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Are you stuck in a job that leaves you feeling burnt out, exhausted, or uninspired? Or maybe you have a boss who micromanages you. You’ve probably thought about finding a new job—but what if you quit your job before landing another one?
Garrett McLaughlin, 27, recently quit his job as software engineer without another one lined up because he was feeling burnt out.
“I had spent four years [at my last job]. I was remote the whole time, so I was just spending a ton of time in my apartment staring at the screen all day, and I was pretty burnt out,” said McLaughlin. “I thought, ‘I have to take a break and stop staring at the screen’.”
Key Takeaways
- A micro-retirement can be an opportunity to recharge and rest, if you can afford to go without a paycheck or benefits for several months.
- Experts say it’s typically easier to land a job while you’re still employed, and that it can be risky to quit when the labor market is weak.
- Before you resign, research the labor market for your industry and reflect on your goals. Make sure your decision aligns with your budget and career path.
To Quit or Not to Quit?
For some people, a micro-retirement, or a career break lasting a few months, can offer time to reset and recharge before they return to the workforce. But it can be costly. Without an income or employer-sponsored benefits, you’ll need to budget carefully for living expenses, health insurance, and more.
Experts say it’s important to weigh your financial and personal motivations against current labor market conditions before making the leap.
Chris Martin, a lead researcher at Glassdoor, says that there are a few risks people should be aware of when determining whether to quit their job completely or job hunt while they’re still employed.
He notes that it’s generally easier to find work when you’re already employed and that a weak labor market can make it more challenging to land a job.
“If you have a job, it’s easier to find another job—you’re in a position of stability, and you can leverage your current position to negotiate salary or titles. It’s more difficult if you’re starting from a place of really needing a job,” said Martin. “Then the big risk is how long it’s going to take for you to get the job you want when you’re ready to return.”
McLaughlin started job hunting immediately after he quit his job. One month in, he’s already completed two interviews, but he’s saved enough to have a financial runaway lasting a few months.
“I’m pretty frugal. The only real expense that I have is rent,” said McLaughlin. “Even if I don’t work for six months, I could survive, and I don’t think that I won’t have a job for that long.”
Why the Job Market Matters
Martin suggests that people consider the job market for their particular profession, rather than look at the labor market as a whole.
“There’s not a single labor market, so if you’re a nurse, the risk of remaining unemployed for a long time is not the same as if you’re, say like a wildlife biologist in 2025,” said Martin. “Do your research on what the current labor market [could] look like for you, given your profession, job level, and experience. You could find that the labor market is relatively resilient, or you could find that you’re in a weakening market, and it’s going to be really risky for you to leave.”
Can You Afford It?
Priya Rathod, a career expert at Indeed, says that ultimately, whether you’re able to take a micro-retirement depends on whether you can afford it or not.
“You have to understand your financial safety net. Our experts typically suggest three to six months of living expenses. Then you want to think about your whole portfolio: health benefits, retirement contributions, and other things you might lose when you’re no longer employed,” said Rathod.
She suggests that people think beyond finances too by figuring out what they want out of a micro-retirement, whether that’s a career pivot, a better workplace culture, or a time to recover from burnout. She also recommends starting to network before you quit your job, so you can see what other opportunities are available before you leave.
“A lot of people do feel conflicted about making this decision, but workers should really think about why they’re leaving and what they want,” said Rathod.
The Bottom Line
The decision of whether to quit your job to take a micro-retirement or just to find a new role is often a deeply personal one. It’s important to take the time to reflect on what you want before taking the leap. Your choice may depend on your finances, the state of the job market, and your own goals and desires.
