Micro-Retirement: Gen Z’s Answer to Burnout – Smart Move or Risky Gamble?
Gen Z is changing the rules of work —and they’re not asking for permission. As burnout rises and traditional career paths lose their appeal, some young professionals are stepping off the treadmill entirely for a breather. Enter micro-retirement , a growing trend where workers in their 20s and 30s take extended breaks between jobs to rest, travel, or simply reset. Unlike sabbaticals, which are often granted by employers, such career breaks are self-funded, self-initiated, and often unstructured. It’s an appealing concept, but it’s not without its complications. In this post, we’ll dive into what micro-retirement really means, why it’s gaining traction, and what risks it carries for those bold enough to try it. 1. What is Micro-Retirement, Really? Micro-retirement is not your average vacation or even a formal sabbatical. It’s an intentional, often months-long break from work, taken mid-career or even early in one's professional life. Unlike traditional retirement, this pause doesn’...