That's a solidly mature approach to your situation young man.
Good decision making will serve you well in a few years when you're doing your command course!
At your age, you have a few options.
The main concern before I explore those however, is the matter of cost - you will have to remain current on your licences if you take a year off. This can get very pricey.
It also depends on what you want to do for that year as well. I am going to assume that it is travelling.
Why not get your FAA ratings and then before converting to JAA, head down to somewhere like Maun in Botswana and try and get a job down there.
Would be a load of fun and you'd come back a MAN!
Bonne chance!