Author: Isabelle Lofthouse

Isabelle was apprehensive to enter the world of work, but after a gap year tutoring with Yipiyap, she felt more than ready for her next steps.

At the end of my journey through Sixth Form, I decided I needed more time to think about my future path.

As a new adult, the prospect of what lay ahead felt incredibly daunting. That included my decision to apply for a my first ever job - tutoring with Yipiyap. Up until that point, I couldn’t comprehend how people managed both school and work. For me, it all felt like too much to handle.

However, I knew that gaining work experience would be invaluable. So, since my studies were over, I took the leap and decided to take a gap year to explore this new chapter.

Applying for my first job

I can’t say that I wasn’t scared when applying for my first job - it was terrifying! But, I knew it would have to happen sooner or later, just like it does for the majority of us. Luckily, my journey started off quite successfully, and I soon found myself an exciting opportunity with Yipiyap, which involved providing English Language support at a local secondary school.

Adjusting to New Responsibilities

September marked the start of my placement. The first few weeks were strange as I adjusted to a new schedule, new travel routes, and new people. It felt like being thrown back into the start of my own secondary school experience, but this time, I was the adult! I was just like the new Year 7’s, stepping into fresh waters, anxious about these new responsibilities but excited about the new experiences I would get to have

Building Relationships at Work

Working as a tutor is a different experience for each person. Every child you work with will be different. Some are reluctant, some are more than willing and all of them will learn in their own different ways. To begin with, this will be a challenge - it was for me. Building relationships with your students is a gradual process that takes time. Also, despite the job being about helping with students’ education, this part focuses on more than that! What I’ve learnt is that getting to know a student isn’t just about knowing how they learn but knowing what they enjoy, what makes them comfortable, what upsets them etc. Because how can you make an impact if you are detached? Over time, you will build up this relationship, as long as you show that you’re also willing to understand them.

Coping with Setbacks: Not Every Day is a Win

Not every interaction will end in success. Some students may not want to get to know you, and others may not be willing to engage with tutoring at all. This isn’t uncommon, though. That’s something I had to come to terms with. It’s hard not to feel disappointed when things don’t work out, but through experience, I’ve learned to trust myself and keep moving forward. Staying consistent and showing students that you care is often enough to make a difference, even if the impact isn’t immediate.

“If you went through life with not a single failure, would success mean anything to you?”

Confidence is Key: But It Takes Time

One of the biggest challenges I faced during my gap year was gaining confidence in myself. I’ve never been a naturally confident person, and there’s a lot of pressure when you’re tasked with being a role model for teenagers. I won’t lie and say that I’m now brimming with confidence after a year of tutoring. But I’ve grown, and I’ve come to accept that nobody is perfect. If you didn’t have failures, you wouldn’t know how to make yourself better. These failures are also the reason we can feel proud of our achievements. If you went through life with not a single failure, would success mean anything to you?

Finding Support in the Workplace

While students are the main focus, the people you work with also play a huge role in shaping your experience. At first, I was hesitant to approach my colleagues. As someone who struggled with self-confidence, it was intimidating to engage with people who had been working together for years. But eventually, I pushed myself to start those conversations, and it paid off. Having coworkers and friends to talk to during breaks made my workdays far more enjoyable. If there’s one piece of advice I could give, it would be to not shy away from forming connections at work. That first push may be the hardest but once you are off, you’ll feel so much better for it. Don’t be scared to put yourself out there, as work life will be so much brighter once you do!

Why Become a Tutor?

When I first thought of taking a gap year, the immediate thought was travel. Isn’t that what everyone does? But the cost and practicality of that option weren’t feasible, so I decided on a different path instead - and I’m so glad I did. Tutoring has not only given me professional skills, but it has also helped me grow personally. I’ve learned more about myself, gained confidence, and built meaningful relationships.

For anyone unsure of what to do with their gap year, I’d say consider tutoring. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Follow the wind, take the leap, and see where it takes you. Now’s the time, isn’t it?

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