As a kid I was little shy and compromising. The teen age life was a bit well guided and focused regarding studies. Engineering life was completely engrossed with Hinduism and trekking. Professional life... I can say, was a little offset, but was much more revealing and explaining the world around me. The sabbatical period of one year, between job and masters was apparently waste of time, money and energy. Still i believe that relaxation was necessary.
Now the last one and half year, of masters in USA, was a peak of exposure and full of new horizons.