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Question:  I have just finished my HSC and would like to have a break from study but my parents are worried in a major way that I might not resume studies.  I have a good chance of getting into the course I want to do at Uni but the thought of going into more of the same is making me agitated.  I'm sick of classes and assignments and exams and would really like to have time off.  I don't know how to convince my parents (my dad especially) that this is the best thing for me right now.  I hate the disappointed look he gets on his face when I try to tell him what I want.

Answer:  Once young people had what is called a "right of passage" experience to mark their transition from childhood to young adulthood. I understand your parents concern if you were to take a break but the advantages far outweigh it's possible disadvantages. Those who are just swept along from chidhood through adolesence into adulthood without taking the opportunity to explore the real world for a while, to take a break to think things through or just to have some measure of fun, often have problems later on in life. Feelings of pervasive dissatisfaction with life, restlessness, pointlessness and a feeling of lost youth and being trapped. If you are going to have a break from studies, an overseas trip with friends is a good, fairly safe way to do it.

Answer provided by David White