My daughter is doing a gap year right now. My husband and I encouraged it for two reasons. First, we both really could have used a gap year ourselves: it might have given us the self-confidence and maturity to get more out of our college education. And secondly, our daughter's high school was a pressure cooker and she seemed exhausted. I think she's gained a lot from having the break to learn about how to get a job, work for a living, manage within a budget. It isn't easy, but she's also had some rewarding opportunities to travel and do volunteer work. I'm glad she was brave enough to take the road less traveled.