Dear Readers: While “unretirement” has trended when people return to work after officially retiring, what is the “micro-retiring” trend and how does it apply to all workers, not just people of retirement age?

When I recently heard of “micro-retirement,” it struck a chord.

Essentially, it means you’re living your best life by taking meaningful breaks throughout your career rather than waiting for the golden age of retirement to finally take that bucket list trip, write the great American novel or insert your life’s goal here that you’ve longed for decades.

Micro-retirement doesn’t only involve traveling. You could pursue a passion, take a class, follow a path of personal growth and more. Whatever you explore, it doesn’t mean you wait until you’re of retirement age. The whole point is the opposite: doing it throughout your life rather than waiting solely for the twilight years. Carpe diem!

Granted, you’ll need adequate time such as a month or longer for a substantial break; and especially if you’re traveling, of course you’ll need the money. In a culture where we “live to work” instead of “work to live,” it’s important to realize good health during retirement isn’t always guaranteed. Additionally, as the pandemic showed us, anything can happen at any time that can shut down one’s plans instantly overnight.

And as we hopefully continue to live longer, healthier lives, chances are, our working years will be longer as well, therefore potentially further delaying dream trips or goals until much later in life.

Kimberly Brown, founder and CEO of learning and development firm Brown Leadership, said, “The benefits of taking meaningful breaks during your career can be significant. In my experience coaching professionals, I’ve observed that those who return from well-planned breaks often bring renewed creativity, deeper engagement, and more company loyalty. As someone who’s personally taken leave when I had burnout, I share with clients that even just four weeks, which can often be fully paid, can be helpful in restoring your mental, physical and emotional health.”

So, how can you pursue micro-retirement? Inquire with your employer if they offer paid sabbaticals — breaks from work aside from regular paid time off. Oftentimes, they’re leveraged as a retention tool. For instance, if you work there for five years, you’ll get a one-time block off from work such as four consecutive weeks, no questions asked. Then, when you work 10 years, you might get six or eight weeks off.

If your company doesn’t have these programs, ask to see if it’s a possibility. If that’s not going to happen, crunch numbers to see if unpaid time off is viable. Have a game plan, such as when you plan to leave and return (give them at least several months’ notice) and how your work will be delegated during your absence.

That’s the key part: remaining offline and detached from work while you’re out of the office.

Above all, the point is to prioritize personal pursuits and enjoyment throughout your career, not just after it ends.

Tribune News Service