem to shift their perception of a gap year being for failures, despite me showing them Oxford/Cambridge students who have taken a gap year to work and travel. Any advice?

When i had my interview at university for physics, I was favoured over most candidates as the acedmic told me that they prefer those who had taken gap years because they were more mature and responsible with an extra year of experience under their belt.

Reply 3

kkboyk

21

Original post by Anonymous

My parents see taking a gap year as something a failure does because theyre too dumb to do anything else. They dont agree with the idea of me travelling (because it could be dangerous) , working (idk why) or volunteering (they dont want me to work for free). i really need a gap year for personal reasons but I cant explain to the the benefits of one, I cant seem to shift their perception of a gap year being for failures, despite me showing them Oxford/Cambridge students who have taken a gap year to work and travel. Any advice?

You're an adult, and there really is no need to rush into university. One thing I'd recommend you do to convince them is plan out exactly what you're going to do during your gap year, and then show them. They are many opportunities out there for those doing a gap year such as gap year placement/schemes/internships, where you get to experience working professionally at a specific company (this for example).

Reply 4

Abcdefghijk123

20

You’ll regret it for a long time and likely resent them if you choose not to do a gap year just because they don’t want you to. Just tell them that you’ve thought a lot about it and a gap year is what you feel is best.

Reply 5

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by DrawTheLine

I assume you're 18/turning 18 in the next few months, in which case you say "I'm an adult/almost an adult and it's my life, you have no say in what I do. You don't have to like my decision but at least accept it." That's pretty much it. Once you're an adult you don't need to ask your parents for permission about what you do in your life. It'll be hard and seem mean but if you don't stand up to them, then the next thing you know they'll be telling you what jobs to apply for and what person to marry, what house to buy etc. (Not saying your parents are this controlling but they have the potential to be if they're already doing this).

theyre definitely the kind to tell me who to marry lol but thanks for the advice, i probably do just need to tell them im taking a gap year and not make it sound like im asking

Reply 6

somemightsay888

20

If you're finding the travelling yourself, great. You can just tell them etc

If not then you've literally no power lmao. What parent is going to piss away money on **** they think is useless 🤔

Reply 7

bones-mccoy

19

How can anyone be against volunteering? You could volunteer for literally just one morning or afternoon per week for a year and it will look so great on your CV, plus you're helping out a good cause and socialising.

How to convince parents to let me take a gap year?

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Trending

Articles for you