Work Smarter, Not Harder series : Post 7 : Mini-Retirements—Don’t Wait Till 60 to Live Your Life
I started feeling like a robot.
Quick Recap of the Series So Far
Now, let’s talk about something exciting—mini-retirements.
What’s a Mini-Retirement?
Instead of slogging till you're 60 and hoping for peace after that, a mini-retirement is about taking short, meaningful breaks throughout your life now, not later. You don’t have to be ultra-rich to take one. You just need to break free from the idea that time off is only for after “success.”
Why I Took One
I was on a tight routine—juggling deadlines, weekend work, family commitments, and no breaks. I started feeling like a robot.
One weekend, I took a simple 4-day break with zero work, no emails, no brainstorming, just chilling at a homestay, reading, and soaking in the silence. That small pause gave me more clarity than 3 months of hustle.
Since then, I make sure to take mini-retirements every few months. Sometimes it’s travel. Sometimes just being offline for a week. But it recharges my mind, resets my focus, and reminds me why I work.
What Can a Mini-Retirement Look Like?
A 3-7 day break to learn something new or just rest
A month working remotely from the hills or beach
Taking time off to explore your hobbies, meet new people, or even do nothing
It’s less about location, more about intention.
But Can I Afford It?
Yes. Start small. You don’t have to quit your job or go abroad.
Save for it: Even ₹200 a day for 3 months gives you ₹18,000 , enough for a decent break.
Let go of guilt: You don’t need to “earn” rest. You deserve it.
Plan ahead: Block a week or weekend well in advance. Inform people.
The Benefits Are Real
Mental clarity
New ideas and creativity
Better relationships (you’re not constantly distracted)
Physical recovery
Feeling human again
You come back stronger, calmer, and more purposeful.
Try This Today
Open your calendar
Pick a long weekend or a birthday week
Block it off and call it your “Mini-Retirement”
Plan something nourishing , rest, learning, travel, or even silence
Even one day a month can do wonders.
Remember This
Life isn’t meant to be postponed. You don’t need to “retire” to live well. Start now, in small, intentional doses. As we say, in India, "Jee lo thoda, kaam toh chalta rahega."
Coming Up Next...
Post 8: Your Smarter Blueprint — Design a Life You Don’t Need a Vacation From
Let’s bring it all together.
'Instead of slogging till you're 60 and hoping for peace after that, a mini-retirement is about taking short, meaningful breaks throughout your life now, not later. You don’t have to be ultra-rich to take one. You just need to break free from the idea that time off is only for after “success.'
Like the idea.
Right.