Surely you are one of those people who has dreamed of a sabbatical year at some point, a year in which you can pause everything, recharge your batteries and get away from the wheel of routine that haunts us practically every day of our lives. This trend is gaining more and more strength on social networks like TikTok and users have called it “micro-retirement.” In a world where we practically live to work, this break seems like a real gift from fate, but what is behind this new philosophy of life? We will tell you now.
What is micro-retirement?
This new concept is what we millennials know as a “sabbatical year,” and it is basically taking a break along the way (either for a few months or a couple of years) to recharge our batteries and return to work with more energy. During this year, people tend to pursue hobbies that they would normally have had to abandon or even explore new opportunities that they had never been able to before. So, unlike retirement, this practice is intended for all those of us who still have many years of work left and are still far from retirement age, so that we can enjoy life a little more during the years when we have more energy in our bodies.
According to HR consultant Jes Osrow, this concept will vary depending on each person’s needs and goals. For some, this period may represent a break from work exhaustion, and for others, it is a space to launch a side project.
Why has it gone viral?
This “retirement” has gone so viral because it represents a change in everyone’s priorities, especially in generations Z and Millennials, who have questioned the traditional work model and are looking for alternatives that allow them to live life today and now, and not have to wait until retirement.
In addition, the speed with which everything moves on social media has spread with inspiring stories of people who have had the opportunity to temporarily leave their jobs to travel, learn new trades or simply reconnect with themselves and enjoy their families.
Can I also do a micro-retirement?
Of course! If this idea appeals to you, the first thing you have to do is prepare yourself financially for it, so you will have to start saving now. Tim Toterhi, a coach, says that there are three questions you must answer:
– Do I have the financial capacity to survive a year without a salary?
– How will I cover possible medical emergencies?
– How do you plan to return to the working world after the retirement?
So, unfortunately, if you can’t afford to take a year off work, we sadly recommend that you reconsider.
What are the benefits of this practice?
What could be better than taking a break from so much work stress? Here are the benefits of getting a little rest:
- This free time allows you to rest and recover your mental health.
- Did you put a hobby on hold because you didn’t have time? It’s time to get it back.
- It can help you reevaluate your priorities and whether you’re really following the path you want.
- And if you decide to travel? Cultural enrichment! It’s a unique opportunity to discover new places.
As we have already said, it is not feasible for everyone, for those who live with just enough, this option is practically impossible unless they have a very careful financial plan (in addition to some other economic privileges). So, this trend – which we hope is not temporary – is a reflection of how young people are redefining the term “success”, is success only a matter of work? Clearly not, and these people, doing what they want with their time is a clear definition that work is not everything!