In cities like Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh, where career growth is viewed as a long-term vision backed by a strategic plan to progress, a new trend is emerging: the career break. This is a conscious, strategic pause.

Micro‑retirement, intentional breaks from a few months to a year, is becoming increasingly common among Gen Z and millennial professionals in the GCC. Unlike the traditional model of work hard, save well, and retire late, this shift favors a more cyclical approach to career and well-being: work hard, pause, recalibrate, repeat.

“For decades, career breaks were career killers,” says Anne Jackson, Founder of One Life Coaching Middle East. “A gap on your CV meant lost momentum, outdated skills, and missed promotions. But in high-performance cities like Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh, the most forward-thinking professionals are doing something radical: they’re deliberately building in those gaps—not as a sign of failure, but as a competitive advantage.”

GEN Z, MILLENNIALS, AND THE BURNOUT RECKONING

Shaped by years of global volatility, digital acceleration, and mental health awakening, many have started to rethink work’s place in their lives. They are no longer aiming to endure decades of unfulfilling work just for the promise of eventual rest—they’re reclaiming rest now, mid-career, and on their terms.

Nicki Wilson, Managing Director at Genie, a Dubai-based recruitment firm, says the trend began to crystallize in 2021 and has rapidly gained momentum. “In the last 18 to 24 months, we’ve seen a notable rise in candidates returning to full-time roles after freelancing, traveling, spending time with family, or simply taking a break,” she says. “There was a lot of post-COVID reflection around what matters, and for many, that meant rethinking their career paths.”

According to Wilson, even early-career professionals are embracing the pause. “Gen Z, even those just starting out, have absorbed this shift through social media and the experiences of older professionals. Conversations around burnout and flexibility are no longer limited to senior levels.”

NOT A RETREAT, BUT A RESET

These career pauses, whether used to travel, study for a coaching certification, or reconnect with family, are not about checking out. “They’re about checking in on your skills, goals, and life,” says Jackson. “In a world where creativity, adaptability, and mental stamina matter more than clocking endless hours, that break in your CV might be the most valuable line.”

The GCC is uniquely positioned for this trend to thrive. With tax-free income, short-term job contracts, transient expat communities, and proximity to popular wellness and retreat destinations, professionals have more flexibility and incentive to step away temporarily.

Wilson says, “Many operate on two-to three-year cycles, which naturally create space for reassessment. The lifestyle is fast-paced but transient, so taking a few months off between roles is becoming more accepted, especially in the private sector.”

THE EXPAT FACTOR

“For expats far from their home countries and support systems, micro-retirement can serve a dual purpose: a chance to recharge and to reconnect,” says Jackson. “In the Gulf, where many live in transient communities, these breaks can help people step back, reassess their priorities, and return with renewed commitment—or pivot entirely.”

She also notes that geography is no longer a limitation. “The internet has removed traditional borders. A break no longer means falling behind—you can learn, network, and upskill from anywhere.”

THE EMPLOYER PERSPECTIVE

What’s changing isn’t just the desire to pause, but how these breaks are perceived by employers. “Historically, a gap in your CV was a red flag,” Jackson explains. “Today, in many industries, it’s seen as a sign of self-awareness and strategic career management. The stigma isn’t gone but fading—especially in sectors prioritizing innovation over tradition.”

According to Wilson, more employers are approaching breaks with curiosity. “If someone owns their story and can articulate what they learned, it often positions them as more self-aware and adaptable.”

However, she advises that candidates stay professionally engaged during their time out. “In our community group, Club.Genie, we’ve seen some candidates struggle to re-enter the workforce—not because they took time off, but because they lost touch with the market. Keeping in contact with former colleagues, mentors, or recruiters during a break can make a difference.”

A SHARPER, MORE PURPOSEFUL RETURN

The return from a micro-retirement is rarely just a continuation; it’s often a pivot. “When people come back from a micro-retirement, I rarely see them simply pick up where they left off,” says Jackson. “Many pivot industries redefine their roles or set new boundaries. Gen Z, in particular, is less interested in climbing a single corporate ladder and more focused on designing work that aligns with evolving interests and values.”

Citing an example, Wilson says, “A candidate with a traditional FMCG marketing background took a year off to become a yoga instructor. She landed a senior marketing role with a wellness brand because she brought corporate rigor and an authentic wellness lens. That experience actually made her more competitive.”

WHY THE FUTURE BELONGS TO CAREER CYCLERS

Experts agree that the linear model of work-then-retire is being replaced by something far more sustainable, intentional career cycles. “The new rhythm is: work hard, pause, reframe, repeat,” says Jackson. “It’s more sustainable, less prone to burnout, and potentially more lucrative in the long term.”

But for this rhythm to work, it has to be proactive, not reactive. “The challenge is making sure micro-retirements aren’t simply the emergency brake after burnout,” Jackson says, “but a thoughtful, intentional choice.”

Taking a break doesn’t mean a person lacks ambition, says Wilson. “In many cases, it shows maturity and the ability to self-regulate. That’s a skill many people lack in a world of instant gratification.”

Although micro-retirement is still largely out of reach for those in lower-paying occupations or those with financial obligations, the workforce is clearly being reshaped, prioritizing personal satisfaction over the outdated retirement model.

“We spend roughly 80,000 hours of our lives at work,” Jackson says. “If you’re going to invest that time, why not ensure it’s in something you enjoy?”