The stress caused by a work-obsessed culture is leading Gen Z to take gap years and even quit their jobs.
A growing number of millennials and Gen Z are abandoning traditional careers in search of a healthier work-life balancedriving the emergence of so-called “gap years” (sabbatical years) and “mini-retirements”, as levels of professional burnout continue to increase among younger generations.
Previously associated primarily with students taking time out between studies and work, gap years are being rethought by professionals seeking relief from the pressures of business culturelong working hours and economic uncertainty. Many are leaving stable jobs, reducing their standard of living and using their savings to take extended breaks from full-time work.
Among them is Julia Feia 29-year-old former data scientist who recently left her high-paying tech job in New York with no other position lined up. After years of working in the dynamic technology sector, Fei said she felt increasingly exhausted by the pace of change, particularly the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.
“There is lots of changes happening with AI and technology movement,” he told , explaining that he wanted to pursue more personal and creative goals. Fei spent several years saving money before quitting his job and temporarily moving to Guangzhou, China, where his retired parents live.
By subletting his apartment in New York and living with his family, he was able to significantly reduce your expenses while exploring new opportunities, including developing your own technology product and creating online content.
Despite the freedom, Fei admitted that the transition was not easy due to the difficulty of dealing with the loss of routine and the uncertainty that comes with leaving a stable career.
Financial experts say this growing trend reflects broader dissatisfaction among younger workers. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 74% of Gen Z and millennials report moderate to high levels of burnout. On social media platforms like TikTok, the hashtag #adultgapyear has gained traction, with users sharing frustrations with the “rush culture” and to discuss alternative approaches to work and life.
Another example is Tammy Armstrong, a 31-year-old former medical secretary from Scotland who left his ten-year career for feeling stuck in a repetitive routine. Since beginning his sabbatical in 2025, Armstrong has traveled while working temporary jobs and volunteering abroad.
Although I faced anxiety about finances and the fear of being “behind” in lifeArmstrong says the experience helped her rethink traditional ideas of success.
“I wanted to feel free again. There are other options in life besides the traditional path. Life is not guaranteed and working hard all your life with the aim of eventually enjoying it in retirement is also not guaranteed”, he says.
