Some members of Gen Z are adopting “micro-retirement,” a way to prevent work burnout by taking a year off every three years.
While travel is one of the most common activities chosen by “micro-retirees,” the reasons for this lifestyle vary: some opt for watching bad television, others choose to contribute to their local communities, according to the Guardian. In reality, they spend time focusing on themselves.
The core idea behind micro-retirement is that individuals don’t have to wait until they’re 60 or 70 to do what they want; they can do it while they’re still young, healthy, and full of energy.
The concept comes from the book The 4-Hour Workweek by T. Ferriss, and the term “micro-retirement” has gone viral on TikTok since the start of the year.
The term (and its practice) was coined in 2007, and its popularity continues to rise. Simply put, micro-retirement promotes a better work-life balance.
A major supporter of this idea is Adama Lorna, who was inspired by Ferriss’s book, “micro-retired” for six months, and believes it’s better to pursue your desires at a young age.
While similar to a “sabbatical,” the Guardian explains that micro-retirement differs because a sabbatical is a temporary break, whereas micro-retirement is a “lifestyle.”
