Gap Year Blues

[Maybe.a.dentist]

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I applied after my junior year hoping I'd go straight into dental school, but that didn't happen. This forced me into a gap year and is leaving me feeling lost and like I'm just wasting my time for a whole year. I know some people try and travel over their gap years but for financial reasons that's not an option for me. I found a job and I started working their a few weeks ago and I still just get this feeling like its all a waste. The job isn't absolutely awful but its not great and I've certainly had worse, but the pay absolutely suck, the schedule sucks (don't get to see my fiancée nearly as often as Id like) and they keep trying to get me for free overtime and if I bail I'm leaving my coworkers high and dry. While on the job I literally spend hours driving in a huge figure 8 seemingly accomplishing nothing. I think part of why I'm struggling is just because it seems so pointless. My fiancée graduated early, went straight into a great grad program at a very prestigious school, and is currently in a great internship where she is making incredible connections in her field. Of course I want her to succeed and be happy but its hard to see her being so productive while I just cruse around in circles in a company truck on taxpayer time. So, basically I'm asking for help in seeing positives in my situation, I don't want to just be a bitter, negative person this whole year. Is there anyone else who has been or is currently in this boat and has advice?

 

[Likkriue]

I'm going to be in a gap year and I'm gonna use it to take a break from all the studying. I think you need to relax. Do you visit your fiancé at all? Go out with her whenever you two can cause when you are in dental school u might me MIA lol.

 

[Maybe.a.dentist]

I'm going to be in a gap year and I'm gonna use it to take a break from all the studying. I think you need to relax. Do you visit your fiancé at all? Go out with her whenever you two can cause when you are in dental school u might me MIA lol.

Yeah, I'm looking forward to not having to study, that certainly is the silver lining to not being in school. And we do see each other some, but between her schooling my all over the place hours and the distance between us it can take a little planning. And I know you are right about relaxing, that's one thing I've struggled with since I was a child.

 

[Cranjis McBasketball]

Yeah, I'm looking forward to not having to study, that certainly is the silver lining to not being in school. And we do see each other some, but between her schooling my all over the place hours and the distance between us it can take a little planning. And I know you are right about relaxing, that's one thing I've struggled with since I was a child.

Yeah I think you just need to realize that you WILL be a dentist. You will be successful. And you're also gonna probably have high debt. So just take the gap year and enjoy it. Use it as a year to re-charge and not have to worry about tests or money. I am gonna be in a 2 year gap so it is definitely not fun to think about.. I graduated in May and won't be able to take the DAT til October. So I feel your pain! Imagine having 2 years!! haha But I just figure Im gonna focus on the positives of not stressing about debt or tests or anything and just saving money and that eventually I WILL become a dentist. By the time I am in my mid 40's I won't even remember the gap years

 

[743291]

I applied after my junior year hoping I'd go straight into dental school, but that didn't happen. This forced me into a gap year and is leaving me feeling lost and like I'm just wasting my time for a whole year. I know some people try and travel over their gap years but for financial reasons that's not an option for me. I found a job and I started working their a few weeks ago and I still just get this feeling like its all a waste. The job isn't absolutely awful but its not great and I've certainly had worse, but the pay absolutely suck, the schedule sucks (don't get to see my fiancée nearly as often as Id like) and they keep trying to get me for free overtime and if I bail I'm leaving my coworkers high and dry. While on the job I literally spend hours driving in a huge figure 8 seemingly accomplishing nothing. I think part of why I'm struggling is just because it seems so pointless. My fiancée graduated early, went straight into a great grad program at a very prestigious school, and is currently in a great internship where she is making incredible connections in her field. Of course I want her to succeed and be happy but its hard to see her being so productive while I just cruse around in circles in a company truck on taxpayer time. So, basically I'm asking for help in seeing positives in my situation, I don't want to just be a bitter, negative person this whole year. Is there anyone else who has been or is currently in this boat and has advice?

I didn't apply to dental school in my last year of college either which forced me to have a gap of 2 long years; when I think about it I don't feel too happy but I try to focus on the great things that I have accomplished during that time such as shadowing/ volunteering for more than 700 hours, getting married to my best friend, traveling with my hubby, working to save money, having a weird job where a nine year old often calls me stupid ( that made me realize how important it is for me to succeed so that I don't have to do those types of jobs anymore). That gap year will go by quicker than you can imagine, now I am 9 days away from starting dental school all I can say is that those 2 years went by like they were just 2 days. Try to get involved, the busier you keep yourself, the faster the time seems to go by. Good luck.

 

[JLT223]

This forced me into a gap year and is leaving me feeling lost and like I'm just wasting my time for a whole year.

Currently have 2 months left of my gap year. December 1st was the best day of my life, I actually cried, because I knew I wouldn't have to repeat this. Gap years are scary, confusing, and most of the time we just want them to end. You do learn a lot about yourself during this process and you're not alone in your sentiments.

 

[postpitadh]

I also applied, and I am applying again as well. It may be tough for you now, but that day you get in will be that much sweeter!

 

[fogorvostan]

Gap years can suck, especially when you hate your job, but it's only a year. Make a countdown if you need to. That's what I did until my last day of work (which was yesterday).

Something else that strangely comforted me was just sitting down and reminding myself that every single day is 24 hours. No matter what, I'll make it through those 24 hours.

And when that didn't work, liquor helped.

 

[JLT223]

That's what I did until my last day of work (which was yesterday).

Congrats on that

 

[fayevalentine]

I applied after my junior year hoping I'd go straight into dental school, but that didn't happen. This forced me into a gap year and is leaving me feeling lost and like I'm just wasting my time for a whole year. I know some people try and travel over their gap years but for financial reasons that's not an option for me. I found a job and I started working their a few weeks ago and I still just get this feeling like its all a waste. The job isn't absolutely awful but its not great and I've certainly had worse, but the pay absolutely suck, the schedule sucks (don't get to see my fiancée nearly as often as Id like) and they keep trying to get me for free overtime and if I bail I'm leaving my coworkers high and dry. While on the job I literally spend hours driving in a huge figure 8 seemingly accomplishing nothing. I think part of why I'm struggling is just because it seems so pointless. My fiancée graduated early, went straight into a great grad program at a very prestigious school, and is currently in a great internship where she is making incredible connections in her field. Of course I want her to succeed and be happy but its hard to see her being so productive while I just cruse around in circles in a company truck on taxpayer time. So, basically I'm asking for help in seeing positives in my situation, I don't want to just be a bitter, negative person this whole year. Is there anyone else who has been or is currently in this boat and has advice?

You should find a new job. I'm a slightly older applicant, and I've been in your shoes where I feel bad leaving my coworkers high and dry. I struggled with that for a while, but seriously 2 weeks is plenty. I don't care what you do, because it's obviously not your career - 2 weeks is more than enough. You are not responsible for your coworkers happiness. Go find work you enjoy (or at least don't hate). Go volunteer somewhere fun. Play video games. It's going to be your one and only stress free year before dental school starts - don't waste it working at a POS job like the one you are at.

 

[fogorvostan]

Congrats on that

True story. I actually missed my last day with my students because of them got me the best goodbye present ever.

The stomach flu.

 

[akog]

I graduated with a non-science degree, had no plans, and just bummed around doing different customer service jobs for a couple years. Those years changed me, because I felt like you. The work was brainless and often meaningless (aside from the fine people with whom I worked), and things were depressing for a while. And me feeling blue was partially responsible for ending the relationship I was in at the time.

So I had a breakdown, was sad, then angry, then restless. I signed up for classes for that next month, and in 14 months flat I went from having nothing---not a single math or science credit, no letters, no shadowing---to having a complete application that would eventually get me into dental school last December. And you know what? That's what that company car is building in you right now, and a lot of kids never experience that gift. So when you're in dental school and you hear another student complaining about having to go back into the lab for something, you're going to laugh because you remember that company car.

I'm not going to tell you don't worry be happy... because having a disappointing job is disappointing. But I will suggest to try to channel your blues into hunger. Find something to be hungry about, whether that's studying (what I did), or being a cheerleader for your fiancee (but not too smothering), pondering a back-up plan (which is the responsible thing, regardless of who you are), or a new pursuit/interest/job. At first, that hunger might just feel like an effort--like it's just exercise. But after a while, getting positive results will make that hunger feel natural instead of forced.

And my 2 cents regarding your relationship health (some advice I did not follow and lost out): your fiancee is probably going to care more about your reaction to the situation more than your situation itself. The career blues of our 20s is just an appetizer, a test run, for the crap that life will pile on through the decades--even if you do get your dream jobs. It's OK to feel down, it's OK to need help from others, but eventually you have to *react* in some way. And on some level, part of her is watching, waiting to see what your reaction is going to be; it will tell her what she can expect from you down the road in a life with you. So: this is an opportunity for you to show her what life is going to be like with you when things suck for a little while.

It just so happens that, because of how quickly I did everything, I have another gap year--which is almost over. And yeah, it has sucked, working at Starbucks and tutoring. Because like you, I can't just sit around playing video games--I need the money. But my previous hunger paid off, and now this year has got me restless again, ready to go.

 

[Chetmt]

I used my gap year to do so many things that I never had the time to do. I learned how to rock climb, did yoga, crossfit, went on amazing hikes, and caught up on sleep! 😀 I also worked all these random jobs I would have never had the chance to experience like bar tending. Now I'm ready for dental school!

 

[inna94]

Currently have 2 months left of my gap year. December 1st was the best day of my life, I actually cried, because I knew I wouldn't have to repeat this. Gap years are scary, confusing, and most of the time we just want them to end. You do learn a lot about yourself during this process and you're not alone in your sentiments.

Did you take more upper level science courses during your gap year? I'm torn between taking more science classes or just relaxing. How did you spend your gap year

 

[JLT223]

Did you take more upper level science courses during your gap year? I'm torn between taking more science classes or just relaxing. How did you spend your gap year

Worked as a dental assistant and then had a major surgery which I'm still recovering from. I was forced to take a gap year because I applied as a senior in undergrad, but thankfully I had all my courses completed and my GPA was fine.

 

[Streax1]

You should find a new job. I'm a slightly older applicant, and I've been in your shoes where I feel bad leaving my coworkers high and dry. I struggled with that for a while, but seriously 2 weeks is plenty. I don't care what you do, because it's obviously not your career - 2 weeks is more than enough. You are not responsible for your coworkers happiness. Go find work you enjoy (or at least don't hate). Go volunteer somewhere fun. Play video games. It's going to be your one and only stress free year before dental school starts - don't waste it working at a POS job like the one you are at.

I share these same sentiments. I took a gap year, but I've been working a job that I really like, so that has made it an enjoyable year. Get a job. Nobody deserves to hate going to work, especially during a gap year.

Sent from my XT1096 using SDN mobile

 

[Maybe.a.dentist]

Thanks for the insights and advice everyone. I just got off a shift and I think I'm starting to look at it a little differently already. Honestly I just didn't approach this job with the right mindset and I think I probably have judged it unfairly. Is it a career for me? Nahhh, I'm still aiming for dentistry, but it will be fine for a year or so. If I stick this out and pair it with my undergrad degree as well as some other experiences from college I may even be setting myself up for a decent back up plan in a related field should for whatever reason dental just not ever pan out for me.

 

[fogorvostan]

Thanks for the insights and advice everyone. I just got off a shift and I think I'm starting to look at it a little differently already. Honestly I just didn't approach this job with the right mindset and I think I probably have judged it unfairly. Is it a career for me? Nahhh, I'm still aiming for dentistry, but it will be fine for a year or so. If I stick this out and pair it with my undergrad degree as well as some other experiences from college I may even be setting myself up for a decent back up plan in a related field should for whatever reason dental just not ever pan out for me.

I probably cried once a week because of how badly I didn't want to go to my gap year job, but I survived. Just remember that it's only temporary.

 

[1passbbsSHAVE]

been there, done that. I've had such long gap years, and I almost felt depressed and powerless I am surprised I made it this far. You just gotta keep doing something, stay motivated and surround yourself with positive/encouraging people. Don't talk to people who discourage you from keep trying.

The jobs that we pre-dent/pre-meds hold during the gap year might not be as glamorous as we hope they are. Sometimes you think it's meaningless and sometimes it's demeaning. But keep in mind, all this life experience that you are going through will make you stronger and wiser, and it will show on your personal statement and during the interview. Adcoms don't discriminate against older non-trad applicants. They want to hear your story and want you there for diversity.

Keep working hard and you will get there. I stand here today very grateful for my accetpance and I didn't think I was going to make it. There were just so many setbacks. But as long as you don't give up, you will get there. Hopefully sooner than later!

 

[1passbbsSHAVE]

I probably cried once a week because of how badly I didn't want to go to my gap year job, but I survived. Just remember that it's only temporary.

I did this for 5 years...imagine waking up in the morning, having to go to work that's just there to pay the bills and health insurance, etc. It was depressing.
What doesn't kill me makes me stronger. In the long run, I am positive that all of these life experiences will lead to something positive.

Stay strong everyone!

 

[fogorvostan]

I did this for 5 years...imagine waking up in the morning, having to go to work that's just there to pay the bills and health insurance, etc. It was depressing.
What doesn't kill me makes me stronger. In the long run, I am positive that all of these life experiences will lead to something positive.

Stay strong everyone!

That's exactly why I stayed! Paid my bills and got me health/dental insurance. I had a long talk with myself after my last day on Friday, and if needed, I could have maybe lasted another year... but even that's questionable. It was soul sucking and miserable. But I'll be damned if I didn't make pretty good money for someone my age.

Plus all of my summer pay came in last Thursday and my bank account looks awesomeeeeeeeee.
Until I spend it all in a couple of months moving to AZ of course.
C'est la vie

 

[1passbbsSHAVE]

That's exactly why I stayed! Paid my bills and got me health/dental insurance. I had a long talk with myself after my last day on Friday, and if needed, I could have maybe lasted another year... but even that's questionable. It was soul sucking and miserable. But I'll be damned if I didn't make pretty good money for someone my age.

Plus all of my summer pay came in last Thursday and my bank account looks awesomeeeeeeeee.
Until I spend it all in a couple of months moving to AZ of course.
C'est la vie

that summer pay makes it sound like a lot better than you describe it to be lol. spend it wisely.

 

[BrooklynSmilez]

Currently in the middle of a 2 year gap. Try to stay positive and work at a Decent job to pay bills and my wife's and child's expenses... I try to take it day by day and look forward to dental shadowing in weekends. As long as you keep yourself relevant to dentistry you have something to look forward to. And if time doesn't permit shadowing grab a textbook or review some of your old notes to keep your mind fresh. My wife didn't appreciate my studying for 3 months until I had to explain to her it was an investment on our end and tank God I did extremely well on the dat. Now that being said, show your fiancé that you can handle wahatever life throws out you. Whether it's a year or two or a job you hate, there's light at the end of the tunnel, and stay positive because God willing one day you'll be 75 or so and there won't necessarily be a difference in working as a dentist 35 or 33 years... Hope this helps!

 

[FlowerGirl35]

Depression...

 

[htdt]

I just graduated with a BS in Chem, and I'm praying for an offer in the analytical chem industry. If I get this job it will be an interesting gap year for me as I work in something completely unrelated to dentistry.