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 Retirement is no longer viewed as the final chapter of one’s professional journey. Instead, a new trend called “Mini Retirement” or “Multi-Retirement” is gaining popularity among young professionals, especially Gen Z in India. The concept allows individuals to take multiple planned breaks throughout their careers—lasting from a few months to a year or more—before resuming work again.

According to HSBC’s Quality of Life Survey, which included 10,797 investors worldwide (including Indian participants aged between 21 and 69 years), the idea of mini retirement is rapidly reshaping the way people balance work, wealth, and personal happiness.

What is Mini Retirement?

A Mini Retirement refers to a career break that is deliberately planned by an individual. Instead of waiting until their 60s to enjoy life after decades of work, professionals are now opting for shorter breaks in between their careers. These breaks can last anywhere from three months to several years, depending on financial planning and personal goals.

During this period, people focus on personal development, hobbies, travel, family time, or learning new skills. The aim is not only to rest but also to realign priorities and bring balance to life.

Why is the Trend Growing in India?

The survey found that 85% of Indians believe mini retirement improves their quality of life. This shift reflects a changing mindset where wealth creation is not seen as the sole goal—rather, enjoying life, pursuing passions, and ensuring mental well-being are equally important.

Key findings from the survey include:

• 48% of respondents want to take at least one mini retirement.

• 44% believe the ideal length of such a break should be 3 to 12 months.

• 61% of participants said they would be willing to spend $100,000 or more during each mini retirement.

• 64% of Gen Z and 58% of Millennials in India are actively planning for mini retirements in the future.

Changing Attitudes Toward Career and Personal Life

Commenting on the trend, Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth & Premier Banking at HSBC India, said mini retirements highlight how perspectives on career and personal life are evolving.

“Taking multiple career breaks every six to seven years requires not only careful planning but also a robust investment strategy,” he said. “People need to map their financial goals in advance to make sure they can enjoy these breaks without compromising long-term security.”

Financial Planning is Crucial

Experts warn that while mini retirements can enrich life experiences, they also pose challenges—particularly around financial security. To make the concept viable, individuals must adopt an aggressive investment strategy, build strong savings, and plan carefully.

Funding sources for mini retirements often include:

• Family or parental support

• Freelance or part-time work during the break

• Systematic investment planning and savings built over years

This financial backing is essential to ensure that career breaks enhance life rather than create monetary stress.

Why Gen Z Leads the Way

Gen Z’s growing interest in mini retirement reflects their unique outlook on work-life balance. Unlike older generations who often sacrificed personal happiness for long-term financial stability, today’s youth values experiences, travel, and mental well-being as much as wealth creation.

For them, mini retirement is not just a pause from work—it’s a chance to:

• Explore passions and hobbies

• Upskill or reskill

• Travel the world

• Spend quality time with family

• Realign career goals with personal priorities

Outlook

The rise of mini retirement marks a cultural shift in India’s workforce mindset. As more professionals embrace this idea, financial planning, investment strategies, and workplace policies will also need to adapt.

While challenges like long-term financial security remain, experts believe mini retirement is here to stay—especially as younger generations prioritize life satisfaction and mental well-being alongside professional success.

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