Embracing Mini-Retirements: A Path to Rejuvenation and Fulfillment

Original blog post here

My husband, kids, and I recently spent a wonderful summer in Turkey, primarily in Istanbul at our family's apartment complex. This gated community felt a bit like an oasis, offering a haven for both kids and adults. With numerous indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, steam room, gym, cycling paths, no cars rule, and more, it was a comfort we thoroughly enjoyed. I picked up swimming daily, which brought newfound zen, joy, and physical benefits. (more on that in another blog post!)

This idyllic setting got me thinking about life beyond the daily grind, particularly after leaving my corporate job and deciding to pursue a path where I set my own rules and schedule. Conversations with retired individuals echoed a common sentiment—they wished they had explored new skills and hobbies during their working years. Decades of corporate life left them with a void in retirement because they hadn't nurtured their passions. I also engaged with numerous individuals who have so far devoted a decade or more to white-collar jobs. They now find themselves in an endless cycle of exhaustion, struggling to carve out quality time for their kids and loved ones or partake in even the simplest of hobbies -- not to mention embarking on new ones. Remarkably, the community they reside in offers a plethora of amazing amenities at no cost, including pools, tennis courts, gyms, and saunas, yet they often sit deserted, particularly during the week. (which was great for me as I mostly had the indoor pool all to myself during my daily swims!) Their demanding schedules afford them no time to invest in these splendid offerings.

Although they often express discontent with their current situation, they tend to accept it as the norm, rarely considering the possibility of a more satisfying alternative. This detrimental pattern leads to a life marked by relentless burnout and an overwhelming sense of being trapped. I can empathize with this feeling because I experienced it myself for many years. Even though my job at Google offered considerable flexibility, especially compared to more traditional companies, I often felt compelled to be constantly working. I believed that taking breaks equated to laziness and was always on the lookout for the next opportunity at work, postponing any breaks until retirement.

More recently, however, I have become an advocate for "mini-retirements," instead of adhering to the conventional idea of retirement, characterized by a slower pace of life. Although the term "retirement" typically evokes images of a leisurely existence, I have come to embrace the concept of "mini-retirements" as a way to challenge traditional perspectives and create a more fulfilling life.

What if we reimagined our lives, adopting a structure akin to a school calendar?

Picture this:

Most of the year is dedicated to work that not only sustains us but also nurtures our growth and intellectual well-being. In this scenario, we find time for family, yoga, swimming, knitting, reading, and other enriching activities. At least a few months annually are carved out for recharging, be it through extended breaks or sabbaticals lasting 6+ months. During these interludes, we invest in learning new skills, rejuvenating our spirits, and reentering our professional sphere with fresh capabilities. In such a paradigm, the concept of traditional retirement loses relevance because we genuinely relish what we do.

The corporate world, often characterized by high stakes and relentless pressure, can indeed be a crucible for burnout. Many professionals lament their inability to spare time for personal development amidst work's unyielding demands. Consequently, weeks and months slip away without substantial skill or knowledge growth, hindering career progression and personal fulfillment.

Similarly, the belief that we have no control over the time allocated to loved ones, particularly children, is widespread. Work obligations, bound by corporate norms, often leave us feeling time-strapped. While these challenges are undeniably real, there are avenues to attain a more balanced schedule than may initially seem possible. It requires a reevaluation of the values that govern our corporate lives.

In a world that traditionally values continuous work and hustle, the idea of mini retirements may appear counterintuitive. However, these intentional breaks offer profound benefits for personal growth, career satisfaction, and overall well-being, which in turn benefit the individuals and society as a whole.

What Are Mini-Retirements?

A mini retirement is a planned break from work, lasting several months to a year, allowing individuals to explore new experiences, travel, personal projects, or learning endeavors. It's an opportunity to embrace life's adventures while stepping away from the 9-to-5 grind. It's an opportunity to recharge, pursue personal interests, or engage in activities that foster growth and renewal.

It is crucial to emphasize that mini-retirements are not career-ending breaks. There's a common misconception that taking a break or pursuing a "retirement" of sorts renders one unemployable in the future. This notion is far from the truth. It's imperative that we challenge these stereotypes and promote a shift in corporate culture. Breaks, sabbaticals, and opportunities for personal growth should not only be accepted but actively encouraged within the professional realm. However, this cultural shift won't occur unless individuals like you and me demand it, anticipate it, and, most importantly, take the initiative to embrace it. By doing so, we can collectively reshape the landscape of work to be more inclusive, flexible, and accommodating of personal growth and renewal.

Benefits of Mini-Retirements:

1. Renewed Perspective: Stepping away from routine offers fresh perspectives on life, goals, and priorities.
2. Self-Discovery: Extended breaks provide time to explore interests and hobbies that often take a backseat.
3. Reduced Burnout: Regular breaks prevent burnout, recharging mental, emotional, and physical energy.
4. Career Development: Learning experiences during breaks enhance skills, making individuals more marketable.
5. Quality Time: Breaks allow for meaningful connections with loved ones and memorable experiences.

Some Examples of Activities During Mini-Retirements:

1. Learning New Skills: Mini-retirements offer the perfect opportunity to embark on a journey of skill acquisition. Whether you've always dreamed of speaking a new language fluently, delving into the world of coding, mastering a new sport, or even taking up a musical instrument, these breaks provide the time and focus needed to achieve your learning goals.
2. Writing a Book: Writing a book is a creative endeavor that often finds its place during sabbaticals. While it's more common in academic circles, there's immense potential for professionals in the corporate world to explore this avenue as well. A mentor of mine, for instance, utilized his sabbatical to write a book in his field, leaving a lasting legacy and giving himself the time and space to research and think deeply about an area he is genuinely interested in.
3. Family Time: The value of spending quality time with loved ones cannot be overstated. One of my coachees, after experiencing burnout from years of corporate life, decided to take a mini-retirement. She, along with her partner and two young children, moved to Barcelona for a year. This unique sabbatical allowed them to reflect, recharge, and change their surroundings, resulting in strengthened bonds and lasting memories with their family (along with a solid storage of Vitamin D before moving back to London!)
4. Hands-On Projects: Many of us harbor a passion for hands-on projects, such as gardening, crafting, or home improvement. These activities often take a back seat in our busy lives due to time constraints. However, mini-retirements provide the ideal window of opportunity to delve into these fulfilling projects. Whether it's cultivating a flourishing garden, crafting intricate creations, or renovating your home, these endeavors not only tap into your creativity but also bring immense satisfaction. It's a chance to breathe life into those long-delayed DIY dreams and create tangible testaments to your skills and ingenuity.

Strategies to Incorporate Mini-Retirements:

1. Plan Ahead: Begin by setting clear goals and intentions for your break, ensuring that you have a well-defined purpose for your time away.
2. Financial Preparedness: Financial preparedness is paramount. Savvy budgeting and diligent saving are necessary steps to ensure you have the financial cushion to support your plans during the break.
3. Open Communication: For those employed, open communication with your employer is crucial. Discuss your intentions and plans as early as possible, exploring the possibility of sabbaticals or flexible work arrangements that align with your goals.
4. Use Your Network: Leverage your network to explore opportunities for volunteering, learning, or collaboration during your mini-retirements. The connections you've cultivated can serve as invaluable resources for enriching experiences.
5. Reflect and Reevaluate: Finally, use your time away to reflect on your career, personal aspirations, and life goals. Consider whether any adjustments are needed upon your return, ensuring that your mini-retirements contribute not only to your immediate well-being but also to your long-term fulfillment.

In essence, mini-retirements are not mere escapes from work — they are opportunities for self-discovery, renewal, and achieving a healthier work-life balance. By embracing these breaks, you embark on a journey of personal growth, fulfillment, and a richer understanding of life, transforming both your individual experience and the broader landscape of work and life as we know it. Employees should seek them. Employers should encourage them!

#MiniRetirements #Sabbatical #CareerGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #PersonalDevelopment #ChallengeCorporateNorms #Burnout

Connect with me at [email protected] if you have any questions / comments / experiences you would like to share on mini-retirements and career breaks.