A third of workers are considering taking extended time off from their job to recharge or learn a new skill, but when is the right time go? Take this quiz to find out.
If you’re yearning for a well-deserved break from the daily grind, then you’re not alone. A recent survey of 2,000 workers revealed that nearly one-third are contemplating taking extended leave from their jobs, with most dreaming of taking a break lasting between one to three months.
The figures show that over a third believe their employer would be open to the idea, while a whopping 64 per cent reckon that sabbaticals should be a standard perk in the workplace. But when is the perfect time for you to take a ‘micro-retirement’? This new quiz could help you find the answer.
According to the survey, four in 10 would love to take a ‘micro-retirement’ to focus on their mental health. Meanwhile 48 per cent would use the time to travel more, and 41 per cent would use it to spend extra time with their families.
But what is driving this urge for a break? Michael Edwards, managing director at adventure travel specialist Explore Worldwide, explains that since the Covid pandemic, there has been a heightened sense of ‘seizing the day.’ This shift in mindset is prompting more people to take the opportunity to tick off bucket list experiences while they can.
He also observed that: “People are no longer reserving their big travel experiences for early adulthood gap years, or retirement as has always been tradition. In our youth, finances often hold us back from travelling how or where we’d like, while later in life it can simply feel too late.”
“More and more people are looking to ‘micro-dose’ that traditional big retirement trip, choosing to take chunks of time out from work to tick off bucket list experiences now rather than waiting,” he added.
When is the perfect time for you to take a breather? Take this quiz to find out. Enter your age, current job situation, and stress levels, and it will suggest the ideal time for you to take a break.
The study revealed that 26 per cent of people have already taken a sabbatical, with this figure rising to 54 per cent among Gen Z employees, compared to just eight per cent of Boomers.
Over half of those surveyed used their sabbatical to travel and discover new places, while 38 per cent spent their time in nature and 28 per cent studied for new qualifications. For 38 per cent, they simply needed a break to avoid burnout.
Of those who travelled, nearly two-thirds explored Europe, while 23 per cent ventured to Australia. Others visited North America (17 per cent), Asia (16 per cent) and South America (13 per cent), with 37 per cent having experiences that are not possible on a typical holiday.
After their break, 84 per cent felt positive about returning to work and an impressive 96 per cent had a renewed sense of purpose, coming back full of fresh ideas.
The survey, conducted via OnePoll.com also highlighted the biggest obstacles to taking a micro-retirement, with finances being a barrier for most. A quarter (26 per cent) don’t think their employer would be supportive, and 22 per cent said family or home responsibilities make it impossible.
Michael Edwards added: “Micro-retirement is about resetting and rediscovering. When you step away from the daily grind and immerse yourself in new places, you gain clarity, energy and perspective that no office routine can provide.
“Our survey highlights a growing appetite for having these moments along the way in life and not waiting for our later years.”