Among Gen Z, microretirement is emerging as a growing trend. Unlike traditional retirement or sabbaticals, it involves taking multiple planned breaks – lasting a few months to a couple of years – to travel, rest, or pursue passions. While it may resemble a sabbatical, micro-retirement typically requires quitting a job and relying on savings or side incomes, unlike a sabbatical, which is usually employer-approved and sometimes paid.
Regardless of whether one opts for a micro-retirement or a sabbatical, taking a career break, while beneficial for personal growth and reassessing professional goals, demands careful planning.
BENEFITS OF A CAREER BREAK
Anuja Fozdar, who took a sabbatical a year back to raise her son, vlogging at the City Palace of Jaipur with her daughter (Left) / Prachi Ojha hosting the cacao immersion session with a group of particpants at a private property in Almora, Uttarakhand (Right)
Prachi Ojha (36), a lawyer from Mumbai, is on a break to focus on personal growth. “I was under immense work stress and had lost touch with myself. So, I took a sabbatical and moved to Uttarakhand with my husband to reconnect.” Prachi, who helps her husband with his chocolate-making business and also practices legal work on the side, adds, “I now have the time to rest and prioritise my mental health. During the break, I also discovered that I like creating spaces of safety and comfort for others.”
I took a sabbatical a year back to raise my one-year-old son. It helped me explore and pursue my passion for travel and content creation. I also upgraded my skills by doing a digital marketing course.
Anuja Fozdar (41), marketing professional, vlogger and a mother of two
Gaurav Tyagi, founder of a career counselling firm, says, “A sabbatical helps focus on physical and mental health. It offers a chance to upskill, and helps concentrate on long-term objectives without the everyday stress of work. It helps people return to work with a clear career strategy.”
FINANCE: A KEY FACTOR TO CONSIDER
Sakshi Agrawal Deora (31), a social media marketing professional, took a sabbatical in October 2020 to spend quality time with her family before her wedding in April 2021. “I didn’t have any financial pressure so I took time off before and after my wedding.” Sakshi resumed work in January 2022.
While Sakshi could afford a break, others need to do financial planning before taking one. Vandana S Ahuja, HR practitioner and executive coach of an HR consulting firm, says, “Paid sabbaticals are still rare in India, so individuals need to prepare in advance.” Experts recommend saving for both, expected and unforeseen expenses.
CAN A BREAK BE A HIRING HURDLE?
While it’s not common in India, some organisations are slowly including sabbaticals in their policies. Experts say that if candidates can clearly explain the purpose of their break and what they gained from it, it reflects self-awareness and a will to grow. Sonica Aron, founder of an HR advisory firm, shares, “Many employers today are recognising the value of hiring individuals with career breaks – seeing them as opportunities for renewed motivation and fresh perspectives.”
When reviewing resumes, I consider the breadth and depth of a candidate’s experiences. The mention of a sabbatical does not influence my hiring decision. What matters is the accomplishments made during that time
Sonica Aron, founder of an HR advisory firm
TIPS TO BOUNCE BACK
- Stay connected to industry peers and trends to tap into potential opportunities
- Learn new skills or earn a relevant certification
- Update your resume with sabbatical achievements
- Consider a phased return with freelance or consulting work to adjust back into work life
Inputs by Vandana S Ahuja, HR practitioner
Source Homevior.in
