You’ve taken the brave step to plan your mini-retirement, so now what? Let’s explore some ideas for making the most of this time off.
Taking a mini-retirement is a significant decision. You’ve already thought about how to plan it and even negotiated with your employer. Now, how will you spend all this free time?
This break from work is a great chance to test out your early retirement schedule. What will you do with all that newfound freedom? The possibilities are endless!
Traveling is one option. Whether solo or with friends, you can explore new places, learn languages, and dive into different cultures. Traveling broadens your horizons and offers experiences you wouldn’t get otherwise. You can capture moments with photography, try local cuisines, chat with locals, and learn about the history of the places you visit. For instance, if you visit Belgium, indulge in their famous chocolates and find out why they’re so popular.
If you’re on a budget, you can still travel. Explore places on foot, go hiking, and find affordable ways to see the world.
This time off is also perfect for pursuing hobbies or interests you’ve always wanted to try. Maybe it’s painting, writing a book, or picking up a long-forgotten hobby. During a typical workweek, it’s hard to squeeze in new experiences. You’re busy working, cooking, working out, socializing, and taking some time for yourself. If you manage all that in a week, you’re ahead of the game.
Think about what you truly want from your mini-retirement and create a bucket list. Crossing items off as you go will make your mini-retirement adventurous and fulfilling. If you’re unsure what to do, focus on one experience you’ve always wanted and build your mini-retirement around it.
Money and passive income are essential topics when planning your mini-retirement. Passive income can make your life easier by providing funds even when you’re not working. It helps you save faster for your next mini-retirement or early retirement. There are many forms of passive income, so find what suits you best and start building those streams.
A mini-retirement is also an excellent time to explore starting a business. You can test ideas, see what interests you, and dive deeper into projects you’re passionate about. If you already have a business, use this break to explore new opportunities and grow your venture. You might even find that you don’t need to return to your job.
Volunteering is another fulfilling way to spend your mini-retirement. Helping others can be incredibly rewarding, and many volunteer opportunities offer food and lodging in exchange for your work. It’s a great way to keep costs low while doing something meaningful.
In my own mini-retirements, I’ve traveled the world, worked on my bucket list, and built passive income streams. Planning is crucial, and now that you’ve done that, it’s time to think about what you want to do during your mini-retirement. What experiences are you looking forward to?