Gen-Z trend of 'micro-retiring' intended to 'optimize mental health' sparks mixed reactions

Micro-retiring is on the increase, and not everyone's happy about it.

In recent years, young working professionals have started prioritising their mental health, much more so than previous generations have.

With this in mind, some people are taking a break from their busy, working lives to 'micro-retire'.

As to what this is, it's a trend that sees people who are still a long way off retirement age taking long periods of time off work, usually to travel.

One example of someone who ditched their 9-to-5 to travel is 23-year-old George Buckley.

At the start of 2023, George left his job in real estate and booked a one-way flight to Thailand.

To this day, George is still somewhat mirco-retired and is living his best life in Bail, Indonesia.

Another person to have given micro-retirement is TikToker and content creator Anaïs Felt, who left her corporate jobs six months ago. But before doing do, she saved 'a sizeable chunk' and paid off her $70,000 student debt.

People like George and Anaïs have received mixed responses to their new, work-free lives.

Many people have a lot of questions on how to do it, while others have expressed their envy at taking a break from work.

One person said: "I like this idea cuz sometimes we wait too late and may not enjoy retirement [sic]."

A second wrote on one of Anaïs' videos: "This! This is exactly what I’m planning on doing very soon, but didn’t think to call it this. Perfect term."

Also sharing their own experience, a third said: "Did this last year and it was the best! No one cared that I took time off and those that asked were impressed - it shows a good level of self-awareness and confidence to rest."

But not everyone has positive things about Gen-Z's apparent new trend.

Someone penned on Facebook: "This is a new one. I guess vacations aren't long enough?"

Another person who couldn't relate to the idea of trying out micro-retirement said: "Couldn't imagine not working. It gives you a sense of meaning & purpose in life beyond yourself. And that can lead to fulfilment & a sense of achievement."

In a separate scathing comment about Gen-Z, someone else penned: "Micro retirement my you know what….. what are they micro retiring on. They can’t even save for a deposit for their first home.

"And those cars they drive, how are meeting the repayment on those. In your dreams people!"

What do you think about micro-retirement?