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The report shows that 85% of Indian respondents believe mini retirements enhance their quality of life
Mini Retirement Trend Grows In India As Gen Z And Millennials Seek Work-Life Balance
Retirement, once considered a one-time milestone, is evolving into a more dynamic concept. Increasingly, people are opting for multi retirements—a series of career breaks spread across life—reshaping the balance between work, wealth, and well-being.
According to HSBC’s Quality of Life: Affluent Investor Snapshot 2025 report, which surveyed 10,797 affluent investors globally (including 1,006 from India aged 21–69 with investable assets between $100,000 and $2 million), people are embracing mini retirements—deliberate breaks to reset and realign priorities.
The report shows that 85% of Indian respondents believe mini retirements enhance their quality of life.
What Are Mini and Multi Retirements?
A mini retirement is a planned career break, lasting a few months to a few years, dedicated to passions such as travel, family, hobbies, or upskilling. Unlike sabbaticals, which are usually short, mini retirements often bring long-term lifestyle or career changes.
Multi retirements take this further—allowing individuals to step away from work multiple times over their lifetime to reset goals and explore new opportunities.
Mini Retirements on the Rise in India
The survey reveals strong adoption in India:
- 48% plan to take at least one mini retirement.
- 44% prefer a duration of 3–12 months.
- 44 years is considered the ideal age for the first break.
- 44% plan to take 2–3 breaks across their lifetime, some pausing every 6 years.
Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC India, said:
“Multi retirements reflect a profound shift in how people view their careers and personal lives. This behavioral shift calls for deeper analysis of their investment strategies to meet life goals, such as mini retirements every six to seven years.”
Financial Planning for Mini Retirements
Funding these breaks requires careful preparation. According to the survey:
Planned Spending Per Mini Retirement
| Spending Range | % of Respondents |
|---|---|
| US$ 0 – 100,000 | 39% |
| US$ 100,000 – 249,999 | 19% |
| US$ 250,000 – 499,999 | 13% |
| US$ 500,000 – 999,999 | 20% |
| US$ 1,000,000 or above | 9% |
Top funding sources:
- Personal savings (38%)
- Family/parental support (36%)
- Part-time/freelance work (36%)
Investment Preferences: Gen Z vs Millennials
Despite ambitious lifestyle goals, investment choices remain conservative, with insurance and gold leading.
| Investment Option | Gen Z (21–28 yrs) | Millennials (29–44 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Alternatives (hedge funds, private markets, etc.) | 31% | 30% |
| Managed solutions (multi-asset funds, etc.) | 37% | 31% |
| Mutual funds/ETFs | 38% | 40% |
| Gold (physical/digital) | 47% | 46% |
| Insurance (linked/guaranteed savings plans) | 56% | 53% |
Batra added: “This approach contrasts with the aggressive investment strategies required to sustain multiple career breaks, highlighting a potential gap between financial planning and life goals.”
Challenges to Overcome
While enthusiasm for mini retirements is high, obstacles remain:
- 37% cite financial security concerns.
- 36% point to family obligations.
- 31% worry about societal perceptions.
These findings highlight the need for robust financial planning and greater acceptance to make multiple retirements a practical choice for Indians.
Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a…Read More
Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a… Read More
September 10, 2025, 15:08 IST
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