The thought of spending the next 40 years in a rigid work routine feels uninspiring. A better alternative?

Taking a year off to backpack across the world, learn a new language or craft, or launch a side hustle.

Why wait until you’re in your 60s to truly live?

Enter micro-retirement – a growing trend among professionals of all ages, but often among Gen Z, who are rewriting the rules of work and leisure.

There’s a reason why more of the youngens in the workforce are micro-retiring: 81% of workers aged 18 to 24 and 83% of those aged 25 to 34 are experiencing burnout, according to 2025 data.

Unlike traditional sabbaticals, which are often tied to tenure or academia, micro-retirement is a purpose-driven pause in your working years.

Whether it’s a 40-something corporate lawyer cycling across Europe, a midcareer architect learning ceramics in Kyoto, or a 60-year-old executive taking time off for a second-act passion project, micro-retirement is proving that you don’t have to wait until your twilight years to enjoy life.

Micro-retirement is more than a holiday from work

Taking a career break isn’t as uncommon as some might think. In a LinkedIn survey of 23,000 workers, more than 3 in 5 respondents said they have hit pause on their career at one point, while more than a third are keen to take another break in the future.

“These breaks aren’t just vacations,” said Sylwia Ogunleye, a career development coach at mental healthcare specialist MeWell.

“They are periods of intentional disengagement from work, often used for travel, skill development, pursuing hobbies, or simply recharging.”

But micro-retirement isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

It will require careful consideration of your circumstances, financial situation, and career goals.

“Therefore, it is essential to plan, save diligently, and have a clear purpose for your breaks,” Ogunleye said.

For Jeremy Goh, a Singapore-based financial adviser specialising in retirement planning, micro-retirement offers people a chance to realign their life and finances.

Rather than becoming a setback, micro-retirement can instead improve a person’s quality of life and even open up new adventures.

“With thoughtful planning and leveraging the right financial tools, these intentional pauses can enhance your personal wellbeing and professional productivity,” Goh said.

One client took a year-long break to explore Europe and returned to launch a new career in sustainable investing.

“Their financial stability during this time was the result of careful planning, from building up savings to strategically investing in rental properties.”

Why are people choosing micro-retirement?

The reasons behind this shift are as diverse as the people embracing it. Some are healing from burnout and recognising that grinding away for decades before retirement isn’t sustainable. Others are prioritising mental wellbeing, personal growth, and family time.

In an era where work-life balance often feels like an impossible equation, micro-retirement offers a way to rest, recalibrate, and return with fresh energy.

The changing nature of work

Gone are the days when a stable job meant a lifetime of loyalty to one employer. Today’s professionals – regardless of age – are carving out careers with flexibility, side projects, and even temporary exits.

Micro-retirement fits perfectly into this new landscape, allowing people to step away without completely derailing their career trajectories.

The social media effect

Platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn have amplified the appeal of micro-retirement. Viral posts about people taking six months off to explore Patagonia or study philosophy in Greece have sparked a conversation: ‘If they can do it, why can’t I?’

A response to burnout and mental health challenges

According to studies, workplace stress and burnout levels are at an all-time high. Micro-retirement acts as a pressure valve, offering a structured way to prevent long-term exhaustion while maintaining a fulfilling career.

Also Read: Gen Z workers are broke and burntout

The advantages of taking a micro-retirement

A well-planned micro-retirement can be more than just an extended holiday – it can supercharge personal and professional growth.

1) Mental refresh and productivity boost

Stepping away from work can do wonders for clarity and focus. Many return from their break with a fresh perspective, newfound creativity, and a renewed sense of purpose.

2) Skill development and career evolution

Some use micro-retirement to upskill – whether by learning a new language, picking up coding, or even exploring an entirely different industry. Employers increasingly value adaptability, and an intentional career break can showcase that.

3) Reassessing career priorities

A break from the daily grind often leads to crucial self-reflection. Many return with a clearer sense of what they truly want, whether it’s a career pivot, entrepreneurship, or simply a healthier approach to work.

Also Read: How to bounce back after a layoff

… And the disadvantages

Of course, micro-retirement isn’t without its hurdles. Without proper planning, it can lead to financial instability, career stagnation, or even increased stress.

1) Financial uncertainty

Pausing a paycheck for months (or longer) requires significant financial preparation. Those who jump in without savings or an income strategy may find themselves in a difficult spot.

2) Career gaps and employer perception

Not all industries embrace the idea of taking extended breaks. While some employers view micro-retirement as a sign of independence and adaptability, others may see it as a lack of commitment.

3) Career re-entry challenges

Returning to the workforce can be tricky, especially in fast-evolving industries where trends and technology shift rapidly.

Also Read: Even the best employees are getting fired

How to ‘micro-retire’ without derailing your life

A good micro-retirement requires strategy. Here’s how to make it happen smoothly:

1) Financial planning is key

• Build an emergency fund covering at least 6-12 months of expenses.
• Consider alternative income sources such as freelancing, part-time consulting, or passive investments.
• Continue retirement contributions where possible to avoid long-term financial setbacks.

2) Maintain career visibility

• Keep professional connections alive by networking, even during the break.
• Engage in relevant projects, speaking engagements, or short-term consulting gigs.
• Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase any skills or experiences gained during the break.

3) Have a re-entry plan

• Set a timeline for returning to the workforce and align it with industry hiring cycles.
• Prepare a compelling narrative for future employers: frame your micro-retirement as a period of intentional growth rather than an escape.

Is micro-retirement just a fad – or is it here to stay?

With younger generations prioritising flexibility and older professionals seeking more meaningful ways to balance work and life, micro-retirement is poised to become a mainstream career strategy.

Workplaces, too, are adapting. Some forward-thinking companies now offer paid sabbaticals, extended unpaid leave, or project-based work models that make micro-retirement easier to integrate into a career.

Ultimately, whether it’s six months spent writing a novel, a year-long travel adventure, or a structured break for mental wellbeing, micro-retirement is proof that retirement doesn’t have to be a distant finish line. It can be a series of well-planned pit stops along the way.