Retirement doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing leap. For many people in their 50s and 60s, the idea of stepping away from work permanently can feel overwhelming—emotionally, socially, and especially financially. An increasingly popular alternative? Alternating between periods of work and extended time off—a lifestyle sometimes called “mini-retirements.”
Take Darlene Deane, 60, who left her 30-year career as a Ford supervisor five years ago. At first, she struggled with the sudden shift. “I was a little bit lost,” she admits. “I realized I missed work.”
Now, Deane has crafted a rhythm that suits her perfectly: from Memorial Day to Labor Day, she’s fully off—enjoying summers with her fully retired husband in northern Michigan. The rest of the year, while living in Phoenix, she runs a consulting practice helping manufacturers solve operational challenges.
“I really think it takes that third or fourth week to feel truly detached,” she says. “Having a full month away makes all the difference.”
Deane waited until she officially retired from Ford to adopt this lifestyle. “I think I would’ve been completely stressed trying to ask for months off while still employed,” she explains. Plus, staying until her 30-year mark secured her pension, and a generous nine-month severance package from Ford’s downsizing gave her a financial cushion to launch her new chapter.
**Why Mini-Retirements Make Sense**
This hybrid approach isn’t just personally fulfilling—it can ease real financial anxieties. According to Bankrate’s 2025 Retirement Savings Survey, more than 64% of Americans aged 55+ feel behind on retirement savings. And only 39% of retirement-plan participants report feeling confident about their financial future, per Nationwide’s Protected Retirement Survey.
With people living longer, a decades-long traditional retirement may no longer be practical—or desirable. Many aren’t ready to give up the structure, purpose, or income that work provides. Mini-retirements offer a middle ground: time to recharge without permanently stepping away.
Jillian Johnsrud, author of the new book *Retire Often*, has taken over a dozen such breaks in the past 22 years—often with her family in tow. Through her coaching practice and podcast of the same name, she champions intentional career pauses long before full retirement.
“Mini-retirements let you test-drive retirement,” Johnsrud says. “You can explore passions, travel, care for loved ones, learn new skills, or simply rest—without burning your bridges.”
These breaks can even boost your finances. During one cross-country camper trip, Johnsrud and her husband rented out their home, covering most of their travel costs. Over time, they also invested in rental properties that now generate $18,000 annually in passive income. “That cash flow massively helped our net worth,” she notes.
**Three Key Questions to Ask Before Taking a Break**
1. **Can I afford it?**
Johnsrud recommends saving enough to cover 1.5 times your average monthly expenses. For someone with $90,000 in annual take-home pay, that’s about $500 saved per month for two years—building a reserve for a 2–3 month break. Even on modest incomes, it’s possible: Johnsrud once took a U.S. road trip costing under $3,000 a month while earning just $25,000 annually.
2. **Will my employer allow it?**
If you’re still employed, frame your request as a sabbatical. “A one- to three-month break isn’t unreasonable,” Johnsrud says, especially since many companies already manage 12-week leaves under family and medical leave laws. Be prepared: propose a coverage plan, emphasize it’s a one-time request, and highlight how the break will make you a more engaged employee upon return. Note that most sabbaticals are unpaid—though some companies offer partial pay.
3. **Can I return to work afterward?**
Re-entry depends on your field. High-demand sectors like healthcare or specialized roles (e.g., insurance regulation) often welcome experienced professionals back with open arms. In fact, Johnsrud finds that many clients return to higher-paying roles. “Your biggest salary jumps usually come from switching jobs,” she says. “A mini-retirement is the perfect chance to reset—and level up.”
Full retirement doesn’t have to be the only path. By weaving work and rest into your later career years, you can reduce financial stress, maintain purpose, and design a lifestyle that truly fits your needs. As Deane puts it: “This rhythm—it’s really nice. I get to stay busy, but I also get to live.”