The rise of micro-retirement among young professionals

As Singapore's retirement age rises, some millennials and Gen Zs are ditching the traditional career blueprint.

- SYED ZULFADHLI

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.