CET-6 Listening Practice: Should I Take a Gap Year?

Thanks for seeing me. I've finally made up my mind about next year!

謝謝您撥空見我。我終於想好明年要做什麼了！

That's great news. So is it the master's degree or the job offer?

好消息耶。那妳是要念碩士，還是接那份工作？

Actually, neither, at least not straight away.

其實都不是，至少不是馬上。

I'm planning to take a gap year first.

我打算先休一個空檔年。

A gap year? I have to admit, I didn't see that coming!

空檔年？我得承認，這我還真沒想到！

I'd like to spend six months working on an organic farm abroad,

我想先去國外的有機農場打工6個月，

and then volunteer as a teaching assistant at a village school.

然後去一所鄉下學校當志工助教。

I've been studying nonstop since I was six, and I really need a break.

我從6歲開始就一直不停地念書，真的需要喘口氣了。

I can see why that appeals to you after such a demanding final year.

經歷了這麼辛苦的大四，我能理解妳為什麼會心動。

But I'm not entirely convinced it's the right move for you.

但我不太確定這對妳來說是對的選擇。

Some students lose momentum and struggle to get back into studying.

有些學生會失去衝勁，很難再回到念書的狀態。

And how exactly are you planning to pay for all of this?

還有，這些費用妳具體打算怎麼負擔？

The farm offers free accommodation and meals in exchange for work.

農場是打工換宿，提供免費的吃住。

Even so, flights and insurance could easily eat into your savings.

就算這樣，機票和保險也很容易吃掉妳一大筆存款。

There's also the question of how employers will view a year out.

還有一個問題，就是雇主會怎麼看這一年的空窗。

If it looks like a long holiday, it could count against you.

如果看起來像放了一個長假，可能會對妳不利。

With respect, isn't that a rather old-fashioned view?

恕我直言，這種看法是不是有點過時了？

Working abroad shows that I'm independent and can adapt to new situations.

在國外工作正好證明我很獨立，能適應新環境。

To be fair, that's a valid point, as long as you can explain what you gained.

說句公道話，這點確實有道理，只要妳能說清楚自己學到了什麼。

Honestly, what worries me most is losing the job offer.

老實說，我最擔心的是失去這個工作機會。

Have you asked the company whether you could defer your start date?

妳問過公司能不能延後報到日期嗎？

Defer it? I had no idea that was even an option!

延後？我根本不知道還可以這樣！

It depends on the employer, but some are willing to wait if you ask early.

這要看公司，不過如果妳早點問，有些公司是願意等的。

So here's a compromise. Work for six months first and save up.

那我給妳一個折衷的辦法。先工作6個月，把錢存起來。

Then take a shorter, structured break with clear goals, rather than a whole year.

然後休一段比較短、有規劃、目標明確的假，而不是整整一年。

I'd rather go for longer, but six months does sound more realistic.

我其實比較想去久一點，不過6個月聽起來確實比較實際。

Good. Email the company this week, and come back with a budget.

很好。這週寄封電子郵件給公司，然後帶著預算再來找我。

Deal! Thanks for not just telling me it's a bad idea!

一言為定！謝謝您沒有直接說這是個爛主意！