The study questioned 1,000 backpackers across the UK, and was
timed to coincide with the start of the university term where thousands return
from a year abroad to embark on further education – or defer studying in favour
of a gap year.
Contrary to popular belief, the research found that nearly 60% of
backpackers admitted their time spent travelling didn’t help them positively
develop as a person while 28% thought they had changed for the better, but
quickly reverted back to their old attitude when they returned to home soil.
To add more salt to the wound, 29% of people questioned confessed
to growing sick of their backpacking buddy’s endless stories, while 12% stated
that their friends returned with a false sense of superiority.
World of work
Meanwhile, those planning to travel post-university before joining
the world of work may want to think again. More than a third (34%) admitted
they struggled to make the transition into a nine-to-five lifestyle, while a
further 14% admitted their stint overseas left them dreading work and feeling
unprepared. An unsettled 23% claimed they were already planning to travel again
after starting their first job.
It seems these concerns are shared by employers; a shocking 19%
said that their current boss viewed their time spent travelling as a negative,
while 14% struggled to get a job because they lacked experience compared with
non-travelling candidates of a similar age. Despite this, a 39% of backpackers saw
traveling as a positive and something that reflected well on their CV.
Ian
Brown, from 1StopShip, commented: “We would advise anyone looking to genuinely
enrich themselves, or make a positive impression on prospective employers to
consider incorporating both work and travel, such as teaching or temping
overseas; this can ensure you acquire new skills, whilst also experiencing a
new culture and seeing new places”.
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