Is a gap year bad for your career?

Will this year of working abroad set me back for employment when I return to the U.S. this summer? This is a question I get asked a lot from my dad.

In my mind, I am living out a dream and goal, this is a unique experience that not many people say they have and I am continuing to show my writing skills through this website. So, no, this gap year is not setting me back for future employment possibilities.

However, since I am not a recruiter or an employer, I have no idea how my year of working abroad will be viewed on an application. I am hoping that my unique experience will set me apart, but maybe it will be seen as I haven’t been practicing my PR/Advertising/Marketing skills in a year.

Does anyone have any guidance, advice or experience in this situation? I have high hopes that this “gap” year will not set me back, but if it does, I want to be prepared.

Any feedback is appreciated! Thanks!