The rise of adult gap years challenges traditional career paths

More workers are ditching their 9-to-5 jobs for year-long breaks, hoping to beat stress and avoid burnout. While some swear by these extended vacations, others warn they're not for everyone and could hurt your wallet and career.

This idea, which first caught on across the pond, is now making waves in the U.S. Young professionals in their 20s and 30s are jumping on the bandwagon, taking time off that can last a whole year.

The APA says job stress is at an all-time high, with most workers feeling unmotivated and drained at the office.

Logan, 34, who works in marketing, took a year off until last fall and says it did wonders for his mental health.

"I visited a friend who lives in England for a few months, then another friend who finished up medical school in Italy, then we took a trip to France for a couple days since it's so close by, then I visited my parents in North Carolina," he says. "I also picked up some new hobbies and things I've always wanted to do but never really had the time."

Ashley, also 34, runs her own business but is taking a breather this year to cope with personal tragedy and work burnout.

I never actually thought of it as an adult gap year, because it wasn't something I had started 2024 with the idea of, but it just naturally unfolded for me," Ashley said.

However, experts warn that gap years are not always the answer to workplace stress and burnout.

Merary Simeon, Ph.D., a human resource executive and co-founder of Zera Consulting, said, When you're burned out, a trip to the beach or another country alone isn't going to fix it."

Simeon noted that gap years often require aggressive saving to fund the break from work, which can lead to financial stress.

Joelle Moray, a licensed counselor and author, added, "A lot of people are attracted to this gap year as a sort of remedy for their burnout, but that pressure to aggressively save all your money for the time away can actually compound the stress."

Experts emphasize that addressing workplace burnout requires fundamental shifts in how individuals approach work and rest on a regular basis.

"Unless we fundamentally shift the way we approach work and rest on a regular basis, we're actually solving the wrong problem," Moray said. "We have to challenge the idea that rest is a luxury or reward and emphasize that it's a necessity."

The effectiveness of adult gap years varies depending on individual circumstances. While some find them beneficial for self-reflection and personal growth, others may experience increased stress due to financial pressures or concerns about career implications.

Simeon advises that adult gap years "exist on a spectrum" and their success depends on careful planning and realistic expectations.

As the trend continues to grow, professionals considering an adult gap year are encouraged to weigh the potential benefits against the financial and career implications, and to explore alternative ways to address burnout and maintain work-life balance.