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Mini-retirements are transforming the way we think about work-life balance. Instead of waiting until your 60s to enjoy a well-earned break, more professionals—especially Gen Z and millennials—are choosing to take intentional career pauses throughout their lives. These breaks aren't just for fun; they’re planned opportunities to rest, explore personal goals, or pivot your career. Whether you're seeking a fresh perspective, battling burnout, or simply craving time to travel or reconnect with family, mini-retirements could be your ticket to a healthier, more fulfilling professional life.

What Is a Mini-Retirement (and Why It’s Catching On)

Unlike a vacation or traditional retirement, a mini-retirement is a planned, extended leave from your job that lasts anywhere from a few weeks to several months. You might use this time to travel, launch a side project, or spend time with loved ones. Pam Joseph, CEO of Xplor Technologies, is a perfect example—she’s taken three career breaks, each one helping her return with new energy and sharper focus. After years of climbing the corporate ladder, she chose to step away to raise her children, travel, and later support nonprofits—then reentered the workforce on her own terms.

How to Ask for a Mini-Retirement Without Risking Your Job

Requesting a mini-retirement may feel risky, but it’s possible with the right strategy. Author Jillian Johnsrud outlines a people-first approach: start with a respectful heads-up email, frame your request using the “sandwich method” (positive–ask–positive), and present solutions to anticipated challenges. Time your break during a slower season and highlight how it benefits both you and your employer. Emphasize that this temporary pause is far more cost-effective than replacing a talented team member. And most importantly—be prepared to negotiate and revisit the conversation more than once.

Planning Mini-Retirements Throughout Your Career

Taking multiple mini-retirements isn’t just for high-level executives. With intentional planning and financial preparation, anyone can structure their career around cycles of work and rest. Build up savings, align with employers that support flexible leave policies, and think of these pauses not as detours, but as long-term investments in your creativity, well-being, and productivity. The trend of retiring often isn’t about working less—it’s about working smarter, with space to breathe and grow along the way.