Micro-retirement: The career break trend that could make you happier and more productive

Instead of waiting until retirement to savour life’s pleasures, a growing trend among younger adults is to reclaim time and autonomy on their own terms. Enter micro-retirement: a voluntary break from work to pursue passions outside of building a career. The term was first coined by Tim Ferriss in his 2007 book, The 4-Hour Workweek, and unlike employer-sanctioned sabbaticals, micro-retirements are self-initiated, with no formal approval or guaranteed return to work. It’s about embracing life to the fullest while youth is on one’s side.

Why not just call it a “career break”?

 What separates micro-retirement from a career break or sabbatical is intention. Career breaks often stem from burnout or personal circumstances, while sabbaticals are structured and aimed at professional enhancement. Micro-retirement, however, is about reclaiming time for joy and fulfilment. Think of it as retirement sliced into manageable, savourable portions.

The pandemic intensified this shift. Concepts like “quiet quitting” and “lazy girl jobs” have surfaced across social media, fuelled by frustrations over burnout and rigid work structures. Many young workers are prioritising mental well-being and personal growth over relentless career progression.

Are Singaporeans ready to micro-retire?

This lifestyle shift is particularly relevant in Singapore, where there are plans to gradually raise the retirement age to 65 and the re-employment age to 70 by 2030. According to The Straits Times, the next increase will occur on July 1, 2026, when the retirement age rises from 63 to 64, and re-employment from 68 to 69.

From a business standpoint, micro-retirement can pose challenges. Replacing an employee can cost between half and twice their annual salary, factoring in recruitment, training and lost productivity. Singapore-based consultancy Reeracoen estimates that turnover costs are around 33 per cent of a new recruit’s salary. Employers remain cautious, monitoring labour turnover rates closely.

Yet, there are undeniable benefits. Studies suggest that stepping away from work, even temporarily, can boost creativity, improve mental health, and enhance productivity upon return. A 2025 piece by The HR Director, a UK-based publication for senior HR professionals, notes that career breaks can spark creativity by exposing individuals to fresh experiences. Similarly, a 2023 article by the US-based Association for Talent Development, a non-profit organisation dedicated to those who develop talent in organisations, highlights how stepping away from routines allows essential mental recharge, preventing burnout.

Is micro-retirement for you?

Of course, micro-retirement isn’t for everyone. Financial stability remains critical, as does having a plan for returning to the workforce. Without savings or a re-entry strategy, the dream of micro-retirement can quickly turn into a financial nightmare.

Is micro-retirement just a fleeting trend or the beginning of something more significant? As traditional career structures evolve, perhaps it’s time to ask: Should life’s most meaningful experiences be deferred until retirement? Or is it worth pressing pause now and then to truly live life to the fullest?