Gen Z workers are embracing a new trend called micro-retirement. It involves taking extended breaks from work throughout their careers to travel, pursue passions, or recharge. Unlike traditional sabbaticals, which are often granted by employers with job security upon return, micro-retirement is self-imposed.
There’s no guaranteed salary or job waiting at the end of the break. It’s seen as a lifestyle choice that prioritizes well-being over a career trajectory. Ashley Fell, a workplace trends expert, told Newsweek that Gen Z has grown up in an era of rapid change, economic uncertainty, and a heightened awareness of mental health and work-life balance.
Many entered the workforce during or after the pandemic, which reshaped attitudes towards traditional career paths.
Gen Z prioritizes well-being over career
Social media has reportedly played a role in popularizing micro-retirement.
TikTok creator Annabel Denisenko, who is currently taking a six-month career break, shared her perspective with Newsweek. She said that post-Covid, she noticed a big change in how her peers and she herself view their jobs and earning an income. I am always prioritizing new experiences and learning, whether that be progressing in my job or travelling,” she said.
Fell added that Gen Z is “heavily shaped by social media,” which has amplified conversations around alternative career paths. Instead of dismissing micro-retirement as a passing trend, companies may need to consider integrating similar workplace benefits to retain talent. Gen Z and millennials together make up a significant portion of the workforce, and both generations have shown a willingness to job-hop in search of better conditions, according to a Bloomberg report.
Offering structured career breaks could help companies improve retention and reduce burnout.
Image Credits: Photo by Chen Mizrach on Unsplash
