Nick Thompson and his wife, Melanie, enjoy observing their children swim in the river close to a waterfall on their residence in southern Ecuador, situated at the edge of the Amazon rainforest. Thompson described the location as having a perpetual spring-like climate, where temperatures never drop below 16 degrees Celsius or exceed 27 degrees Celsius. The region’s elevation keeps bugs at bay, creating an ideal living environment.
Living in an area known as the Valley of Longevity, the couple has set up a variety of plants and animals in their rented backyard, including chickens, mango trees, avocado trees, passion fruit, and seven types of bananas. The Thompsons moved from rural Ontario’s Norfolk County with their four children aged five to nine, embarking on what they call a mini-retirement while homeschooling their kids.
In response to an emerging trend, human resources experts note an increase in employees seeking extended leaves of absence beyond traditional vacation time. Some term this trend as a mini-retirement or an “adult gap year.” HR consultant Cissy Pau from Vancouver mentioned that more employees are requesting unpaid leaves, reflecting a growing desire for extended breaks from work.
The impact of the pandemic has contributed to this shift in mindset, with individuals feeling more burnt out post-pandemic and seeking opportunities to pursue their interests and travel sooner rather than waiting until retirement. This change in attitude towards work is evident in Canadians’ increasing willingness to prioritize personal fulfillment and experiences over traditional career paths.
While taking extended breaks from work may not be feasible for everyone due to financial constraints, there is a noticeable change in how some Canadians view their careers and the importance of work-life balance. The pandemic has prompted individuals to reconsider their priorities, leading to a growing interest in alternative career paths and lifestyle choices that prioritize personal well-being and fulfillment.
The concept of mini-retirements or sabbaticals is gaining traction as individuals seek ways to step back from their careers to explore other interests, travel, or spend more time with family. While challenges such as financial implications and career advancement exist, more Canadians are reevaluating their work-life balance and considering unconventional paths to achieve personal satisfaction and fulfillment.