Among Gen Z , microretirement is emerging as a growing trend. Unlike traditional retirement or sabbatical s, it involves taking multiple planned breaks – lasting a few months to a couple of years – to travel, rest, or pursue passions. While it may resemble a sabbatical, micro-retirement typically requires quitting a job and relying on savings or side incomes, unlike a sabbatical, which is usually employer-approved and sometimes paid.
Regardless of whether one opts for a micro-retirement or a sabbatical, taking a career break , while beneficial for personal growth and reassessing professional goals, demands careful planning.
BENEFITS OF A CAREER BREAK
Prachi Ojha (36), a lawyer from Mumbai, is on a break to focus on personal growth. “I was under immense work stress and had lost touch with myself. So, I took a sabbatical and moved to Uttarakhand with my husband to reconnect.” Prachi, who helps her husband with his chocolate-making business and also practices legal work on the side, adds, “I now have the time to rest and prioritise my mental health. During the break, I also discovered that I like creating spaces of safety and comfort for others.”
Gaurav Tyagi, founder of a career counselling firm, says, “A sabbatical helps focus on physical and mental health. It offers a chance to upskill, and helps concentrate on long-term objectives without the everyday stress of work. It helps people return to work with a clear career strategy.”
FINANCE: A KEY FACTOR TO CONSIDER
Sakshi Agrawal Deora (31), a social media marketing professional, took a sabbatical in October 2020 to spend quality time with her family before her wedding in April 2021. “I didn’t have any financial pressure so I took time off before and after my wedding.” Sakshi resumed work in January 2022.
While Sakshi could afford a break, others need to do financial planning before taking one. Vandana S Ahuja, HR practitioner and executive coach of an HR consulting firm, says, “Paid sabbaticals are still rare in India, so individuals need to prepare in advance.” Experts recommend saving for both, expected and unforeseen expenses.
CAN A BREAK BE A HIRING HURDLE?
While it’s not common in India, some organisations are slowly including sabbaticals in their policies. Experts say that if candidates can clearly explain the purpose of their break and what they gained from it, it reflects self-awareness and a will to grow. Sonica Aron, founder of an HR advisory firm, shares, “Many employers today are recognising the value of hiring individuals with career breaks – seeing them as opportunities for renewed motivation and fresh perspectives.”
TIPS TO BOUNCE BACK
Regardless of whether one opts for a micro-retirement or a sabbatical, taking a career break , while beneficial for personal growth and reassessing professional goals, demands careful planning.
BENEFITS OF A CAREER BREAK
Prachi Ojha (36), a lawyer from Mumbai, is on a break to focus on personal growth. “I was under immense work stress and had lost touch with myself. So, I took a sabbatical and moved to Uttarakhand with my husband to reconnect.” Prachi, who helps her husband with his chocolate-making business and also practices legal work on the side, adds, “I now have the time to rest and prioritise my mental health. During the break, I also discovered that I like creating spaces of safety and comfort for others.”
Gaurav Tyagi, founder of a career counselling firm, says, “A sabbatical helps focus on physical and mental health. It offers a chance to upskill, and helps concentrate on long-term objectives without the everyday stress of work. It helps people return to work with a clear career strategy.”
FINANCE: A KEY FACTOR TO CONSIDER
Sakshi Agrawal Deora (31), a social media marketing professional, took a sabbatical in October 2020 to spend quality time with her family before her wedding in April 2021. “I didn’t have any financial pressure so I took time off before and after my wedding.” Sakshi resumed work in January 2022.
While Sakshi could afford a break, others need to do financial planning before taking one. Vandana S Ahuja, HR practitioner and executive coach of an HR consulting firm, says, “Paid sabbaticals are still rare in India, so individuals need to prepare in advance.” Experts recommend saving for both, expected and unforeseen expenses.
CAN A BREAK BE A HIRING HURDLE?
While it’s not common in India, some organisations are slowly including sabbaticals in their policies. Experts say that if candidates can clearly explain the purpose of their break and what they gained from it, it reflects self-awareness and a will to grow. Sonica Aron, founder of an HR advisory firm, shares, “Many employers today are recognising the value of hiring individuals with career breaks – seeing them as opportunities for renewed motivation and fresh perspectives.”
TIPS TO BOUNCE BACK
- Stay connected to industry peers and trends to tap into potential opportunities
- Learn new skills or earn a relevant certification
- Update your resume with sabbatical achievements
- Consider a phased return with freelance or consulting work to adjust back into work life
You may also like
ED files prosecution complaint against journalist Mahesh Langa under PMLA
Baba Siddique's son Zeeshan receives death threat, mail claims he will be killed in same manner as father
Bengal PDS case: Court permits ED to collect handwriting specimens of former minister
Shark attack terror with swimmer feared dead after mauling in front of Israel beach sunbathers
Reddit DOWN: Thousands of users can't use website after 'server error' message
