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Working a nine-to-five routine can be draining. The practice of taking time away from work for an extended period of time has become increasingly popular among employees. This “mini-retirement” can help professionals recharge and provide a much-needed break from a strenuous daily routine.
Although you may not be planning on taking a mini-retirement, brainstorming ideas of what you’d want to achieve during this period may help you align your purpose and goals within your professional career.
Below, we asked 10 thought leaders to share their ideas for things to enjoy during a mini-retirement.
Explore a new industry
Leave your normal career to explore investing or real estate. Choose something that you might not have the chance to focus on while working full time as a great way to spend a mini-retirement. Diving into topics that you are interested in and really taking the time to research and learn more about these topics could prove to make you money in the long run. – Rex Murphey, Montauk Services
Do something Book Worthy
My barometer for doing anything is considering whether the endeavor is worthy of a book. If I had six to 24 months to do anything, I’d first think about what the topic or title of the book would be. Then, I’d outline the table of contents. After the outline, I’d live out each chapter idea to the extent that I could fill the pages about the desired topic. That framework could be applied to any retirement idea from “The Ultimate Guide To Tapas in Spain” to “Everything To Know About Making a Documentary In a Third World Country.” But, as long as the mini-retirement idea is book-worthy, then I’m guaranteeing myself that the topic is deep enough to keep me continuously engaged and satisfied. — Brett Farmiloe, Markitors
Pursue knowledge
I love learning but due to my hectic work schedule, I usually don’t find time to study. So I’d want to learn and focus on self-development during my mini-retirement. I’d want to apply for a scholarship to fund my postgraduate program. Other than that, I’d want to learn new languages and travel. Maybe I’d go abroad for studies as it’ll give me a chance to travel as well. — William Taylor, VelvetJobs
Take an extended Holiday
Plan a holiday that you have been waiting for. This could be to a domestic location or an international destination. Make sure your finances are sorted and that the holiday fits into your current budget. Set aside enough money to last during this time, then take some time to focus on getting your career back up before the mini-retirement is over. — Joe Flanagan, GetSongbpm
Take a Road Trip in an RV
Retirement would lead to a few exciting travel options. The most exciting would be buying a Cruise America refurbished RV and traveling the United States. Pack and unpack once for a journey of a lifetime and stay as long as you want in each location. I think a one year trip around North America would be one of the most bucket list items one could experience and imagine all the amazing places you could visit and the memories that would be created. — Randall Smalley, Cruise America
Switch to freelance or part-time Work
A good way to do this is to either freelance or work as a consultant on a part-time basis. The main benefit of doing this is that, in most fields of work, you’re able to do this online. This means you’ll be able to work from wherever you wish to enjoy life for some time. Whether it be a beach in southeast Asia or in an RV around Europe, working in this way gives you the flexibility to enjoy your time off from full-time work. It also lets you choose just which assignments to accept during this period, allowing you to work as much or as little as you want. Is your budget running a bit low? Maybe it’s time to ramp up your hours. Alternatively, are you about to go off the grid for some time? Close your laptop and off you go. — Anna Barker, LogicalDollar
Revisit your childhood interests
I would dust off my childhood fantasies about what I liked to do. One recurring theme on the Rock Your Retirement podcast is that many of us are not prepared mentally for retirement. We need to have a purpose in life.
After hearing this repeatedly from my guests, I started up art again. When I was in my 20s, I loved to draw and paint. Over the years I stopped doing it. Now, I’m exploring my creativity again, but with colored pencils this time because they are so portable. Try to remember what lit you up when you were younger, even as a child. Bring that back into your life now. Don’t wait for retirement. Not only will it get you excited again, but it will also help you ease into your retirement lifestyle. — Kathe Kline, Rock Your Retirement
Long distance walking trips
My ideal mini-retirement would be walking one or more long-distance routes, such as Land’s End to John o’ Groats in the UK, The Camino de Santiago in Spain, The 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Japan or one of the Triple Crown of Hiking trails in the U.S. Walking is not only amazing exercise but also the tool to come up with some of my best ideas. I think a long-distance walk would be the perfect way to decide what to do post-mini-retirement. Being in better physical shape would just be an added bonus. — Ian Wright, British Business Energy
Make the most of a Staycation
While travel will probably continue to be a debate in the wake of COVID-19, consider a staycation. Turn your home into your own personal resort and enjoy your favorite pastimes, guilt-free. Read by the pool or set up a sheet against the wall and project your favorite movies. Whatever makes you feel like you’re on vacation, do it at home. You’ll save some money that way, too. — Carey Wilbur, Charter Capital
Follow through on a Passion Project
Take the time to find a passion project. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do or make but never had the time? Perhaps you’ve wanted to grow a vegetable garden. Take this time to plan your project and get started. Maybe you’ll even finish your project if it’s something you decide has to have an ending. Your mini-retirement does not have to be grand or expensive to be worthwhile. — Vicky Franko, Insura
