Many college graduates fondly remember the term "gap year" as a time they got to travel or pursue some other personal interests. However, a recent report notes that you don't have to be in college to take advantage of a gap year. This week, the New York Times reported on the growing trend of experienced professionals who have taken a year off from their careers, for various purposes. "I was pretty burned out after practicing medicine for 26 years," Dr. Dennis Sinar of North Carolina told the Times, going on to say that he had traveled to places like Nepal and Romania while learning about everything from stone masonry to eastern medicine to antiques restoration. The report cites information from Mintel International saying the growing adult gap year trend is a "sleeping giant" of a market, and points out the current recession may give many adults the opportunity to finally pursue some of their longstanding interests. The head of one organization that helps adults set up gap-year programs, Holly Bull, told the Times that adults tend to have more immediate concerns such as bills and expenses than their younger counterparts do. One book entitled "Gap Years for Grown Ups" give adults further perspective on how they can make this idea a reality. Dr. Sinar told the newspaper his gap year had helped by making him a better listener and more compassionate caregiver, while another professional, Lee Attix of Maine, told the Times he had used his gap year to set himself up for a career switch from marketing to working with wildlife.  |