Study also found a startling 65% of Gen X do not know which retirement savings are subject to taxes during retirement

A growing number of Americans are rethinking the traditional career path and exploring the idea of a "mini retirement" — an extended break from work to pursue personal goals, travel, or focus on wellbeing.

Yet despite widespread interest, new research from MassMutual finds that financial concerns remain the biggest obstacle standing in the way with 72% worrying that taking a mini retirement would damage their retirement security at a time when a surprising 65% of Gen X report not knowing which retirement savings are subject to taxes during retirement.

The MassMutual Mini Retirement Pulse Check, conducted by PSB Insights among 2,396 U.S. adults, found that while only 15% of Americans have actually taken a mini retirement, another 11% have considered one, and 23% say they may consider taking one in the future. Interest is particularly strong among younger generations, with 40% of Gen Z respondents who have not yet considered a mini retirement saying they may do so in the future, compared to 28% of Millennials and 22% of Gen X.

"The concept of a mini retirement reflects a broader shift in how Americans think about work, wellbeing, and financial resilience," said Vaughn Bowman, CFA, head of wealth management, MassMutual. "People increasingly want flexibility to pursue life experiences rather than waiting until traditional retirement. The challenge is finding a path that balances those goals with long-term financial security."

TOP QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Is a mini retirement worth it?

Among non-retired Americans who have experienced a mini retirement, nine in 10 (90%) say they would be likely to take another mini retirement in the future if finances were not a concern. By comparison, 60% of non-retired Americans say they would be likely to take a mini retirement if money were not a factor.

"The data suggests that many Americans who take extended time away from work find meaningful value in the experience," Bowman said. "The question is not whether people see the appeal, but whether they feel financially prepared to make it possible."

Can I actually afford to take a mini retirement?

While interest in mini retirements spans generations, finances remain the primary reason Americans are not pursuing one.

Six in 10 (60%) non-retired Americans cite a financial obstacle as the main reason they have not taken a mini retirement. The most common concerns include:

• lack of savings (48%)
• impact on long-term financial goals (29%)
• job security concerns (28%)

Among non-retired respondents, 34% say insufficient savings is the top barrier preventing them from taking a mini retirement, followed by fear of losing steady income (23%).

Will taking time off hurt my retirement readiness?

Many view mini retirements through the lens of long-term financial tradeoffs.

Nearly three-quarters (72%) of non-retired Americans say taking a mini retirement would raise concerns about their future retirement savings. Gen X respondents expressed the greatest level of serious concern, with 43% of Gen X saying they would have major worries about the impact on their retirement savings.

"Americans are understandably weighing the benefits of taking time off today against their goals for tomorrow," Bowman said. "A well-constructed financial plan can help people evaluate those tradeoffs and understand what may be possible without compromising their long-term objectives. A plan will also be able to help people strengthen their financial position in the face of market volatility and tax implications.”

How much savings is enough to take a mini retirement?

Financial readiness plays a central role in people's willingness to take a mini retirement.

More than two in five (42%) non-retired Americans say they would need at least $50,000 in savings before feeling comfortable taking an extended break from work.

Younger generations appear somewhat more willing to accept financial uncertainty. One in five (20%) Gen Z respondents say they would feel comfortable taking a mini retirement with less than $5,000 in savings.

"Whether your goal is a traditional retirement, a career break, or greater flexibility throughout life, planning ahead financially remains the foundation," Bowman concluded. "The more confidence people have in their financial plans, the more flexibility and options they may have, and a financial professional can help map out a plan to help meet current and future aspirations.”

About the MassMutual Mini Retirement Pulse Check

The MassMutual Mini Retirement Pulse Check was conducted online by PSB Insights from May 13-15, 2026, among 2,396 Americans age 18 and older. Results were weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population.

About MassMutual (Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company)

For 175 years, MassMutual has stood beside generations through life’s defining moments, guided by a clear, enduring purpose: We help people secure their future and protect the ones they love. What began in 1851 as a bold idea rooted in neighbors helping neighbors has grown into one of America’s largest mutual life insurance companies, serving more than four million customers¹ with over $1 trillion in life insurance in force¹ and $584 billion in assets under management, ² all built on a foundation of more than $34 billion in capital strength. ³

MassMutual offers a broad range of products and services across protection, accumulation, wealth management, and retirement income, including annuities through our leading annuity provider, MassMutual Ascend. These solutions reach people through our expansive distribution, which is anchored by our dedicated network of affiliated financial professionals. For nearly two centuries, our offerings have helped people build, protect, and pass on what means the most to them. Through eras of extraordinary change, we have honored our commitments, paying upwards of $70 billion in insurance and annuity benefits over the past decade. ⁴

MassMutual is strengthened by a diversified portfolio of strategic businesses and investments – including Barings, our global alternative asset management subsidiary – which enables us to deliver greater long-term value to our policyowners. MassMutual has a longstanding, successful approach to bringing together deep life insurance expertise and advanced asset management capabilities, which put us at the forefront of this trend and helped pioneer growth beyond traditional industry boundaries. Through Barings, we have robust asset origination capabilities that have helped us achieve exceptional long-term performance for our policyowners.

Through it all, our scale provides strength; our mutuality provides alignment; and our purpose ensures we do not lose sight of who we serve. To learn more, visit massmutual.com.

¹ As of December 31, 2025

² Assets Under Management (AUM) include assets and certain external investment funds managed by MassMutual subsidiaries, including Barings and MassMutual Ascend, as of December 31, 2025

³ Capital strength refers to the company’s Total Adjusted Capital, as of December 31, 2025, as reported in statutory filings. Please refer to MassMutual’s Annual Report, https://www.massmutual.com/global/media/shared/doc/financial-documents/annual-reports/2025_annual_report.pdf

⁴ 2016-2025

MM202909-317339

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"Whether your goal is a traditional retirement, a career break, or greater flexibility throughout life, planning ahead financially remains the foundation," said Vaughn Bowman, CFA, head of wealth management, MassMutual.