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NextGen Magazine

 
 

Micro-Retirement: Gen Zers Take Early-Career Sabbaticals

By:
Emma Slack-Jorgensen
Published Date:
Jan 30, 2025

iStock-655781780 Retirement Nest Egg Pension

The idea of retirement is undergoing a transformation, with Gen Z leading the charge in redefining career trajectories. According to a report from Forbes, instead of waiting until their 60s or 70s to take a break, many young professionals are embracing “micro-retirement”—periodic time off between jobs to travel, pursue hobbies, or focus on personal well-being.

This shift reflects a growing prioritization of work-life balance, mental health and meaningful experiences over the traditional climb up the corporate ladder.

Forbes said that social media has played a significant role in fueling this trend, encouraging younger workers to seize opportunities for adventure and self-discovery. With remote work and project-based employment becoming more common, taking extended breaks no longer carries the same career risks it once did.

Many Gen Z workers feel confident that they can step away from full-time employment and re-enter the workforce without sacrificing long-term financial stability.

At the same time, an opposite trend is emerging among Baby Boomers, with many retirees choosing to return to work. Rising living costs, financial concerns, and the desire for social engagement are driving this “Great Retiree Return.”

Seasoned professionals bring valuable experience, mentorship, and leadership skills to the workplace, helping bridge generational knowledge gaps. Employers facing labor shortages, particularly in fields like accounting, are finding retirees to be an essential talent pool, according to Forbes.

To accommodate both trends, companies must rethink traditional work structures. Offering flexible schedules, phased retirement plans, and training programs for returning retirees can help create a more inclusive workplace.

Similarly, businesses that support Gen Z’s evolving career expectations—such as sabbaticals, remote opportunities, and project-based roles—will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent.