Suggestions for GAP year employment

[majormuss]

Hi all,
I am currently taking a year off after graduating with my bachelors in physics. Hence I have a year to either work (really need to make money) or travel. I have a feeling that if I applied to a full-time job and left after a year, it would be a form of betrayal. Is it wise to sign up for a full time job and just leave after a year? Is this common? Preferably, I will like to find a job related to physics but this seems quite difficult. Any suggestions about what I should do?

 

[Choppy]

I wouldn't worry about it too much if you can commit to a year of employment. It's quite common for people in entry-level positions to move on when better opportunities arise.

Be up front about it. I don't think there is any point in broadcasting the point on your resume, but when you are interviewing or negotiating tell them that you are interested in pursuing graduate studies at some time but that you're willing to commit at least a year to the position. You might also want to look for contract work.

Yes it would be great to get something physics-related, but failing that, it might help to aim to maximize the amount that you earn so you can build up a cushion for your graduate school years.

 

[DrSteve]

A gap year is usually taken to expand your knowledge of the world or gain insight/experience into what you want to pursue in grad school. Regarding the latter, during a gap year many physics graduates continue to working for the professor they worked for as a senior.

There are no hard and fast rules, however, other than avoiding burning bridges with anyone, including your short term employer.