I often talk about the need to hang in there -- to stay at it, to tough it out. I've never regretted the times when I didn't quit. That said, I believe there are times when it's not only okay to stop what you're doing, but that's the best possible thing you can do.
After a couple of pretty intense years at Biola, my studies had begun to take a toll on me. The transition from a public high school in Hawaii to a private college in California was a gigantic leap. Plus, I was receiving an academic scholarship (a full tuition ride) based on my GPA. The pressure was getting to me. That's when I made a decision that changed my whole direction as a student. I took a semester and a summer off and returned to Hawaii. I lived, worked, and surfed in Waikiki for 8 months.
It was exactly what I needed. Surfing all day replenished my emotional tank. Working at night in a restaurant at this hotel, the Princess Kaiulani, replenished my pocketbook.
When I finally flew back to college, I was a changed man. That break -- that "hiatus" if you will -- enabled me to complete my Bachelor's degree, then my Master's, then my Doctorate without needing another break. That's a total of 10 years of uninterrupted study that were absolutely enjoyable and satisfying.
A hiatus from college can do a lot of things. It can provide an opportunity to refocus and recharge. It can help you avoid or recover from academic burnout. It helped me to clarify my career goals as well as save up some money. Timing is everything. Make your break too quick, and you minimize your recovery. Make it too long, and it can lead to loss of academic momentum. The bottom line is this: It's okay to take a break from school. For many of us it's a strategic decision to step away if we're dealing with burnout or financial strain. From personal reflection to spiritual growth, there are many benefits of taking a hiatus.