Mini Retirement Is The New Sabbatical—Should You Take One?

If planning a one-year break, make sure you have reserves to cover expenses and EMIs

- NEHAL MOTA

We've all heard of retirement—that long-anticipated moment when you finally hang up your boots. In recent times, the concept of a sabbatical has gained ground. Women have taken sabbaticals to care for newborns, while men and women looking to test the waters as entrepreneurs have done the same. A mini retirement is slightly different.

Unlike a sabbatical, a mini retirement is not just a one-off break. It can be longer, more frequent, and something you can actively plan for. Over the course of your career, you could take three or four such mini retirements. It's a structured escape from your 9-to-5 life. Tempting as it sounds, it comes at a cost—and we'll get to that shortly. First, what typically triggers a mini retirement?

There can be many reasons to consider a mini retirement. For one, you may be in a high-pressure job where long hours and constant travel put you at risk of burnout. A mini retirement gives you time to recharge.