Gen Z & Micro-Retirement: The Future of Work Is No Longer 9-to-5 Until 65

By Beatriz Acevedo

What if retirement wasn’t something you waited for at the end of your career, but something you experienced in small, intentional breaks throughout your life?

Welcome to micro-retirement.

Up until a few weeks ago, I had no idea this was a thing. But thanks to my Gen Z @Suma colleague Daisy Salvatierra , I quickly learned that micro-retirement is not just a buzzword, it’s a fundamental shift in how the next generation views work, money, and life.

And honestly? There’s a lot we can all learn from it.

What Is Micro-retirement?

Micro-retirement is the idea of taking multiple planned career breaks before traditional retirement age. Instead of waiting until 65+, Gen Z is structuring their careers with intentional pauses whether for travel, skill-building, mental health, or self-discovery.

These “mini retirements” typically last 3 months to 2 years and are funded through savings, freelance work, or strategic financial planning.

It’s not about quitting, it’s about recalibrating.

Rather than burning out in pursuit of an elusive work-life balance, Gen Z is taking control of their time, careers, and well-being. And their reasons are compelling.

Why Is Gen Z Embracing Micro-Retirement?

Gen Z is the most financially uncertain generation in modern history. Their worldview has been shaped by:

• The pandemic disrupting early careers
• Rising costs of living & student debt
• Job instability & layoffs
• Retirement ages being pushed higher (from 65 to 67 and beyond)
• An overwhelming emphasis on mental health & work-life balance

As Daisy shared in our conversation, Gen Z has grown up knowing that stability is not guaranteed. So instead of clinging to the traditional corporate ladder, they are designing careers that allow for flexibility, financial independence, and intentional rest.

And here’s the thing, this isn’t just a niche trend.

A LinkedIn Workforce Report found that 1 in 3 Gen Zers plan to take a career break of at least 6 months before age 30.

Meanwhile, a Bank of America study revealed that 60% of Gen Z prioritizes financial security over career ambition.

Breaking the ‘Grind Culture’ Mindset

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Is Gen Z just lazy?

I’ll be honest, as a Gen Xer, my initial reaction was: Why would someone who just started working already be thinking about retiring?

“Don’t they like their jobs?” But this isn’t about disliking work, it’s about redefining work.

Gen Z is chasing both purpose and financial stability, and they’re unwilling to sacrifice one for the other. They understand that working nonstop for decades is not a badge of honor, it’s a direct path to burnout.

And, let’s be real, we should ALL be taking notes.

I learned this the hard way at 18 years old, when I ended up in the hospital with a bleeding ulcer because I was juggling a 5 AM radio show, college, a nighttime TV hosting job, and constant international travel for work.

I loved my work, but even passion doesn’t protect you from burnout.

What Gen Z is doing isn’t radical, it’s strategic. They’re prioritizing their well-being and planning their careers accordingly.

How Do You Afford a Micro-retirement?

The first reaction from many people is: “This sounds great, but how do you actually pay for it?”

Here’s what I learned from Daisy and the Gen Z perspective:

? Savings Strategy: Many micro-retirees save 20-50% of their income specifically for career breaks.

? Side Hustles & Gig Work: Freelancing, consulting, and remote work allow them to take breaks without fully stopping income.

? Skill-Based Job Hopping: Instead of staying in a job for promotions, Gen Z builds high-demand skills that allow them to negotiate better salaries and contracts after each break.

? Minimalist Living: Some micro-retirees reduce expenses, live abroad in low-cost countries, or embrace simple lifestyles to stretch their savings.

? Investing Early: Many are adopting FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) strategies to create passive income streams that fund work breaks.

The bottom line? Micro-retirement is not just about quitting, it’s about being financially prepared to take intentional pauses.

What Employers Need to Learn from Gen Z

As a CEO, I can’t ignore this massive shift in workplace expectations.

Gen Z is the largest incoming workforce. Baby Boomers are retiring, and companies that don’t adapt will struggle to attract and retain top talent.

So, what does Gen Z want?

? Purpose-driven workplaces: They want to work for companies with meaningful missions and diverse teams. ? Flexibility: Remote work, hybrid roles, and adaptable career paths are non-negotiable. ? Growth Opportunities: They want the freedom to explore different skills and career paths within the same company. ? Financial Wellness Support: Employers who offer financial planning tools and guidance (like our work at Suma Wealth) will be ahead of the game.

If companies want to keep high-performing Gen Zers, they need to rethink rigid career paths and embrace flexibility.

The Future of Retirement Has Changed—For Everyone

Micro-retirement isn’t just for Gen Z.

It’s a wake-up call for all of us to rethink how we work, save, and structure our lives.

Because at the end of the day, you don’t have to be 65 to need a break.

What if we ALL planned for intentional work pauses? What if we made financial decisions that allowed us to rest when needed? What if we stopped glorifying overwork and started prioritizing well-being?

That’s the future that Gen Z is building. And it’s a future worth considering.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

I’d love to hear your thoughts—is micro-retirement a brilliant financial strategy or a risky career move?

#Micro-retirement #GenZ #FutureOfWork #WorkLifeBalance #FinancialFreedom #RetirementRedefined #LinkedInLive #SumaWealth