It's not exactly great to be pushed into anything. On the other hand though, when a friend of mine finished uni, their parents supported them in having a break. But honestly- I don't think that was wise. Everyone else was already looking for and getting jobs. Their weeks turned to months, turned to years. Then- employers will possibly ask what you've been doing in that time. Of course they'll employ someone will experience over you.
Also bear in mind that, if you'd taken time out, you would have been older than the rest of the people on that course. That isn't always great in terms of fitting in.
Never the less, I do feel bad for you. I guess it's a case by case situation. Some people probably would have benefited from taking a different route in life. I'm just trying to say though, things possibly would also have been difficult if you'd delayed college. It's hard to know really. I'm sorry though. It's horrible to look back at uncomfortable times.