What is mini-retirement? Why are millennials and Gen Z choosing it?
The mini-retirement trend favoured by millennials and Gen Z suggests that we might be moving toward a more flexible, sustainable model of work and life
A mini-retirement is exactly what it sounds like: taking months or even years off work while you're still decades away from traditional retirement age. Instead of the old-school model of grinding for 40 years straight, then maybe enjoying a few golden years, mini-retirees spread their downtime throughout their careers.
Think of it as strategic career pausing. Some people take a month off every couple years, others go for 6-18 month sabbaticals. The key difference from just quitting your job? Planning. These aren't impulsive decisions—they're calculated moves with dedicated savings and clear timelines.
Unlike traditional sabbaticals, which sometimes only senior executives can afford, mini-retirements are accessible to everyone across income levels. All you need is financial discipline and a willingness to step away from conventional career thinking.
Also read: 5 ultra-elite Swiss boarding schools where young minds rise like mountains
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What is mini-retirement? Why are millennials and Gen Z choosing it?
The mini-retirement trend favoured by millennials and Gen Z suggests that we might be moving toward a more flexible, sustainable model of work and life A mini-retirement is exactly what it sounds like: taking months or even years off work while you're still decades away from traditional retirement age. Instead of the old-school model of grinding for 40 years straight, then maybe enjoying a few golden years, mini-retirees spread their downtime throughout their careers. Think of it as strategic career pausing. Some people take a month off every couple years, others go for 6-18 month sabbaticals. The key difference from just quitting your job? Planning. These aren't impulsive decisions—they're calculated moves with dedicated savings and clear timelines. Unlike traditional sabbaticals, which sometimes only senior executives can afford, mini-retirements are accessible to everyone across income levels. All you need is financial discipline and a willingness to step away from conventional career thinking. Also read: 5 ultra-elite Swiss boarding schools where young minds rise like mountains
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