Your story hit close to home... I was also laid off in 2023 (August for me), and by November, I’d taken my severance pay to Barcelona, which unexpectedly opened up a whole new life chapter. So I really connected to the way you framed your mini-retirement! What stood out to me was the contrast, since the Netherlands’ job protections gave you months to prepare, while my transition was much more abrupt. South of France sounds dreamy, and I love how you turned a layoff into a season of possibility. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Brittany! Sorry that you were laid off, but glad that you also took it as an opportunity! It sounds so corny to be like "yeah but it was the best thing that could have happened" - but I think that's often the truth :). Barcelona sounds wonderful too, I hope you are enjoying it!
Thank you! I’ve learned that everything really does happen for a reason. I’m actually in Mallorca now, contemplating my next move … so who knows, maybe a mini-retirement like yours will be part of my journey too, haha. Very inspiring, and I look forward to reading more about how you live on the move!
Thanks for sharing your story! I’m also in a mini retirement due to a post covid tech layoff and focusing on my kids and travel. Spending time in the south of France sounds amazing! Can’t wait to read more - subscribed!
We did the same thing! I can say 25 years later that it was totally the right move. People freaked out that we were getting off “the fast track,” but guess what…it’s really a circle that you can jump back on whenever. And you will be a way more interesting person for having taken your break.
Hi Becky! Thanks so much for this comment! It’s hard not to think of what the other options would have looked like so it’s helpful to hear from someone who did it 🙂
Hi, Alexandra! I've always fantasized about living in France for at least a month and I hope to make this dream come true one day. European girls have no boundaries! Thank you for the great text.
I love your story and the phrase “mini-retirement“. 😍 South of France is really the perfect place to take some rest. Let me know if you ever choose to come to Annecy or Geneva! 😊
I love this concept (& I love the south of France - currently here visiting my parents, who are in their actual retirements, and living the dream). Excited to follow along!
I could use a mini retirement. This is a great story!
Thank you :)
Your story hit close to home... I was also laid off in 2023 (August for me), and by November, I’d taken my severance pay to Barcelona, which unexpectedly opened up a whole new life chapter. So I really connected to the way you framed your mini-retirement! What stood out to me was the contrast, since the Netherlands’ job protections gave you months to prepare, while my transition was much more abrupt. South of France sounds dreamy, and I love how you turned a layoff into a season of possibility. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Brittany! Sorry that you were laid off, but glad that you also took it as an opportunity! It sounds so corny to be like "yeah but it was the best thing that could have happened" - but I think that's often the truth :). Barcelona sounds wonderful too, I hope you are enjoying it!
Thank you! I’ve learned that everything really does happen for a reason. I’m actually in Mallorca now, contemplating my next move … so who knows, maybe a mini-retirement like yours will be part of my journey too, haha. Very inspiring, and I look forward to reading more about how you live on the move!
Thanks for sharing your story! I’m also in a mini retirement due to a post covid tech layoff and focusing on my kids and travel. Spending time in the south of France sounds amazing! Can’t wait to read more - subscribed!
Thank you! The layoffs are brutal, but having more time for other endeavours is awesome
Mini-retirement…what a delicious idea!
Thanks!
We did the same thing! I can say 25 years later that it was totally the right move. People freaked out that we were getting off “the fast track,” but guess what…it’s really a circle that you can jump back on whenever. And you will be a way more interesting person for having taken your break.
Hi Becky! Thanks so much for this comment! It’s hard not to think of what the other options would have looked like so it’s helpful to hear from someone who did it 🙂
Hi, Alexandra! I've always fantasized about living in France for at least a month and I hope to make this dream come true one day. European girls have no boundaries! Thank you for the great text.
Hi!! Thanks for reading, I'm sure you can make this a reality!
Coucou Alexandra!
I love your story and the phrase “mini-retirement“. 😍 South of France is really the perfect place to take some rest. Let me know if you ever choose to come to Annecy or Geneva! 😊
Merci! Annecy looks so beautiful, I'm sure I will be visiting there soon, and Geneva as well!
Hi Alexandra! I’m so glad to meet a fellow micro-retiree here on substack! I’m excited to follow along your journey 💕💕
Great to meet you, Ingrid! Awesome to find another micro-reitree on here, I can't wait to check out some of your work
Thank you Alexandra ♥︎ Would love to know what you think of it. :)
Bravo and good luck. Enjoy the Banon!
Thank you!
Brave move, but sounds quite aligned. Opting to choose for what feels right for you 'right now'. Looking forward to seeing what's next for you.
Thank you so much! Who knows, maybe I'll be back to regular work in a year but I'm excited to at least take some time for myself :)
I love this concept (& I love the south of France - currently here visiting my parents, who are in their actual retirements, and living the dream). Excited to follow along!
Thanks so much! It's such a nice place, and this is the perfect time to be here! Thanks for the follow and enjoy your trip!
So good to meet you here, Alexandra. Mini-retirement is the perfect way to capture what you’re doing — bold, intentional, and full of possibility.
I’m sure you’ll gain traction quickly on Substack and beyond. Excited to follow along with you, your husband, and of course Bindi. 🩵
Great to meet you as well! Thank you for the nice words :)
Hi Alexandra!! Love the concept of a mini retirement! Also, nice meeting you. Looking forward to connect and read your stories!
Hi Stina! Thank you, so nice to meet you as well and I'm really enjoying your posts about Cairo!