Gap years are not happenstances that I can lay claim to their wide occurrence around me. Especially in the case of jobs or careers, it rarely happens around here, and that's mostly because of the financial buoyancy of people. I mean, only the rich ones with loads of savings that can cater for their needs without working for some time will decide to take a year out to rest, relax and recalibrate.
A gap year can be deliberate or forced, depending on the reasons that lead to it. In the early 2000s, when JAMB and PolyJamb were the gateway to higher institutions, a lot of people had breaks after their secondary education, enforced ones. Once one is not given admission that year, the person has to wait till the next year to try again. Those waiting periods, or gaps, can be testing. And, worryingly enough, most people do no tangible thing in those waiting periods while they bid their time for the next assault at higher education.
However, for gap years that are well planned, the result may be wonderful. I think Pep Guardiola is the first high-profile person who comes to mind of how taking a break from the rigours of work can be important. Having enjoyed unprecedented success at Barcelona FC between 2008 and 2012, where he won every available trophy, he resigned from his post and took a year out of the game.
When quizzed on why he took such a decision despite having one of the best teams and arguably the best player in the history of football at his disposal, he didn't mince words and stated clearly that he felt "worn down" and needed a break from the rigours of managing a top team while under intense pressure. When I first heard about this, I felt conflicted as I couldn't wrap my head around why he would want to quit such a lofty position, especially with the success he has enjoyed and with the promise that the team still carried.
But, he further clarified his decision and justifiably so when he said he felt drained and needed time away to recharge because he had nothing else to offer his team in the form of progress. Looking back on that now, I have to admit he made the right decision personally and professionally. He took a year out of the game and returned with Bayern Munich, where he became much more than a successful coach.
Depending on how a gap year is utilized, it may just be what one needs to push to the next level of success. One of the benefits of it is that it enhances self-discovery. While away from the pressure-cooking work environment, one can quietly discover and realign one's goals, values and interests. At that particular time, the body and soul heal from emotional and mental wounds sustained in the system. As one quietly rejuvenates, new skills can be learn at a reasonable pace, which will come in handy and make one more valuable when the time eventually comes to get back in the game.
When Guardiola returned with Bayern, he had new ideas of how he wanted his full-backs to play. While away from the game, he tried so many systems - away from prying eyes - to perfect his chosen pattern of play. He implemented those and led a new generation of managers wanting to learn from his wealth of experience. This took him to new heights, and nowadays you can't talk about the best managers in football without including him in the conversation. His gap year gave him a new purpose.
