“Mini-retirements” are reshaping work among Singapore’s younger gen

Post on July 30, 2025

More and more young professionals are hitting pause on the daily grind, and not just for a two-week vacation. A new trend is gaining traction: “mini-retirements” – intentional breaks that last anywhere from a few months to a year, taken to recharge, explore new passions, travel, or figure out what’s next.

These breaks aren’t viewed as career derailments anymore. Instead, they’re fast becoming a smarter, more sustainable approach to work and life. As The New York Times recently reported, Gen Zs in the U.S. are choosing to reset mid-career, rather than waiting decades for traditional retirement or “saving it all until the very end." Because let's be real: why wait until you're 65 to start living your best life?

The same shift is happening in Singapore, where younger professionals are stepping away from conventional paths for creative or meaningful pursuits. One woman took seven months of unpaid leave to travel across Asia, learn videography, and mentor youths – experiences that left her rethinking how she wants to work going forward.

Read more: Forget quiet quitting: Is 2025 the year of “revenge quitting”?

Many who return from these breaks ​​say they feel more energised, more creative, and more aligned with their values. Some go back to full-time roles with a new perspective. Others pivot entirely, turning a passion project into a side hustle, launching freelance careers, or mixing and matching roles to create something that works on their terms.

The truth is, mini-retirements are changing how we think about career progression. Instead of climbing one corporate ladder for 40 years, we're redefining what career progression looks like, and extended breaks are becoming part of the story.

But what happens when you’re ready to plug back in? 

Whether you've spent three months backpacking through Southeast Asia, six months writing that novel, or a year launching your side hustle, the transition back can feel a little... overwhelming. That's where workbuddy comes in.

Why your comeback needs the right space

Coming back from a mini-retirement isn't like returning from a two-week vacation. Your mindset has shifted, your priorities have crystallised, and you've probably have some pretty exciting ideas brewing. You need a workspace that matches this new energy, not a sterile corporate office that'll make you want to book another flight out of town.

Enter flexible coworking, workbuddy-style. With workbuddy, you can tap into a network of 50+ top coworking spaces across Singapore, whenever and wherever you need them. These spaces aren't just about hot desks and decent Wi-Fi (though we've got those covered too). They're designed to support creativity, community, flexibility, and momentum – the kind of environment that nurtures your post-sabbatical self.

Maybe you're easing back into full-time work and need a space that doesn't lock you into long-term commitments. Or perhaps you're testing the freelance waters and want to surround yourself with other independent spirits. It could be that you're launching the side hustle you've been plotting during those sunrise beach walks, and you need a professional space to make it happen.

Read more: The best wellness-centric coworking spaces in Singapore

Your reentry game plan: 5 coworking features that actually matter

1. Active networking calendars. Look, you've been out of the professional loop for a while, and that's totally fine. But now you need spaces that help you reconnect. The best coworking spaces for creatives in Singapore – like Crane – host regular networking events, workshops, and community gatherings.

2. Flexible day passes. You don’t need to sign a year-long lease when you're still figuring things out. Smart coworking spaces offer day passes and flexible membership options that let you test the waters. Want to work three days this week and take a long weekend? You got it. Need to disappear for another mini-adventure next month? No judgment here.

3. Quiet focus pods. After months of freedom, jumping straight back into open office chaos might send you running for the hills. Look for spaces with quiet zones and private pods where you can ease back into deep work mode. 

4. Creative spaces that inspire. Your mini-retirement probably awakened some creative muscles you forgot you had. Why work in a beige box when you could be in a space with natural light, inspiring design, and areas specifically built for brainstorming? Your ideas deserve better than a windowless conference room.

5. Community of like-minded rebels. The most valuable thing about freelance workspace Singapore options? The people. You'll find others who've taken career risks, chosen flexibility over security, and understand that success looks different for everyone. These are your people—the ones who get why you took that break in the first place.

Read more: The best coworking spaces in Singapore offering day passes (2025 guide)

Five workbuddy spaces perfect for your reentry

Ready to put theory into practice? Here are five standout coworking spaces available through the workbuddy app that are perfect for your post-sabbatical comeback:

1. The Hive Carpenter – This 6-floor CBD coworking space offers everything from hot desks to private offices, plus a rooftop café with stunning Marina Bay views. The Hive hosts regular social and networking events like Thursday Social, making it ideal for rebuilding your professional network while easing back into the work groove.

2. The Work Boulevard – With locations across Collyer Quay, Tanjong Pagar, and Raffles Place, this wellness-oriented space offers flexible day passes from S$30 and monthly memberships from S$300. Perfect for testing the waters without committing to long-term contracts while you figure out your next move.

3. JustCo – With multiple locations across Singapore, JustCo’s community-focused approach and professional amenities make it perfect for freelancers and entrepreneurs testing new ventures.

4. Crane Joo Chiat – A community hub as much as a coworking space, Crane blends lifestyle, wellness, and work. Great for creatives or those easing into work-life balance gently, especially after a break spent reflecting and realigning.

5. The Co. Duxton – Nestled in a charming shophouse in one of Singapore’s most culturally alluring neighbourhoods, this comfortable and inviting space offers both live and virtual events, making it perfect for rebuilding your professional network while working in an environment that feels inspiring. 

Each of these spaces offers day passes and flexible membership options through the workbuddy app, so you can try before you commit and find your perfect post-sabbatical setup.

Read more: Coworking spaces with podcast studios for content creators

Coworking, remagined for the way you work now

Taking time off doesn’t mean falling behind. In fact, many return from mini-retirements more energised, creative, and aligned with what they actually want from work. Whether you’re diving into freelance life or rebooting your career, coworking gives you the tools and environment to thrive on your own terms.

With workbuddy, it’s easy to tap into a network of 50+ top coworking spaces across Singapore, starting from SGD129/month, whenever and wherever you need them. Because reentry shouldn’t feel like a crash landing. It should feel like a fresh start.

Ready to make your post-sabbatical dreams a reality? Let's make your workday something to look forward to again. Enjoy a free one-week trial on us.