Micro-retirement: A Philosophical Approach To Pause With Purpose As The Pursuit Of Eudaemonia
Bawa, Simmin1 and Hinduja, Juhi2
1Head of Department, Philosophy and Assistant Professor, Jai Hind College, Mumbai
2TYBA student Philosophy-Psychology, Jai Hind College, Mumbai
Abstract
Stress is one of the common problems in today’s world, particularly in the workplace, where demanding tasks and deadlines can negatively impact people’s emotional and physical well-being. Many people put off their personal happiness and fulfilment in the hopes of achieving success in the future. It is believed that one can only truly enjoy life after becoming wealthy or by retiring, frequently ignoring the uncertainties of life and the demands of contemporary workplaces. People bear risk of jeopardizing their wellbeing when they choose to live in the present over an uncertain future. The aim of this research paper is to examine the idea of micro-retirement, which is the practice of taking short, deliberate pauses in one’s work that can last for a few months to a few years in order to prioritize moral and personal development. These pauses are not meant to be idle; rather, they are thoughtfully planned to live a satisfactory life. Micro-retirement allows people to reconsider their life goals by stepping back from the responsibilities of their careers. Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia is a major area of interest for this research. Human flourishing, or eudaimonia, is about leading a life that is meaningful. Those who take these intentional pauses can attain eudaimonia. Furthermore, existentialist philosophy emphasizes how each person shapes their own life, as expressed by Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus. In the context of micro-retirement, existentialism suggests that people can reclaim their life and make sincere choices about their time management by purposefully taking a break from work. This freedom from social pressures makes it possible to experience deep self-discovery. The practical and ethical implications of micro-retirement are examined through informative discussions with professionals in organizational behaviour and financial planning, with an emphasis on the potential benefits for both workers and companies, as well as the ethical duties of employers to encourage such efforts. This research suggests that micro-retirement offers a viable solution to the problems of contemporary life by analyzing the connection between stress, workplace culture and personal fulfilment.
Keywords: Stress, Workplace, Happiness, Micro-retirement, Introspection, Eudaimonia, Freedom, Solution, Aristotle, Growth, Pauses, Break, Self-discovery.
Impact Statement
This research offers philosophical and practical insights into micro-retirement as a contemporary response to the pressures of modern work culture. By integrating Aristotelian and existentialist perspectives, it challenges conventional notions of success and productivity, emphasizing the ethical significance of purposeful pauses in one’s career for personal growth, reflection, and well-being. Making micro-retirement as both an individual pursuit of eudaemonia and an organizational responsibility, the study highlights its potential to mitigate burnout, foster mental resilience, and realign personal values with professional life. In doing so, it contributes to ongoing conversations about sustainable work models and organizational ethics in the contemporary world.
About Authors
Ms. Simmin Bawa is the Head of the Department of Philosophy at Jai Hind College. Prof. Bawa has made important contributions to the discipline due to her strong interest in applying ancient philosophical principles to current living. Her study involves a thorough examination of the Kamasutra, with an emphasis on the sensuous and sexual lives of individuals during the Grihastha ashrama, as well as the text’s insights about women’s financial independence. She has also written on Gandhian ideas in ethical entrepreneurship, which emphasize truth and nonviolence in corporate processes. Miss Bawa also explores the significance of meditation in education from a Krishnamurti standpoint, highlighting its effect on emotional well-being. Her multidisciplinary approach bridges the gap between ancient philosophy and current practical applications, encouraging overall well-being and ethical living.
Ms. Juhi Hinduja is a third-year BA student majoring in Philosophy and Psychology at Jai Hind College, Mumbai. With a deep-rooted passion for exploring the intersection of philosophical inquiry and psychology, she is particularly intrigued by their applications in understanding human behavior within corporate environments. She is drawn to the dynamics of workplaces and firmly believes in the importance of promoting human well-being in professional spaces. Juhi is passionate about people and the factors that drive motivation, productivity, and life satisfaction. She envisions integrating philosophical perspectives and psychological principles to enhance organizational culture, making workspaces not just productive but also enjoyable and meaningful for individuals. Eager to take her expertise further, she actively seeks research, real-world experiences, and practical opportunities to apply her academic knowledge and creativity to develop strategies and revolutionize work culture. She aspires to grow into leadership positions where she can continue to advocate for positive change and holistic well-being in the professional world.
References
“Article.” Mexico Business. (January 10, 2025). http://mexicobusiness.news/talent/news/micro-retirement-rising-trend-amid-burnout
The 4-hour work week by Tim Ferriss book summary. (June 8, 2023). Oberlo. http://www.oberlo.com/blog/4-hour-work-week-tim-ferriss
Arinze, A. T., & Onwuatuegwu, I. N. (January 2020). The notion of absurdity and meaning of life in Albert Camus existentialism. Open Journal of Philosophy, 10(4), 528–538. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojpp.2020.104037
Aristotle’s ethics (Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy). (July 2, 2022). http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle-ethics/#HumaGoodFuncArgu
Existentialism (Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy). (January 6, 2023). http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/existentialism/#ExisPrecEsse
Firstpost. (January 5, 2025). Explainers, Fp. “Burned-Out Workers Are Considering “Micro-retirement”. What Is It?” http://www.firstpost.com/explainers/burned-out-workers-micro-retirement-13849340.html
Friel, M. (December 31, 2024). Burned-out Workers Are Considering “micro-retirement.” Here’s What It Is and How to Do It Successfully. Business Insider. http://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-micro-retirement-burn-out-work-sabbatical-2024-12
Micro-retirement. (2025). Juhi. Retrieved January 13, 2025, https://publuu.com/flip-book/768624/1704470
Pursuit of Happiness. (April 10, 2023). Aristotle: Pioneer of happiness. http://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/history-of-happiness/aristotle
Vandepitte, R. (September 26, 2022). http://riemer.substack.com/p/the-power-of-mini-retirements. ‘The Power of Mini-Retirements.’ Riemer’s. Newsletter.
Adewunmi, A., & Adejumoke, R. (2024). Health Awareness on Causes and Prevention of Drug Addiction for biology students in tertiary institution in Nigeria. Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 02(04), 150–163. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9080
Bawa, S., Jani, J., & Nisar, S. (2024). Procreative Possibilities: Analyzing the philosophical and ethical dimensions of queer couples raising children. Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 02(04), 297–321. https://doi.org/10.59231/edumania/9090
Devi, B. (2024). Conceptualizing Digital Economy: Unraveling its evolution and impact in India. Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 03(03), 210–224. https://doi.org/10.59231/sari7729
Workplaces, amazing. (January 8, 2025). “The Growing Trend of Micro-retirement: A New Approach to Work-Life Balance.” Amazing Workplaces. http://amazingworkplaces.co/the-growing-trend-of-micro-retirement-a-new-approach-to-work-life-balance