{"id":13154,"date":"2026-01-29T11:55:45","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T11:55:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/is-a-mini-retirement-right-for-you-heres-what-you-need-to-know\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T11:55:45","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T11:55:45","slug":"is-a-mini-retirement-right-for-you-heres-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/is-a-mini-retirement-right-for-you-heres-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Is a &#8216;mini retirement&#8217; right for you? Here\u2019s what you need to know."},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->There\u2019s plenty of financial advice out there about saving for retirement. You know the drill: Work hard, save and invest consistently, and \u2014 if all goes according to plan \u2014 you can stop working and enjoy some freedom around age 65.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->But what if your retirement dreams can\u2019t wait that long? What if you aren\u2019t confident you\u2019ll <em>ever <\/em>be able to stop working? Enter: mini-retirements.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<p> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"CDS Widget\" src=\"https:\/\/templates.cds.yahoo.com\/remote\/widget?campaignId=4ec2331a-fbb0-4230-81e2-d38f75a95135&amp;lineItemId=e82bb348-cbaf-49c1-91bf-300b0e98a9c9&amp;contentId=6005a034-babc-45cb-ae1b-6f691d25c07b&amp;viewId=TwMMds_9TrKPWQbXAWS9xQ&amp;providerId=yahoo_personal_finance_397&amp;site=finance&amp;spaceId=1183300100&amp;commerceSiteId=us-finance-pnr\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"480\" data-testid=\"iframe-with-resizer\" class=\"yf-16wd5dt\"><\/iframe> <\/p>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->Mini-retirements are just what they sound like: Smaller career breaks you take throughout your working years. Though they take some strategizing and planning, mini-retirements might be more accessible than you think.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->Read on to learn more about what constitutes a mini-retirement, its benefits and drawbacks, and how to financially plan for one.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->Mini-retirement, micro-retirement, career break, sabbatical \u2014 these all refer to an extended time away from work.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->There\u2019s no official definition of a mini-retirement, but usually, these breaks involve stepping away from your primary job for at least a couple of months and are self-funded.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->Importantly, the \u201chow\u201d of a mini-retirement can vary. Some people take a mini-retirement after getting laid off. Others may quit a job they\u2019re unhappy with and take a break before getting another. Some people may even negotiate time away from a role they want to return to.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->Jillian Johnsrud, author of \u201cRetire Often,\u201d has taken a dozen mini-retirements and coaches her clients to do the same. To her, one key aspect of a mini-retirement is that it involves spending time on something that matters to you \u2014 be that travel, your health, or even planting a garden.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->\u201cPeople can accomplish a lot of different things during a mini-retirement, whether it&#8217;s longer adventures, personal goals, or even professional goals,\u201d Johnsrud said.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->If a mini-retirement sounds far-fetched, consider the following benefits. They may be enough to convince you it\u2019s worth the necessary planning:<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"yf-h8k6hx\">\n<li class=\"yf-h8k6hx\">\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START --><strong>Chance to reassess career goals: <\/strong>By stepping away from your work for an extended period, you may realize you\u2019re ready for something new. That could be a similar role at a new company, a position in a new industry, or even starting your own business. A mini-retirement can also give you the chance to negotiate a higher salary upon your return to the workforce.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"yf-h8k6hx\">\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START --><strong>Opportunity to do things while you\u2019re physically able: <\/strong>If your retirement dream is hiking the Appalachian Trail, you may want to do so when you\u2019re in your physical prime. You can\u2019t predict illness and health complications, so having these adventures when you\u2019re younger may be the safest bet.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"yf-h8k6hx\">\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START --><strong>More time with friends and family: <\/strong>Mini-retirements can give you priceless time with the people you love \u2014 time that may not be available decades from now. \u201cI did a 10-week trip to 10 national parks with my five kiddos in a pop-up camper,\u201d Johnsrud recalled of one of her mini-retirements. \u201c[It was] an absolutely memorable and incredible experience.\u201d<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"yf-h8k6hx\">\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START --><strong>Recovery from burnout: <\/strong>One study from Aflac found that 72% of employees experience at least moderate workplace stress. A mini-retirement lets you step away from those stressors for a while and reset. \u201cBeing able to come back to work refreshed and excited and motivated is also a huge boost professionally,\u201d Johnsrud said.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"yf-h8k6hx\">\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START --><strong>Time to focus on physical and mental health: <\/strong>For many, work takes precedence over exercise, eating well, and getting enough sleep. A mini-retirement can give you the time to prioritize your health and establish new habits that can benefit you for decades to come.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"yf-h8k6hx\">\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START --><strong>A \u201cpractice run\u201d at retirement: <\/strong>Everyone\u2019s heard the story of the retiree who stops working, panics at having nothing to do, and returns to the workforce. And no wonder \u2014 if you\u2019ve never taken a career break before, why should retirement come easy? A mini-retirement allows you to practice retiring by giving you a chance to explore your interests outside of work.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START --><em>Read more: <\/em><em>Retirement planning: A step-by-step guide<\/em><!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<section class=\"up-next-container tw-block md:tw-hidden yf-1tgly48\">\n<header class=\"small  mb-4 yf-1kayatz font-condensed\"> <\/header>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->Regardless of how great a break from work may sound, you might have hesitations. Here are some potential drawbacks to weigh and plan for if you\u2019re interested in a mini-retirement:<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"yf-h8k6hx\">\n<li class=\"yf-h8k6hx\">\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START --><strong>Intensive planning: <\/strong>Planning a mini-retirement can be heavy on logistics. Negotiating leave from your job (or quitting entirely), budgeting for your time off, and saving enough money are just a few of the obstacles you\u2019ll have to tackle before taking a mini-retirement.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"yf-h8k6hx\">\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START --><strong>Difficulty getting rehired:<\/strong> If your mini-retirement involves leaving a job, you\u2019ll have to navigate the hiring process after your break. Depending on the state of the economy and your industry, it may take longer than you planned to get a new job, which can cause financial stress.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"yf-h8k6hx\">\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START --><strong>Pausing retirement contributions: <\/strong>One of the biggest benefits of employer-sponsored retirement plans is the employer match you may earn when you contribute to your 401(k). But if you stop working, you\u2019ll miss out on those extra contributions, whether or not you continue saving for retirement yourself.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"yf-h8k6hx\">\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START --><strong>Missing out on employee benefits: <\/strong>In addition to retirement contributions, your employer may offer a range of benefits you\u2019ll give up by taking a career break. For instance, if you currently receive health insurance through your employer, you may need to find it elsewhere during your mini-retirement.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START --><em>Read more: <\/em><em>9 ways your employer can help you save money<\/em><!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->If you\u2019re excited about the idea of a mini-retirement but don\u2019t know where to start, take it step by step. According to Johnsrud, anyone can take a mini-retirement with the right planning. Here are three crucial steps to financially plan for a career break:<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->\u201cThe first step is to brainstorm a list of possibilities of what you might want to do,\u201d Johnsrud said. \u201cThat will give you the scope of how much time you would need off, what the budget would be \u2014 but it also provides you with the motivation to take the steps necessary once you can imagine this cool thing that you&#8217;re going to go do.\u201d<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->Whether you plan to hire a nutrition coach, travel to South America, or enroll in an art class, give some thought to how you\u2019ll spend your mini-retirement, and let yourself get excited.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->Once you know how you\u2019ll spend your time, you can start to outline a budget for your time off work.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->When making your budget, you\u2019ll have to decide which of your current expenses you\u2019ll keep up with during your break. For instance, will you continue making contributions to your savings and investment accounts, or are you comfortable pausing them? Will you keep paying rent, or will you arrange a lease takeover? Answering these questions can help you determine how much you need to save to fund your \u201cregular\u201d life while you\u2019re off work.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->Next, consider how much any extra activities \u2014 like hiring a coach, traveling, or taking that art class \u2014 will cost. Add these costs to your baseline budget to find out how much you\u2019ll need to fund your mini-retirement.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"header-scroll yf-1u6g9f6\" id=\"3-form-your-exit-plan-and-consider-your-re-entry-plan\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->3. Form your exit plan (and consider your reentry plan)<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/h3>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->Once you have an idea of how you\u2019ll spend your time off \u2014 and how much it\u2019ll cost \u2014 it\u2019s time to form an exit plan.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->Your motivations for a mini-retirement will determine how you approach this step. Do you want to quit your job entirely? If so, there\u2019s not as much to plan. But if you\u2019d like to negotiate paid or unpaid leave, you should approach your boss with a solution-oriented conversation about how to take an extended break.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<p class=\"yf-vbsvxt\"><!-- HTML_TAG_START -->If you\u2019re anxious about reentering the job market after your mini-retirement, create a loose plan before you go on leave. Decide how you\u2019ll approach the job search, when you\u2019ll start looking for a new role, and how you can stay engaged with your network during your time away.<!-- HTML_TAG_END --><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s plenty of financial advice out there about saving for retirement. You know the drill: Work hard, save and invest consistently, and \u2014 if all goes according to plan \u2014 you can stop working and enjoy some freedom around age 65. But what if your retirement dreams can\u2019t wait that long? What if you aren\u2019t [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13155,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_daextam_enable_autolinks":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[10],"tags":[1703,1704,161,513],"class_list":["post-13154","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-news","tag-career-break","tag-johnsrud","tag-retirement","tag-retirement-plans"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/9f0db140-e968-11ef-9ffe-bca2c24e69e8.jpeg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13154","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13154"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13154\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13154"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}