Everything I regret about my gap year

I interrupted my studies from medical school last July, and have been on a gap year ever since. I've complied the most common questions I get asked on the experience, and given them brutally honest answers. Hopefully they help anyone else who's gone through/is through a similar experience out there! Best of luck to you 🖤
To make your life easier:
0:00 Intro
2:02 Do you worry that time is running past you?
7:06 Do you feel you lost your purpose?
9:05 How do you justify it to others?
10:02 How did your parents react?
12:14 Are you worried you will have forgotten everything when you go back?
14:11 How did you set goals during your gap year?
16:02 Will a gap year make you not want to go back to medicine?
18:23 Benefits: Time to sort out mental health
19:05 Benefits: Finding yourself outside of medicine
21:33 Benefits: Becoming a creator
22:01 Benefits: A reset button for life
23:06 Summary
WHO AM I: I'm Elizabeth, a medical student, artist, KZbinr and Podcaster in London. I love to think and talk about life, art, medicine, books and meaning. And also how to find the time to do those things. If you'd like to watch me paint and talk about life, I do that on my podcast ( / @feelosophywithelizabe... ) and if you'd like to read my thoughts and book notes, I have a newsletter you can join (newsletter.elizabethfilips.com​​).
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Or leave a comment, I (try to) answer 100% of comments :)

[@YasminQuasne]

The first one. YES. OMG When I was like 21 I worried SO MUCH that I was already "too old" for some things and it seems SO silly now. I should just have been enjoying my 20s all along and not worrying so much about getting my life together before 25 because guess what, the pandemic came and I didn't do it anyway. Now I'm 26 and in no rush.

[@TheAleksandros]

I'm 27 right now and I pretty much messed up my whole 20's till now. I didn't even graduate the uni, but it's only now, after all the bad decisions that I made that I've finally calmed down and relaxed a bit, lol

[@WintaAssefa]

@@TheAleksandros don't worry, Alex. You're a precious, beloved creature regardless

[@TheAleksandros]

@@WintaAssefa lol. Thanks. I did not expect such kind words in a youtube comment section

[@WintaAssefa]

@@TheAleksandros l😊😊

[@gustavoadolfosanchezcampus6473]

what beuti You are.

[@yolica85]

I can so much relate to the point you’re making. I am 37 and decided to go back to uni and start a degree in psychology. It feels amazing even though most of my fellow students are way younger and my peers are settling down. I think we have to let go of predetermined life designs. There is no one fits it all. Never let others tell you otherwise.

[@intuitivelyeating6702]

I studied for 4 years then took a gap year before going back to do postgraduate study and it was the best thing I could possibly have done. I travelled (pre-pandemic), I worked overseas, I made new friends, and most importantly I learnt so much about myself and came back to study with a renewed sense of purpose. Rather than regretting my gap year, I actually regret not taking more time off.

[@liamward9748]

I'm an Open Uni student and I can honestly say the online study has been fantastic for me. I'm about to turn 29, I have mental health issues and ADHD that prevented me from attending a regular university. I'll enter my second year in a few months and I'm nothing short of excited. I don't feel old at all, there are people on my course decades older than I am. My course is full-time but studied in two part-time blocks so the first year is completed in about 5 months with total completion (including breaks between funding) in just under 3 years. The time off is needed as I was worn out by the end of year 1. The downside is that my family do not take my degree seriously but I've realised it's important to do what is best for myself and what motivates and excites me, not something that will cause detriment to my wellbeing.

[@shravanimandhari5867]

I’ve taken two gap years, but I’m glad that I took those, made me realise how wrong I was about my career move, anyway such a therapeutic video 🥺✨

[@sanskrutiwadghare4933]

Are u frm india what course u were in?

[@triptinath5675]

I took 1 year gap and people are looking at me weird in india cause gap year isnt very common.Glad there's someone else too

[@triptinath5675]

btw which course did you take?

[@shravanimandhari5867]

@@sanskrutiwadghare4933 yes

[@shravanimandhari5867]

@@triptinath5675 haha, I’m the eldest in my class and it gets so awkward at times

[@Event_Horizon14]

I relate to so many of these points - when I was considering applying for a PhD I was already 27 and at first the idea of going into it at that age seemed ridiculous to me. Most people had earned their PhDs by 27 and they were already going into postdocs and teaching positions. On top of that as I woman, I didn't even like my job and all around me my friends were either getting promoted or getting married. I quickly put the idea of a PhD out of my mind but kept coming back to it only to finally take the plunge at 30. So I really felt your comment about not grasping onto numbers. There really is no ideal time or age to start something you're passionate about and when everything is said and done, our lives won't actually be measured in a linear way. Life will be measured by the moments we were truly happy, fulfilled, engaged, inspired. The moments we felt free to make choices, the excitement when we took risks and the stakes were high. Gift yourselves those moments and don't shy away from risking the security of education or a paycheck. Life is and should be more than the countdown of years on a calendar.

[@Event_Horizon14]

@@misswiss278 yes, I think it's a bit different to the rest of Europe as here in the UK most Bachelor's degrees are 3 years and masters are about 3 semesters if in the same discipline. Then PhDs are normally 3 years too unless there's a rotation year at the start. So 26-27 is a pretty realistic age to get your PhD by if you don't take any gaps.

[@theguest6127]

@@Event_Horizon14 While I agree with you that in the UK degrees are 3 years, masters are 1 year and PhDs are around 3 or 4 years so the age you finish would be around 26-27 or 25 or 26 if you don't do masters, and yes you can do PhD without doing masters. The thing I like to add is the need people feel to do it right after Bachelor's or master's degree, it is almost like you are just ticking boxes. I have no problem if you want to do it but if you only want to do it because you are expected to do it at that time then therein lies the problem You have probably watched videos of people doing their PhDs in their late 20s, 30s 40, etc, and loving every moment of it. In my uni, there was a Teaching Assistant who was in her forties and she was doing her PhD. I think the reason why people feel they need to do it in their twenties is the belief is what is expected of society and it fits nicely into an age bracket of when we are supposed to do it; for example, going to university at 18, etc. It is like a time when society expected women to be married by the time they were 30 along with a child or two but in the 21st century, women are becoming more independent with their careers, putting off having children till they are ready, not marrying at 30 or being in a relationship because society says so unless they want to. The life of a mortal is long so rushing to do everything all at once is ridiculous. When someone is in their seventies and their look back to their age when they were in mid-twenties, thirties, forties, etc they would probably think I cannot believe I thought that was so old. For example, if you were 23 years old you probably thought you were old and near the end of your life as ridiculous as that sounds, right now fast-forward four years and you are 27 do you still think that 23 is still old, you probably chuckle silently when you hear 23 years old calling themselves old now. The best thing anyone can do is to enjoy their age because when you look back on your twenties years from now, you will regret not doing the things you wanted to do. After all, you believed you were too old to do it.

[@gaborb6577]

@@Event_Horizon14 many not even reach degree with PhD in easter Europe (project fails, student not clever enough) in 3 years, many never. For woman i would say either PhD or family.

[@AriiFireflying89]

L

[@na-ra8701]

Thank you for your comment. It made my day❤🎉

[@AmanGupta-zr6rd]

Gap years are either a hit or miss. You may finally find yourself and come out of the slump or you may think that all u have been doing is wrong. But yes I think a gap year is almost compulsory. It gives us a insight to ourselves.

[@adacathy3018]

So true, my gap year has made me really look inward and face myself 😊

[@trcherrera]

I have not taken a gap year, but now being a doctor and someone in the role of meeting future doctors, some of them applying at 16yo!, I definitely can say that I would have: 1. Taken a gap year(s), do some internships to get to know the basic realities of practice and know my younger self in the process 2. Did medicine at a later age like maybe after 25yo, when I was more mentally and emotionally mature and have developed better study habits and know personal ways of balancing life and craft As much as medicine is a beneficial and rewarding profession, if I can go back, I would tell my younger self to "take your time". The title and the profession should not define your self worth.

[@amafriends9152]

I felt this

[@SaadNFlimz]

Here is my take for those who think Age is really an issue. My own cousin she is mother of 2 living in Scandinavian country her background was HR later after pregenency she thought i should be a doctor (because her father and her grand father and great grand father was also a Doctor) she is 39 in last year of Medical. Age is just a number

[@thisisarika]

This is amazing!

[@hattiebrazeley3351]

I spent 12 years in HR before running my own conversion copywriting business for 7 years and I’m now training to be a teacher. Portfolio careers are awesome!

[@intuitivelyeating6702]

Someone in my university course is in their 60s. It's never too late!

[@BananeKiwi199]

I needed this thank you, starting med school at 23/almost 24 and feeling so lost and insecure, also I had a half year off (between work and university start) and feel like I didnt use it well enough compared to Elisabeth. I just worry too much..

[@13325poop]

I disagree with you

[@ab_0508]

This really spoke to me, thank you so much for sharing about being a mature student at uni and taking time off! I'm 32 years old and just finished my bachelor's and my age is a constant pre-occupation as I just decided to pursue graduate studies, while my friends are all settled into adult life things. I adore your content! Lots of love from Canada 🇨🇦🙋🏾‍♀

[@Lwoods1717]

It is better to consciously make the decision to get an education no matter the age rather than pursue a degree simply because its what people around you are doing. Congratulations to you for knowing what you want and going after it.

[@mcmaschio]

I took a gap year as well … and it was the worst year of my life .. was totally depressed .. but i wouldnt change it because it was all uphill from there … graduated with distinction , started side hustles , and even started a KZbin channel … all to say that no matter how hard things are, and even if you dont see a way keep pushing towards your dreams and the way will present itself 🔥💯

[@uluomu]

Why did you take a gap year in the first place? I‘m really thinking of taking one because I really hate my studies and situation right now (for years already to be honest). Now I‘m worried after reading your comment.

[@mcmaschio]

@@uluomu I was dealing with personal problems as well and even though it was the worst year … that off time helped me understand myself and understand what i wanna do in life … if ur confused and not sure what u wnna do no harm in taking off and using that time to figure out ur next step … and contrary to popular opinions u dont have to have everything figured out now … just give urself to understand what u want ur next step to be … i had no guidance at the time and so that scared me … once u realise ur priorities and then act accordingly life unfolds …. You got this …. Everyone of us is still trying to figure it out ur not alone bud 🙌 All the best man 🔥💯

[@uluomu]

@@mcmaschio thank you a lot for the answer man! So did you take break from studying? How old were you there? And what did you do in the Gap Year? travelling, working?

[@mcmaschio]

@@uluomu Yes i did take a break from studying … I spent time researching and trying to understand what i wanted my life to be and how to make that happen… Gary Vee and Alux podcast helped me alot 💯🔥 and i was 20

[@uluomu]

@@mcmaschio thank you for the tip! Thing is I am already 25

[@ahmedhallajian8886]

I've decided to take a gap year this year (while trying to grow my KZbin channel) and I'm convinced it's the right move. I really feel as though I don't have much to lose!!

[@justanotherupscaspirant8837]

This is very personal to everyone. I was not secure enough to take a break during uni even though I definitely wanted to. But i powered through and took a gap year before I finally joined work. Best year of my life

[@lois4544]

Thank you for being so honest and transparent; I can relate to to this a lot. The comparisons, the doubts, the fear of lacking control over my life, etc. It’s scary to think about struggles in pursuing medicine or personal problems that may arise in life. You’re not alone and I hope you know that we will both arrive at our goal destination on our own terms, God bless you

[@Hayat-xj2gi]

Elizabeth I love your channel so much for the one reason that it's so so so relatable❤ thank you for sharing this and being so transparent- it helps me through life

[@winnini8761]

Hey Elizabeth, I stumbled upon your channel a couple of days ago and found your content incredibly relevant, profound, and authentic. Thank you for posting these thoughtful and honest opinions online. As someone who switched advisor and had a child during PhD, I can relate to the panic stemming from interruptions in life on so many levels. Now that I have already gotten through most of the hurdles and am working to complete the dissertation, I am at a stage where I feel like I can take pleasure in my work without thinking too much about the milestones I should hit and the recognition I should earn to prove myself. I am glad that you have gained so many valuable insights from your gap year and I am grateful for the opportunity that your video has provided for me to reflect on my own experiences over the past several years :) Thank you.

[@jesuscostantino2925]

I only recently started following your channel, so I just saw this today long after the moment has passed. Anyhow, your experiences hit me very directly. Thanks for your candor and wisdom.

[@darshank1571]

I relate to you so much as I am going through the same . Seeing other people succeed does make you feel behind in life but what we fail to realise is the circumstances are different for different people .

[@msz9523]

Very good point about asking yourself what your end goal is! In my masters my end goal was to do as well as possible, so I pushed myself so hard that I ended up hating it and now, with the wisdom of hindsight, I see that what should have been an enjoyable year of me studying sth I am passionate about in depth turned into a nightmare because I was aiming for a flawed end goal. Lesson learned: no achievement is worth hating a year of your life and spending that time stressed and miserable, because you will just end up hating the achievement as well. Your end goal should always be to go through life with enjoyment, otherwise they places you get and the things you achieve are just not worth it.

[@elly7373]

It’s great to hear your story because I’ve been feeling behind, too. I graduated Highschool nearly two years ago and I always planned to go to university. Because of depression I took a gab year abroad and now I doing some tutoring jobs and Internships I was extremely unsure what do with my life. Fortunately I’m mentally a bit more stable and have some ambitions for my future and planning to go to uni for the coming winter semester. Still, I have intense anxiety that I eventually won’t be able to study at university due to stress or unability. But this quite irrational since I’ve been always an ambitious and good student.

[@thisisarika]

Your videos are honestly so refreshing ❤ i'm not in medicine or even anything close to it, but still somehow finding myself relating to you so much

[@elizabethfilips]

oh thank you arika!

[@ThisisFit]

Thank you for sharing your gap year experience, Elizabeth! I love your voice and expressions and your honesty and humility as well. From an American in South Korea, God bless!

[@poulomichandra6601]

I had to pause your video at 5 mins mark because I have to thank you. Hearing someone like you, whom I admire very much and have been following for a while now, speak about the age thing is so reassuring. I am fast approaching my mid-20s and I had been freaking out about it because I just completed my Master's and most of my peers are a year or two younger than me because I already had a gap year earlier before starting university and some are already starting their PhD. I am yet to take a decision about it and slowly, I'm trying to get comfortable with the idea that there's no rush and I can take some time. Thank you, Elizabeth. I needed this. ❤️

[@VijayaLakshmi-wq3bc]

You seriously are one of my favourite personn in this world, all the problems that i face in life,you seem to have gone through them already and figured something regarding it, it honesltly makes me feel less alone, you are like my elder sister now, anytime i have doubts,i just go what would elizabeth think about it, honestly thank you for existing and making my life less scary❤❤

[@sezybabe100]

Yes totally agree with letting go of the number game! Along as your happy and healthy, who cares what you do with your life? I am 35 and about to graduate my undergraduate degree and its a new stage in my life which Im glad is happening at this stage in my life. Im not married and have no children and to be honest, I used to think I should have all that by now......but now I realise that im actually happy where I am in life and I just need to enjoy it rather than worry what other people are doing or where other people may think I need to be, because its my life not theirs!

[@na-ra8701]

Absolutely ❤

[@suryaprakashtk7879]

I still remember commenting below your "I quit med school video" and I was in the similar boat last year. Good that it has been a wonderful year for you. It's time for me to reflect on the questions from this video!

[@charleneennis]

I'm so glad you are going back. You are so talented in so many different spheres. This is a great investment in your education and growth.

[@jackiedelvalle]

Reeally interesting video the basic messages of which can be applied outside of just medicine gap years: take an extended period to 'regroup'. You feel amazed at how clarity of thinking returns and all of a sudden how you have the mental space to strategise about your life. Normally we bomb about the place like Usain Bolt trying to achieve, not miss deadlines, impress, keep up... that you don't have time for deep thinking about the direction your life is taking and what you can personally do to steer it to your advantage. Anyway, I'm rambling. Great video. Lovely to see you so happy, confident and resolute. It's infectious! 👍🏾💗

[@utsavm4862]

As someone who had to take a gap year around the same time as you, I 100% agree with you whole heartedly. I tried out so many things and I got to know so so so many things about myself and my personality that it has been my best and most 'productive' year so far. Well, my Masters of Physics started this year and the gap year really helped me analyse a lot of things, I am very excited on my current journey in university and I wish the same for you Elizabeth :)

[@guesswho5790]

To me, as a woman, I really, really would have liked to graduate earlier. I have always wanted to have a family, and I have PCOS, which makes conceiving more troublesome. On the other hand, (28 yo now), there are so many other things that would have held me back anyway. I had to be three years in therapy for some very serious mental health issues, I was not in a relationship, never have been in a serious one (yet), I haven't been able to keep a job for long... Not financilly independent... There are many, many other things that tell me I am not ready for fulfilling my life-long dream of having a family and good circle of friends. But I'm getting there. It will happen eventually. And if it doesn't, at least I know I have done everything in my power to make it happen. Sometimes things don't work out in life the way you want. And that's okay.

[@abcdefghijklmnopabcd6181]

Something that might be comforting is that they find that woman who start having children after their 30th birthday live longer than younger mothers

[@nushat200]

I love this! I also took a gap year after high school and it was mainly because of my identity surrounding around school for so long. I realized I didn’t even know what I really wanted to do. Many of my peers are halfway done with school and I’m taking things slow. Recently I decided I wanted to go into medicine so I am taking school a bit more seriously but I don’t regret the gap year at all. I learned a lot about myself when I actually had a few seconds to breath

[@MsZahaa]

Speaking to my current situation! I am seriously considering studying for my second degree. I've been 6 years out of Uni after my BA degree. I did a 1 year certificate 4 years ago to suppliment my BA but that path has run it's course and also wasn't something I enjoyed doing that much. I've always thought of going back to study something I'd actually feel more motivated to pursue instead of the BA which I was kinda pressured to finish. However the whole age thing has always stopped me because I thought I would be so old after I'd finish studying. This year I've really tackled that mindset and have abolished those limiting beliefs. The numbers really do not matter as long as you are doing what you think is right for your progress in life. Hopefully, I'll get into what I want to study and have a more intentional student experience as opposed to most students straight out of high school who don't know why they are studying what they're studying and have either been pressured by society or their parents to follow that path immediately after school.

[@LB-P97]

Really really appreciate this video, very interesting and helpful insights. Without being over the top I have just finished interviews for my second attempt at getting into medical school and it has very much become the focus of my identity. The fear of rejection is therefore impacting my sense of worth so this video is really grounding. Thank you and enjoy the return to it!

[@elizabethfilips]

thank you!

[@Ibrahim.atef.Ibrahim.]

@@elizabethfilips I like your hair ❤😶

[@beingme7742]

I 99.9% (can't say 100%) agree with everything that you've said here! I too made an emotional decision to not start my mandatory 2 years training to become a qualified practitioner after my 3 years degree. I was so DONE. Completely DONE. I was frustrated and tired of learning the same topics over and tired of all the time stressors within the job as well as hurting from a very close relationship that I lost. Again, I enjoy interacting with patients and helping them but I got to my lowest point where I didn't want to wake up anymore or go to my training to the point where I was frightening my self. It was really tough to make the decision to quit my training at the beginning of it. I am super glad that I quit. When you made your first video regarding your gap year, it really helped me feel as though I had a friend who understood me. I feel so much better now but it has been so tough to decide whether or not I should go back and complete my training. I am nervous of feeling the same frustration and stress again - yet I feel that I have a much better outlook and attitude about how to enjoy life and my training. I also have people in my life who tell me not to return to it and those who urge me to complete the training. However, there are so many other jobs and courses I desire to do, but they don't have the same clinical aspect where you feel you've made a difference to someone's life. This has been my dilemma for a while now and the deadline to make my decision is looming...!!! But I'm sure what ever I decide, it'll hopefully be a great choice. My apologies for the long message!!! It feels so good to hear Elizabeth talk about her feelings as I can very much relate. Thank you for sharing :)

[@sarscov9854]

I might have left some critical comments on other videos of yours... but at the end of the day, I find you quite relatable. We're just two individuals who had the luck of existing in the same period of time in a western country. Though you might not be from my country, we share a common overall culture(western) and we experience many of the same shames, hardships and desires. Good luck with your goals.

[@yana.rya_____]

Can relate so much to this! I took 2 gap years from study - one as a break and to get my head straight before uni which was the best decision! The second gap year was involuntary (i didn't get into postgrad :/) so took a lot of introspection and trying to reframe it in a more positive way.

[@luigicollins9]

I've never related to a video this hard before. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us

[@GoogleAccount0]

Without a doubt you are extremely intelligent and of many talents. Yet from your perception and the way you approach issues I get strong sence you had comfortable upbringing and generational wealth which supports you no matter what choices you make.

[@MarkBelain]

This video seemed to me to have a format of “here’s every single last thing I regretted and then here’s what I could have regretted or what some think they might, but I don’t. Now, that said, after VISITING each of these topics, I don’t REALLY regret any of it.” Like… that’s an amazing video format - a compelling form of storytelling I’m not use to seeing. I feel like the way this video was paced could could go way beyond gap years and just straight up hell people who get stuck or who grieve something. I’d argue you make a phenomenal mentor.

[@audreyguo13]

The whole talk about age and also the comments just inspired me in other ways other than medicine or schooling. I'm only 17 but I keep seeing everywhere on KZbin where there are literally 8 year olds who have millions of subscribers and I keep getting worked up like am I too old to do KZbin and become a content creator and when I seriously considered starting 3 years ago I talked myself out of it because I was like "you're never gonna make it anywhere" but it's really so stupid. There's no right age to start anything and honestly I'm still super young and I have my whole life ahead of me idk why I am so worried in the first place

[@FacundoMD]

HEllo !!!!! ER Doctor here ! I remember when I first watched your video. So happy you are back ! Stay strong you got this !!!! Stay Safe everyone !!!!!

[@rachelwilliams9563]

Can I just say I love it when you narrate your stories, you are such an engaging speaker and storyteller. Super interesting, never get bored 🎉💕. You are more powerful than you think, it’s good you ask questions because everyone in life needs to ask questions. And can I have this wonderful piano instrumental 🎼 in detail pls?

[@carlosandressorianogonzale1523]

Es bueno darse un respiro después de mucho tiempo de trabajo duro, que bueno que te estás dando ese respiro. Gracias por tu vídeo 😊

[@Yogaleif]

I sooo love your fuck-selfhelp attitude. It really feels good the way you say it. And it inspires me to simply try to trust my own particular ways of doing things.

[@ofonimechantaludoma-udofa3685]

Your bravery amazes me Elizabeth. These last few years with the whole pandemic, I have been rethinking so many decisions principally in my career as a medical student. Unfortunately, I am a foreign student and I do not have the luxury of taking one. For me, its the mental health aspect that i would love to deal with if I had the chance of a gap year 🙃

[@gaborb6577]

You can still can have 1 year voluntary work after graduation.

[@itsquwin7860]

I'm in my gap year for like almost a year now due to economic problems, but I'm glad watching me is giving me strength :') thank u sm!

[@victoriaavis420]

a bit out of context, yet I tend to relate to your words so MUCH MORE than your last year's videos. Also, I do think it is visible how much more happy you've become) Truly happy for you ^)

[@elizabethfilips]

[@jazzrandhawa482]

Must be so proud of how far you’ve come

[@sukhvindersingh8500]

Honestly speaking, I never ever took a gap year till graduation, but I quit my job because I wanted to switch my career from backend to Analytics. That time, It'd taken me 4 months to learn some tools related to Analytics and 4 months to got a job in analytic profile because I'd no working experience in MNC in analytics realm. Although it was a contractual job but it was in an US based big MNC so it was fine to start off with and truly enjoyed working their and did lot of coding stuff because I was totally fade up with repetitive work which I was doing in backend with a little effort of my brain. Anyway, this video also turned out to be a therapeutic video as your videos always do. Thank you so much sharing your experience with us. And wish you plethora of success and a life of consummate happiness.

[@shelleyseokim]

also taking time off to work on my mental health, sleep, and do research on the side! thank you for sharing

[@Abigail.444]

I feel like this video couldn’t have come at a better time because I have been considering and wanting to take a gap year but I (and my parents) thought that I was being silly because I already have one year of learning down so why not just continue? But I have similar reasons as you for wanting to take a gap year and the whole bit about life is not passing you by, we can go at our own pace has really motivated me to just do it! Thank you for this video!

[@Angela-ir3mn]

Yeah, I have the same situation as yours. I’ve been in college for one year but I kind of lost myself. And I think it’s the perfect time for me to take a gap year.

[@bookreview7706]

I totally relate to you, being a med professional myself I can totally understand your calculating attitude and your hesitant position, we do need to think a lot in the beginning of our studies course, however I have met so many humble doctors who ignore calculating or giving less importance to numbers, but it didn't affect much their ethic working, I think thinking about our studies is way more important than the FORM of our studies, the years and the numbers are less important than our real success and satisfaction about our work with patients. Working on a regular basis is crucial and way more important than our age or our form of studies

[@marcoantoniopomolgomez4921]

I love the way you explain the topics.

[@faizakedissa7195]

I've taken a gap year before going to university and this year I've been so anxious about postponing my PhD exam, specially that by postponing the PhD exam I postponed everything else in my life for a year, I've been living in horror because of this idea of time passing by, I cried for weeks ... and finding this video today by chance I don't even follow this girl was some sort of comforting sign ... so thank you for sharing ❤💯

[@winnini8761]

Postponing the PhD exam itself isn’t a huge issue but figuring out why you postponed it and making sure that you have resources to fall back on for support and guidance to get you through this milestone is also crucial! Sending you lots of support and love ❤️ from someone currently writing her dissertation.

[@intp9944]

i think i did something nobody did ahaha right after high school i got into med school but right at the begging i took a gap year i was there like for a month it was such bad program i got dissapointed i was thinking my parents will support me to go to a better uni in the capital city but they didn't infect they forced me to give up on this bcs i am like changing my mind so i was stupid and lost and i was like i don't like anything here i will freez the year or take a gap year to see what is the best how can i go somewhere but i ended up feeling depressed so after a year i started ,so i am wondering will that be a problem to my PhD since during that year i realized i want to be more into that..and mosty i wander what is the perception of the generaly in other countries in Europe? I have such a great passion it won't live me alone i hope people won't discard me since i have really high score i guess people can see that my brain was not the problem?

[@pseudophd1073]

Sounds like it was a risky but smart move. You also have the knowledge that just because you go back, doesn't mean you're obligated to finish if you change your mind.

[@na-ra8701]

I love this video and comment section too. Im so happy and relaxed after watching this. After all life is about competing with our own self right?❤

[@DrBrunoRecipes]

I love your painting behind you. I think you painted it. Greetings from Scotland 😊 Have a wonderful day everyone 🌻

[@arielediang5381]

Omg I can relate to you in so many ways. Your life reflects mine so much. Thanks

[@filiphoxhaj2430]

Hei young lady! Every father would like their children to realize what you have already learned. Excellent video! Brilliant conclusions!

[@Freedomfastlane100]

It is great idea to take gap year, just make sure you are financially secure, plan ahead! 💖

[@memeworld7800]

IMO setting thematic goals is essential as you need some thing/things to orient your behavior around. However being hyper specific/quantitative about your goals is setting yourself up for failure.

[@NenaAleksandric]

I have 2 subjects left to pass to graduate... It's been over a year now, first I had burn out symptoms and couldn't focus at all. Then my dad passed away due to COVID and my life changed completely. I'm about to start studying again in few days in hopes to finally graduate. I have a lot of anxiety about it and feel like I will never pass that 1 exam. :/ Or that it will take years to pass this one subject... I have passed 41 subjects so far and don't know what's blocking me now.

[@1amxyz]

I think it was a good decision for u because mental health comes above all things

[@gonzalobarral2357]

INMHO you can decide to study some career and once it's done you don't have to feel obliged to work on that field, you always have the choice to do something else, of course do whatever you like. I guess most of students feel really stick to it due to their parents, you owe it to them. Something that all of us we should change in our mindset. I have never taken a gap year, but my best friends yes and it was so necessary for them so it depends 100% on your situation. Take care!

[@Algo1]

I'm a 30 years old lawyer. I graduated in 2015 and got "licenced" to practice (there is no such thing here but the title itself is given by our Supreme Court) last year. I pushed through 3rd to 5th year and NEEDED time for my mental health (5th year was specially difficult) so I took a gap year before taking my "bar exam" (one last exam covering everything you learned through the 5 years in Constitutional, Civil and Procedural Law). I tried getting back in 2017, got a tutor to prepare for it but she said I wouldn't be able to go through it all and pass in the time I gave myself to prepare so she suggested me to take my internship/professional practice first instead. So I did, started it in April 2018 but lasted all of months before it was "you quit voluntarily or we write in a bad report in your record" so I left that place. Started again in October of the same year and that's when things started shifting, I met my now GF when she happened to be starting her practice in the Family Law office in December, which was the one I had "failed" before, we became inseparable coworker-friends and after it, inseparable friends period. I even extended my stay to leave the place when she did, July 2019. I was there when she got her title, she was there when I took my bar exam in 2020 and when I got my title in August last year. Take your time people, health comes first and you aren't in a race.

[@mathewalex6171]

Someday can you make a video about your financial journey? Sometimes I think I should address the finances, work hard and come back to my passions without a care in the world. But that seems too good to happen.

[@elizabethfilips]

oh maybe can do!

[@soilgrasswaterair]

The focus on number also locks people into the idea that they can’t change their career. Some people go back to uni. when they are 30-50 yrs. of age. Some have kids and some struggle with mental health and have to focus on those things before they can focus on their education. Whatever the reason may be for different decisions regarding education, it will work out and doing things to impress others or simply doing them because others are doing it will not serve anyone but others and not the person it’s regarding. Live life for you, and not to please others (remember they have their own life to work on instead of trying to be ”brave”/controlling by saying what you should or shouldn’t do in life).

[@marwakhateeb3721]

What a great video Eliza! To be honest, you made me feel so relaxed and optimistic fairly because I have not got into university so far and I'm 21. my english was completely nasty and I was trying to educate myself in many different ways even though people always look down to me because I don't have college degree and I have not applied for it yet due to some poverty circumstances, so I did not manage to pay the tuition fees . My dream is to become a doctor one day and my plan is clearly obvious , I read medical articles on a daily basis which is hard sometimes but Iam making some progress. Oh I write the story of my life. Anyway, you bring optimism to me again. BUT I have a serious question, Should I complete my self-study in medicine? So that when it comes time to get into medical school, it will be easy to understand the major but If I complete what Iam doing, it will be frustrating if I get rejected but at the same time it is worth to spend my time on a good thing. PLZ I NEED ADVICE

[@user-bz2ur4kk2p]

Hi, I think you should take any step that would get you ready for the medical school☺️

[@garlicgalore]

As a transfer student in my daughter was told she'd have to take 18 credits a semester to graduate "on time." She relayed this to me, quite upset because that's a huge load that would mean her life would totally be 24/7 about rushing and cramming. I said, "On Time? What's On Time mean? I guess any time before you die would be on time." So she took an extra year (after checking that the financial aid would cover it) and didn't totally hate her life from doing too much. It's important that we don't wait to have a life until after schooling. Life is right now, and when we know that then life isn't passing us by.

[@adacathy3018]

What a good parent 😇

[@garlicgalore]

@@adacathy3018 thank you -sometimes I am!

[@annas985]

Thank you soooo much for this video!

[@alimubashar8109]

So much liberation on set the of personification is fabulous 👌 and love ❤ from my part of soul

[@874vaishnavisuryawanshi3]

I can relate to so many things. We are together in this. ( I thought I am alone) Hope you have a wonderful life ahead. You are so talented and nice person.

[@874vaishnavisuryawanshi3]

You are inspiration for me

[@TerryJLaRue]

I am an old guy. When I was in school, if you were a male, a "gap year" got your backside into Viet Nam. It was a real incentive to study.

[@JustaSimpleComplexSyrian]

The same Here in Syria, a gap year means you're instantly drafted and sent to the frontline

[@kan0762]

I am so much more than my accomplishments. True. We are inherently valuable despite where our path takes us

[@madalinanistorescu8294]

This was so helpful and inspiring! ❤ Would you have considered taking a gap year if you hadn't been able to support yourself financially at the time? I have 2 years left of medscool and the amount of times I've considered a gap year is insane 😅 However I'm not working at the moment. I do have some other interest regarding art that could potentially earn me some money, but thinking about going down that road already sounds exhausting. A few years later I would have said YES in a heartbeat to starting my own art business and becoming a published author, but now all these passions of mine sound exhausting... all thanks to medschool 😅 So yeah, I'd really appreciate if you could tell me what your approach would have been if you hadn't supported yourself financially at the moment. And if not, thank you anyway for the beautiful work you put into the world through these videos ❤ Have a lovely day! 💗

[@DrawPassion7654]

I agree with the gut decision. Unfortunately, I didn't listen to mine. I think I took the right decision in the long term, but it didn't feel right at the moment and I regret it. I don't know if this regret and doubt will ever disappear.

[@marcelaramirez7483]

You are wonderful, thank you 🙏 ❤️

[@elizabethfilips]

[@adacathy3018]

If I could go back in time, I’d tell my former self to make more connections, take advantage of opportunities, discuss plans with my parents more (I was more independent back then which didn’t serve me well lol) and do thorough research before making big decisions (ex: majors, university choice, moving) Hope this helps someone out there 😇

[@eduardoferreira2913]

Can you make a video someday about your 3 gap years?

[@Peoplewithme]

You are very lucky because you are able to help people as a Doctor . Only few people have that chance like you .

[@jojosantiago2576]

Hoping and praying for u to find your true purpose in your life that makes u happy and satisfied.😃😃😃👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Life is the Journey! The Destination is usually a plateau or weigh station. Making the most of the Journey will you have fewer regrets. Someone I graduated with from high school got a job and one year later at 19 bought a house. I compared myself and decided great for her but I’m not ready. Would I do things differently now? Perhaps, but I always think of the poem by Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken.”

[@neuroptera]

Oh sheesh. I'm 21 minuties in and only just realised that this is how I've been feeling about my science degree. What you said about thinking you'd never be good at anything else... Oh my god...

[@sophiewong8501]

Hello how is your hair so shiny and silky!! Looks good, you should do a hair routine video! 😊

[@fatemehb3166]

❤❤❤ I could relate to everything you said

[@genzvideos]

I'm sorry for your Bad expérience

[@sanskrutiwadghare4933]

We are here for study with me. Do it girl.

[@olgapupko6583]

I was in the same as well. After high school, I had to put my education on hold for like 3 years, because my family was facing big difficulties. But I'm back into it now, and it's actually a little bit more difficult right now. If anyone has any advice to keep going and staying positive, please let me know. I'm in college right now, but I'm going into school to become a doctor.

[@maaroufgorra5998]

You are awesome!!!!

[@miriamajigboye7473]

Great content

[@AntonioDal.]

As someone who is 25 year old with 19 year old classmates this video is very relatable. Unfortunately I cant take more gap years because of a broken system in my country which financially punishes students who study more than 10 years without a bachelor.

[@mrvoyage6651]

please make video of your youtube set up light and gear

[@Hayat-xj2gi]

The painting ❤🤌🤌

[@Crescent_s3838]

Thank you :)

[@altair9488]

you have a Amazing speaking / communication skills to begin with , the only reason to subscribe this channel .(i want to sound like you Dr. Elizabeth(for me) ).

[@berk835]

Like your honest opinions.

[@enscebose8466]

Good to see you're happier and healthier than that video

[@enscebose8466]

And probably wealthier too and with more income streams.

[@StrangeCornersOfThought]

This is a really good thumbnail.

[@sunriselotus]

Did you create that painting in the background?

[@mjinhamburg]

Very wise ❤