Why "Micro-Retirement" Is Taking Off—and How It Can Boost Your Career (If You Plan It Well)

Just last week, a LinkedIn connection announced he was taking a micro-retirement to recharge and spend more time with his family.

Honestly, I applauded it.

He’s not the only one.

Channel News Asia recently ran a story on the growing trend of people taking intentional, extended breaks mid-career to rest, reflect, and reset.

And to be upfront, I’ve done it myself.

After one of my own retrenchments, I deliberately treated that time as a kind of micro-retirement. Instead of jumping straight back in, I took a genuine pause. It wasn’t just unemployment. I chose to use the time to really think through my next move.

That break gave me space to plan a career pivot and reflect on what truly mattered to me, including family priorities. In hindsight, it was one of the most valuable investments I ever made in my career.

What is Micro-Retirement?

Think of it as a pause button you control.

Instead of working non-stop for 40 years before finally retiring at 65 (or 70, or whenever CPF says you can retire), you take planned time off for a few months or a year.

You might travel, study, spend time with kids or ageing parents, build something new, or simply do nothing for a while.

Then you return to work.

This isn’t a gap that happens because you couldn’t find work. It is a gap you designed with intention.

Some people call it "sabbatical-lite." In most cases, though, there is no HR policy and no company pay. It is your own plan, funded by you.

Why Are People Doing This?

There are a few very relatable reasons:

• Avoid burnout: Work stress is real. It is smarter to take breaks before you break down.

• Pursue dreams now: Hike the Himalayas, learn pottery in Japan, write that novel. Why wait until your knees creak?

• Reassess priorities: Big breaks offer fresh perspective. Are you even on the right path?

• Embrace flexibility: The old “gold watch at 65” promise is over. People want freedom now, not just “someday.”

One client told me:

"I don’t want to live for retirement. I want to live while working."

I think that says it all.

How Micro-Retirement Can Help Your Career

Some people worry that taking time off will hurt their career.

Honestly, it depends on how you approach it.

If done well, it can be an incredible boost:

• Reignite motivation: You return with energy and fresh ideas.

• Build new skills: Travel, study, volunteer—these grow your network, perspective, and soft skills.

• Strengthen your personal brand: Taking intentional time out shows self-awareness and courage. Employers increasingly respect that.

• Enable a pivot: It can be the perfect window to reskill, rethink, or change industries.

During my own break, I had time to really question what I wanted to do next. I realised I didn’t want to simply find another corporate role.

That reflection period laid the groundwork for my shift into career coaching. It also forced me to be clear about my own priorities in life, especially around how much time I wanted for family and the kind of work-life balance I would accept.

It wasn’t easy. Without that intentional pause, I doubt I would have made the change at all.

Of course, telling your boss you’re quitting for six months can still be...let’s say interesting.

So let’s talk about...

How to Prepare for Micro-Retirement

Before you type “I’m off to Bali” in Slack, consider these steps:

✅ Financial readiness:

• Save aggressively.

• Know your burn rate.

• Consider freelance or side gigs to keep cash flowing.

✅ Clear goals:

• Even if the goal is simply to rest, be intentional about it.

• What do you want to come back with?

✅ Career planning:

• Tell people you plan to return.

• Line up potential re-entry options.

• Stay connected to your network.

✅ Emotional preparation:

• You are going against the grain. Expect questions and maybe some judgment.

• Make sure you believe in your decision.

✅ Discuss with loved ones:

• Family and partners will be affected too.

I often tell coaching clients that micro-retirement isn’t only a logistics plan. It is also a mindset shift.

The Risks Involved

Let’s not kid ourselves.

• Financial strain: Savings can vanish faster than you expect. Emergencies still happen.

• Re-entry challenges: Some industries or companies are less understanding.

• Professional perception: Career gaps can still raise eyebrows in some circles.

• Emotional letdown: Your dream sabbatical might disappoint you if you don’t plan or adapt.

It’s not for everyone.

But for many, the rewards outweigh the risks.

Think about it....

Our grandparents worked for one company forever. Our parents switched jobs.

We are changing how we think about work itself.

Micro-retirement is one way to make sure life happens along the way, not only at the end.

If you’re considering it, plan carefully, talk honestly with loved ones, and build your safety net.

Because freedom feels even better when it’s sustainable.

https://careerbliss.info/shop/reinvent