Young adults are taking sabbaticals to address burnout, while Gen Xers and boomers find that they just can’t quit.

Summary

Younger generations are embracing “micro-retirements,” short sabbaticals or lifestyle shifts, to combat burnout and improve work-life balance.

This trend is fueled by pandemic-related stress, declining workplace flexibility, and increased burnout reports.

Millennials and Gen Z, facing financial and mental health pressures, are prioritizing their well-being, even at the expense of promotions, as they reject the traditional career model of working until age 65.

Meanwhile, older generations like boomers and Gen X struggle to retire due to financial insecurity and rising costs, with many “unretiring” to stretch limited savings.

  • treadful@lemmy.zipEnglish
    12·
    4 days ago

    I don’t think it’s complete bullshit or hiding unemployment. I’m doing it right now. It’ll eat into my retirement funds, no doubt. Retiring at 72 when I’m completely broken anyway doesn’t sound all that great. But at least now I’m at an age I can maybe still do something worthwhile with my time. I’m just lucky enough I can afford to do it.

    Calling her strategy “microdosing retirement,” 30-year-old tech consultant and content creator Liz Lee says she knows she’s not the only one terrified of going into an office every day until the age of 65 “and having to fit decades worth of living into the time you have left.”

    Real though.