Micro-Retirement: A Strategic Pause in the Marathon of Career and Life

In an age defined by ceaseless ambition and constant hustle, the notion of “micro-retirement” may sound radical. Yet, stepping back from the relentless pace can be a potent catalyst for growth and self-discovery. I chose to give myself the gift of time, trading material pursuits for meaningful moments—arguably the best decision of my (relatively short) life so far.

Why Did I Micro-Retire?

• A Change in State of Mind and Environment

Sometimes, the best way to recalibrate is to remove yourself from the routines and noise of daily life. Jumping out of the hustle of venture capital (VC) gave me the clarity to identify meaningful opportunities that aligned with sustainability and philanthropy—two areas I’m deeply passionate about. In a more idyllic setting, I could leisurely embark on a few good reads (e.g., How to Avoid a Climate Disaster, Transparency in ESG and the Circular Economy, Silver Shades of Grey), organize a mentorship session for young founders of impact ventures, and learn about ESG investing.

• Quality Time With Loved Ones

Over the course of a year, I traveled to 20 different cities, spent precious moments at home, and volunteered to stay grounded in the needs of vulnerable communities—isolated seniors and people with special needs. These experiences were essential in nurturing deeper connections with myself and others, while broadening my worldview.

• Intentional Unlearning

To make space for personal growth, I set aside certain habits and mindsets—like hustle culture and an overreliance on the need to know/ plan far ahead. This time was about reflecting on past experiences, extracting what was good, and reconnecting with who I am, unburdened by who I “needed” to be.

The Purpose in Hitting Pause

In our fast-paced world, we often conflate busyness with productivity. Slowing down can seem counterintuitive, especially when goals loom and opportunities abound. But for me, stepping back was transformative. The pause allowed me to reflect and recalibrate, learn the importance of being present, and reposition myself in my career.

• Reflect and Recalibrate

When you’re always running, it’s hard to see where you’re headed—or why. This pause untangled my sense of self from my work, ultimately helping me realign my personal identity with my career goals.

• The Importance of Being Present

Life isn’t merely a series of achievements; it’s a collection of moments. Taking time to breathe, enjoy the present, and appreciate simple joys is vital to maintaining a healthy sense of purpose. I experienced many firsts during my micro-retirement - my first >3,000m volcano climb, first snorkel, and first dive. Observing a sky full of stars and the day breaking, while struggling to keep volcanic ash out of my mouth, chasing turtles and fishes in Indonesia and Japan are moments that remind me that life is to be lived and lived in the present.

• Repositioning in the Sustainability and Impact Sphere

Equipped with newfound clarity, I’ve emerged ready to make tangible contributions to the sustainability and impact sphere. This recalibration has sharpened my focus on driving change that matters.

The RESET Is More Important Than RUNNING

Even though you can’t add or subtract years from your life, you can gift yourself time by intentionally pausing. My micro-retirement reaffirmed that life isn’t just about how fast you move; it’s about moving in the right direction, at a pace that supports your well-being and fuels your purpose.

Taking a strategic pause gave me the opportunity to:

1. Reflect on Priorities – Align my professional pursuits with my core values.

2. Invest in Personal Growth – Gain fresh skills and broaden my perspective on sustainability and impact.

3. Nurture Relationships – Reconnect with family, friends, and the broader community.

Now, I’m stepping into this new chapter with enthusiasm. In the marathon of career and life, a micro-retirement can be the vantage point that illuminates the path ahead.

With that, let me reintroduce myself!

Hi everyone, I am Michelle, a highly motivated professional in the sustainability and impact space. I am now driving social good and a more inclusive world by supporting founders of early-stage impact ventures through programs and non-dilutive funding.

If you are also committed to driving meaningful change and shaping social innovation, hit me up to grab a cup of coffee.