Gen Z is Retiring at 25... kind of
It’s not laziness — it’s strategy. Mostly.
Apparently, retiring once at the end of your career isn’t enough anymore. Gen Z has officially asked, “Why wait until 65 to do nothing when I can do nothing now?”
Micro-retiring means taking an intentional break from work — anywhere from a few weeks to a few months — to focus on personal growth, travel, hobbies, or just recharging before burnout hits.
Why are we doing this?
Honestly? Pick your favorite reason:
Life is exhausting. Housing prices are insane, the news is depressing, and the only retirement fund some people have is a jar of coins labeled “Paris someday.”
Financial irresponsibility disguised as “self-care.” “Yes, my savings account is empty, but my soul is full” energy.
Social media pressure. Watching influencers “live their best life” makes us want to do the same, even if it drains our bank accounts.
Mental health awareness. Unlike past generations, Gen Z is more willing to pause before fully burning out.
Experiences matter. Many would rather collect fun memories than invest in a 401(k) they might never get old enough to touch.
My opinion
Personally, I think it’s a great idea. People aren’t machines — we weren’t built to run on caffeine. I honestly believe every job should have the flexibility to let someone take at least one month off every year.
The micro-retirement trend didn’t just appear out of thin air. It started as a response to real, important issues. Things like burnout, the growing awareness of mental health, the need for a better work-life balance, and the realization that Earth’s best to offer doesn’t have to be experienced in your 60s.
As someone who left home to pursue their dreams in another country, I can say firsthand that the amount of maturity and self-growth you encounter is more than worth it. It made me realize that traveling isn’t just about seeing landmarks or eating photogenic food; it’s about seeing the world for yourself instead of relying on what you’ve been told about it.
For example, during my time in Germany, I discovered that college tuition is free for everyone, and public transportation is everywhere. In Greece, I found some of the best pancakes I've ever tasted, and in Italy, I learned that Venice has a very … distinctive smell. I also met some of the nicest people I’ve ever met, who are my best friends now.
This is exactly why micro-retirement can be so beneficial, as it gives you the chance to step out of your everyday bubble, experience different ways of living, and return home with a broader perspective on life. All while not having to answer emails because at most jobs, everyone still has to during PTO.
On the flip side, taking a step back from your career to focus on yourself can have real downsides. Money doesn’t magically replenish; taking too much time off can stop your career momentum, raise eyebrows with potential employers, and make the idea of retiring later a whole lot harder. Taking a break to “find yourself” is a lot more complicated when you’re also trying to find rent money, health insurance, and your next paycheck.
That’s why micro-retirement isn’t just about the idea — it’s about whether it makes sense for your specific situation. Your priorities matter. If you’re living at home, have no debt, and your biggest monthly expense is your Spotify subscription, then yeah, maybe now’s the time to book that one-way ticket and live a little. But if you’ve got a mortgage, car payments, or kids relying on you, the math starts looking a lot different.
I think this trend is especially popular among Gen Z because, for many of us, the heavy financial responsibilities haven’t kicked in yet. Gen Z ranges anywhere from 13 to 28 years old, and a lot of people in that range are still in school, living with family, or just starting out in their careers. It’s a lot easier to take risks — and time off — when you’re not tied down by big bills.
The reality is, this “trend” and the “drop everything and travel” mindset will go away once it starts competing with things like savings, job stability, and kids. Gen z individuals who use micro-retirement as an impulsive escape will not do as well as those who use it as a well-planned choice.
If your financial situation isn’t right for a micro-retirement, you can still make time for yourself without disappearing for weeks on end. It just takes more intention. Schedule a small number of “time off” hours throughout your week where you completely disconnect from your responsibilities. You can also take day trips to places you’ve never been or try new hobbies that aren't draining your bank account. Protecting your well-being doesn’t have to be reserved for people with the time to take off work. Taking time off in small doses to breathe, recharge, and to remind yourself that life is more than your to-do list is essential.