[colpres]

As a high level corporate type who manages and advises with other high level corporate types, the year off idea would really damage your future employment prospects in the eyes of the hiring managers, particularly in the field you are entering. Not just the year off, but unless you lie about why and what you did, the reason would be viewed with great skepticism. So it is not a year of poker & life vs. a year of something else.

It's more like 1 year of poker & life = potentially many years of changed employment prospects and reduced expectations. Unfortunately, your parents have a pretty good "read" on this issue. Only you can determine which is more important for you - best wishes on your choice.