Reclaiming Purpose: Why I Took a Gap Year to Reflect, Refocus, and Realign

Discovering Purpose

Discovering your life’s purpose can feel overwhelming. The ambiguity and uncertainty can paralyze even the most driven individuals, causing them to ruminate or veer off course. I found myself at this crossroads in my career—faced with a decision that took weeks of contemplation and several difficult conversations.

I needed clarity and support for a significant decision: to pause my career and take a gap year. It wasn’t an easy choice, but one I realized was necessary to rediscover my path.

Professional Achievements and the Unexpected Burnout

Until then, I thought I knew the direction of my life and career. I had studied finance and marketing, driven by a mission to transform people’s financial lives through education. I advanced through diverse roles at three respected firms, from operations to financial advising. I earned four financial licenses and led projects designed to enhance the client experience.

Yet despite these accomplishments, I found myself burned out, insecure, and unfulfilled. The spark I once felt for my work had faded, and I struggled to understand why. My career looked successful on paper, but internally, I felt profoundly disconnected.

The Impact of the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic affected me more deeply than I realized. The shift to remote work, the loss of routine, mobility, and in-person connection took a toll on my well-being. The very elements that once fueled my drive—engaging with others, thriving in a dynamic work environment, and feeling a clear sense of purpose—had been stripped away.

Recognizing the Need for Change

I initially thought a new role or a higher salary would solve my burnout and anxiety. However, deeper reflection made it clear that these external changes wouldn’t fix the core issues. I needed time to pause, reflect, and realign my life with my values and goals.

To navigate this uncertain period, I hired a career coach—a decision that proved invaluable. My coach helped me gain clarity, build confidence, and embrace self-discovery and discipline.

Taking Action

During this gap year, I focused on reconnecting with the world, improving my communication skills, and building my character. I challenged myself in new ways to stay sharp and purposeful:

• Volunteering at One N Ten’s Together N Color Youth Retreat: I had the honor of serving as a cabin counselor for queer BIPOC youth, helping create a space where they could connect, express themselves, and grow. This experience sharpened my leadership skills and allowed me to make a real impact on the youth in my care.
• Performing Original Poetry: I performed a poem from my project dewybrowneyes – poems to heal in front of a live audience of 200 people. Overcoming my fear of public speaking and effectively sharing my message was a huge personal victory.
• Reconnecting Through Travel: Traveling to cities like San Francisco, New York, Tampa, Chicago, Phoenix, and Philadelphia helped me reconnect with family, friends, and society. These experiences reminded me of who I am and fostered personal growth.

What This Year Has Taught Me

Taking this gap year has been an intentional act of self-investment. It taught me the importance of human connection, structure, and meaningful engagement in my professional life. Working with my coach provided insights that helped me recognize that stepping back can sometimes be the most courageous step forward.

Moving Forward with Clarity

As I look toward the next chapter, I do so with renewed purpose and a clearer understanding of what I need to thrive. This gap year has been more than a pause; it’s been a recalibration. With the guidance of my coach and the intentional work I’ve done, I’ve emerged with a deeper understanding of myself and my career aspirations.

I’m excited to re-enter the workforce with a fresh perspective, ready to contribute my skills, creativity, and passion in a way that aligns with who I am.