A Gen Z worker shares how taking 30 micro-retirements in three years has improved her skills, productivity, and overall performance at work.
In today’s fast-paced world, many young workers are finding new ways to balance their careers and personal lives.
Lauren Kirby, a 21-year-old nursery worker from Maidstone, Kent, has taken this idea to heart.
Over the past three years, she has taken 30 “micro-retirements” to travel and explore different cultures.
These short breaks have not only enriched her life but also made her a better employee.
What are micro-retirements?
Micro-retirements are short periods away from work that allow individuals to recharge and gain new experiences.
Unlike traditional vacations, these breaks can last from a few days to several months.
Lauren decided to embrace this trend after seeing how quickly the COVID-19 pandemic changed travel opportunities.
She realized that life is unpredictable and wanted to make the most of her time.
Gen Z worker reveals how 30 ‘micro-retirements’ in three years have improved her career
Since starting her career at 18, Lauren has saved over $12,500 to fund her travels.
She has visited 30 countries, including Portugal, Mexico, and Australia.
Each trip has offered her valuable experiences and insights into different cultures.
For instance, during her six months in Australia, she learned new childcare techniques that she now applies in her job back home.
Lauren explained that these experiences have shaped her into a more confident person.
She recalls being shy at 16, but her travels have helped her grow.
“Once you go on a micro-retirement for the first time, it literally changes your life,” she said.
This transformation has made her more self-assured and willing to take on new challenges.
“It’s all well and good for the older generations to travel once they hit retirement age — but, even though it sounds very morbid, you never know if you’re going to get there.
“When I was 16, I was too shy to order my own food. I took a micro-retirement from work at 18 and came back a totally different person.
“Now, I’ve hit 30 countries — and I’m working my way through the rest.”
Learning from different cultures
One significant benefit of Lauren’s travels is the knowledge she gained about childcare.
In Australia, she learned the importance of outdoor activities for children.
She noticed that kids were encouraged to play outside, regardless of the weather.
Inspired by this, she now promotes outdoor play in her nursery in the UK, even when it rains.
Lauren believes that incorporating diverse practices can enhance the learning environment for children.
For example, she encourages her students to take early morning trips to the beach.
She feels that starting the day with fresh air and exercise sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Financial planning for travel
To fund her adventures, Lauren has been strategic about her finances.
She worked part-time at a nursery, saving her long weekends and vacation days for travel.
This planning allowed her to explore various destinations without financial stress.
For her stint in Australia, she worked at a resort, which helped her save money for further travel.
Lauren shared that her first micro-retirement was in Greece, where she worked in child care for three months.
This opportunity not only covered her living expenses but also allowed her to earn money while traveling.
This model has inspired her to continue seeking similar opportunities around the world.
“I did one of those working holiday visas,” Lauren added.
“I went out there, worked the first five months at a resort, then spent a month traveling.
“With the money I’d earned, I could just quit — and saw all the highlights of the East Coast, like Sydney and Byron Bay.
“While I worked, I lived in a $175-a-week house share, bills inclusive.”
The impact of COVID-19
The pandemic played a significant role in shaping Lauren’s travel philosophy.
During lockdowns, she witnessed how quickly travel plans could change. This experience motivated her to seize opportunities whenever possible.
Lauren reflected, “You never know if you’re going to get there,” emphasizing the importance of living in the moment.
She feels grateful for the chance to travel and learn, especially when many faced hardships during the pandemic.
Lauren’s perspective is a reminder that life is short, and making memories is essential.
“I was very lucky not to lose anyone during COVID,” she said.
“But in that situation, it did open my eyes to how quickly things can change, in the blink of an eye.
“There’s a lot more knowledge now of moving abroad, temporarily, to work — and the younger generations are taking advantage of this.”
A new generation of workers
Lauren’s story highlights a shift in how younger generations approach work and life.
Many Gen Z workers prioritize experiences over traditional job structures.
They value flexibility and personal growth, seeking ways to balance their careers with their passions.
While some older generations may view micro-retirements as a lack of commitment, Lauren sees them as opportunities for growth. She believes that taking breaks can lead to becoming a better employee.
“Micro-retirements changed my life,” she stated, emphasizing their positive impact on her personal and professional development.