Gen Z is rewriting the rulebook in the workplace. This generation of our workforce is taking intentional career breaks to recharge, travel or simply chase passions. Doesn’t that sound like retirement? It sure does! This new trend of micro-retirement sounds risky, but its has somehow struck a chord with Gen Z, who want all that in life and more without having to face burnout on a daily basis. Our HR advisor Jane Harper unpacks Gen Z’s micro-retirement movement in the workplace.
Our resident HR advisor Jane Harper weighs in on the micro-retirement movement that’s taken the modern workplace by the storm. (Image: Pexels)
Jane Harper weighs in on the rise of Micro-retirement
“Micro-retirement? You mean, quitting your job at 25 and moving to Bali?” Alexis laughed. “Not quitting forever! I see it as hitting pause.” Gen Z is now using a shovel to pick retirement out of its grave and give it a new definition. This generation of young workers take months, sometimes even a year off, to travel, acquire new skills, or just binge watch shows before the daily grind pulls them back in.
“But how do they afford it?” Now, this, has an interesting answer! It’s a cocktail of side hustles, scrappy savings, and a dash of FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early)! Gen Z has cracked the code to living smarter, not harder. They know when to step back, recharge, explore, and figure out what to gain from work without waiting until sixty to do it.
What is micro-retirement? Sounds fancy, what does it mean?
Fancy? Maybe. Genius? Definitely. Micro-retirement is basically hitting pause on your career while you’re still young enough to enjoy life. It comes in the form of a well-wrapped Christmas package filled with long vacations, side-hustle-funded adventures, and time off of everything in life to figure out what gives you happiness.
Why are Gen Zers suddenly obsessed with micro-retirement?
Let’s be real. We’ve seen burnout. Now add sky-high rents, student debts and the constant scroll of other people’s “perfect lives” online. It’s no wonder Gen Z is at the forefront of the micro-retirement trend. Who doesn’t need a breather every now and then! Moreover, Gen Z has money-savvy skills, all thanks to finance apps and TikTok finance bros! They’re learning how to save big so they can bail on the daily grind without having to burn out.
How does Gen Z afford months, or years, off work?
It’s called strategic saving. Not to mention side hustles, which are the real MVP here. Freelancing, remote gigs, and small online businesses, and of course, the FIRE movement.
Are Gen Zers quitting their jobs forever?
No. Micro-retirement is all about hitting that pause button. This trend goes nowhere near the eject button until you’ve figured out what you want from life. Many use it to travel, learn a new skill, start a side hustle, or simple meet people outside of their comfort zones. The key to micro-retirement is flexibility. You can call it a mini-rebellion against the burnout culture.
Are companies on board with this new trend of micro-retirement?
Companies are surely taking baby steps towards micro-retirement acceptance. Some employers even offer sabbaticals, flexible hours, or remote options just to keep Gen Z from quiet quitting. Others are less thrilled. But the fact remains that the workforce is changing.
Micro-retirement is the new age permission slip to live life without waiting for “someday.”
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