Tired of hustling for work? “Mini-retirement” is trending, and people are loving this lifestyle where you can hit pause anytime
Rest is how you go even further down the road
Many people confuse a mini-retirement with quitting their job to travel, but it’s really more of a “life experiment.” It usually lasts 1 to 6 months and is about redistributing leisure time throughout your life. Rather than using up all your physical strength and energy while you’re young, set aside some time during your fittest years to “test-drive” retirement. You could spend 3 months learning ceramics in Kyoto or live in a small Australian town for a while. The key is to take control back into your own hands.
- Related reading: 3 unproductive office social habits you should have let go of long ago: Take a step back, and don’t let temporary coworkers take over your life
How much do you need to save for a mini-retirement?
Before starting a mini-retirement, you should have enough savings to cover at least 6 months of living expenses, plus an emergency fund of about HK$ 20,000. The exact amount depends on where you want to go. For example, a 3-month stay in Chiang Mai might cost only around HK$ 30,000. The point isn’t to achieve financial independence; it’s whether you’ve carefully calculated the “ticket to freedom” you need to cover your basic living expenses.
When Is the Best Time for a Mini-Retirement?
The best time for a mini-retirement is usually during a career transition or a gap month after completing a major project. It’s best to start planning 3 to 6 months before officially resigning or taking extended leave, so you have enough time to hand over your work and ensure the break won’t leave you at a disadvantage when you return to the workforce. For women ages 18 to 35, this period of self-exploration can often lead to a salary increase of more than 15% in their next job.
How Can You Plan a Mini-Retirement Without Feeling Guilty?
When you first begin taking time off, you may feel anxious and think you’re “not being productive.” The value of a mini-retirement lies in its unstructured growth. Try dividing the time into three parts: 30% for simply switching off and recovering physically, 40% for learning new skills such as cooking, photography, or diving, and the remaining 30% for considering your future career path. Once you have clear goals, the fear that “I’m wasting my life” will fade.
Join POPBEE Circle and subscribe to the POPBEE newsletter to get instant access to the latest updates, plus early notice of exclusive perks and discounts. Besides this piece, here are a few more recent stories you should check out:
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