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For decades, retirement has been seen as the golden period after a lifetime of work. But younger generations are flipping the script.
A growing number of Gen Z and millennial professionals are choosing to take 'micro-retirements'—extended career breaks to focus on personal well-being, travel, and experiences—well before their official retirement age.
A trend that has gained traction on social media, micro-retirement is seen as a solution to burnout and job dissatisfaction, which remain high among younger employees.
Micro-Retirement: Overview
Similar to a sabbatical, a micro-retirement (or mini-retirement) is an intentional break from one's career for a few months to even a few years. These career pauses are often taken to travel, pursue personal interests, focus on mental health, or simply step back from the daily grind.
Why is it Gaining Popularity?
Several factors are driving this trend. A 2022 survey by Lever found that 40% of Gen Z and 24% of millennial employees expressed a desire to leave their jobs within two years, with burnout and job dissatisfaction ranking among the top three reasons (Deloitte, 2022). In such cases, micro-retirement allows workers to step away, refresh, and return to their careers with renewed energy.
Additionally, research from Standard Life suggests that taking career breaks could actually enhance long-term financial stability, particularly if it leads to a longer working life.
The Retirement Voice 2024 study found that, on average, British workers hope to retire at 62—six years earlier than the expected state pension age for those retiring after 2046. By strategically incorporating breaks, some workers may find themselves extending their careers overall, leading to greater cumulative savings.
The Trade-Off: Financial security vs. Freedom
While micro-retirement offers flexibility and life experiences, it comes with financial trade-offs. Pausing one's career during peak earning years can slow savings growth, impact investments, and disrupt long-term financial security. However, those who take micro-retirements argue that the benefits outweigh the downsides.
The Wall Street Journal reports of Dana Saperstein, who at 31, quit her marketing job to spend six months hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, calling it a 'micro-retirement.' She is part of a growing group of young professionals borrowing years of freedom from their future selves to enjoy life while they are still young and healthy.
Is Micro-Retirement Here to Stay?
The concept follows other workplace trends like "quiet quitting" and "lazy jobs," as per media reports. These trends reflect a broader shift in how young people view work-life balance.
While financial experts caution against the potential downsides, some argue that a well-planned micro-retirement can be beneficial if approached strategically.
As younger generations continue to challenge conventional work norms, micro-retirement may evolve from a niche lifestyle choice to a mainstream career strategy.
The key takeaway? The future of work isn't just about climbing the corporate ladder—it's also about knowing when to step off for a while.