Gap year(s)

[shootingstar]

But, we also made it clear that school was their first job and no working more than 15 hrs. a week while in school. When I was a high school teacher in AZ, I saw too many kids working 30 hours a week to pay for their car and insurance.

I totally agree that college or university full-time truly requires majority focus, hrs. and time. I found just working 8-15 hrs. per wk. some school years, just enough for me without dragging my energy around. And I didn't have a car .... Looking back, my parents though they expected us to work at least during summers and supplement with student grants, were VERY generous since we were poor, to ask that if we worked during the school year, it be only weekends.

As for gap years during our working lives...well I guess I had my "gaps" with unemployment looking for work. I do have a work benefit to take a partial paid leave of absence for a restricted period of time. It's nice to have this if life should require that I reset my priorities of personal over work for a short while. WHo knows.... but I know it would not be for taking off and travelling around. No, I don't have the urge to go back to school at this time.