I'm not planning on taking a "gap year" and traveling around India "discovering" myself or anything. Quite the opposite, i've been offered a job paying £16,000 a year plus uncapped commission and quarterly bonuses of £500 if targets are met.

Thing is, i was planning on starting my foundation degree this September, away from home living in rented accommodation, but i cant get a student loan because it's not a "degree" so i could really do with saving some money up. However, if i take this job, i'd have to put the course on hold for at least year, and I'm kind of scared i'll be seduced by all the money and not bother starting my foundation course again. I'm planning on doing a few art based evening classes to keep me "in practice" but still im unsure.

Has anyone else taken a year out to earn money before university? Did you end up going to university in the end or did you just stay in the job? Was it difficult going back into education after a year out? Is £16,000 a year even that good a wage for an 18 year old?