Gen Z Is Taking ‘Adult Gap Years’ to Recover From Burnout Instead of Waiting for Retirement

Get unlimited access to everything VICE has to offer.

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

4 Magazines Delivered to Your Door

Gen Z Is Taking ‘Adult Gap Years’ to Recover From Burnout Instead of Waiting for Retirement

Young workers are stepping away from hustle culture to travel, rest, move home, or figure out what they actually want.

Share on X (Opens in new window)X

Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook

Share using Native toolsShareCopied to clipboard

Apparently, Gen Zers are now taking “adult gap years” to address their burnout from hustle culture. Honestly, as a Millennial workaholic, I wish I’d thought of this early in my career. 

Anyway, many adults are tired of the relentless 9-to-5 work that barely even covers rent and basic necessities. As a result, they’re taking time off work to travel, learn new skills, regulate their nervous systems, or even move back in with their parents.

What Is an Adult Gap Year?

An adult gap year is essentially a “mini retirement” that allows young adults a break from work. Much like a teen might take a year or two off from school before college or further education, an adult worker might take a gap year off from hustling in their career.

The allure of an adult gap year is the freedom and mental break it offers. Many people........

© Vice