In a world where career paths are being redrawn and the digital revolution is shaping the very fabric of daily life, two new reports—one from HSBC and another focused on educational trends—paint a vivid picture of how work, learning, and life are rapidly evolving for today’s and tomorrow’s generations.
The HSBC Quality of Life: Affluent Investor Snapshot, released on September 21, 2025, surveyed over 10,000 adults from the global middle class across 12 markets. Its findings reveal a striking trend: a growing number of people are intentionally taking "temporary retirements"—planned career breaks to reset, innovate, or simply enjoy life. The report highlights that nearly half (49%) of those considering such breaks plan to take two to three of them over the course of their careers, with each break typically lasting between six and twelve months. The ideal age for the first temporary retirement? Forty-seven, according to the survey.
This isn’t just a passing fancy limited to one age group. The desire for these breaks spans generations, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge—each aspiring to an average of three temporary retirements in their lifetimes. Gen X and Baby Boomers are not far behind, with averages of 2.9 and 2.8 breaks, respectively. The concept is cyclical: work, pause, reset, and repeat, potentially every six years.
Dr. Cora Pettipas, a Financial Planning and Retirement expert at HSBC, summed up the shift, saying, "The data shows that having multiple temporary retirements is not a generational fad or just a typical career break. These breaks represent a mindset shift, where more people are taking time to enjoy life rather than simply accumulating assets." Her comments, reported by HSBC, reflect a broader rethinking of what it means to live well and work meaningfully in the 21st century.
And the benefits, it seems, are tangible. An overwhelming 87% of those who have taken multiple temporary retirements believe these breaks have improved their overall quality of life. Gen Z, in particular, stands out for its confidence in planning for such breaks: 77% report being well-prepared, having carefully assessed their finances and mapped out concrete plans for re-entering the workforce. Millennials are close behind at 76%, followed by Baby Boomers at 73% and Gen X at 70%.
But taking time off doesn’t come cheap. Most respondents (40%) expect to spend up to $100,000 per temporary retirement, with some budgeting even more. The global average for preparation and investment in these breaks sits at a hefty $339,800, underscoring the seriousness and commitment behind the trend.
How do people fund these sabbaticals? The answer varies by generation. Gen Z is pioneering new income streams, with 31% turning to entrepreneurship and another 31% leveraging digital or social media products. They’re not just saving—they’re building businesses and exploring side hustles. Millennials (49%), Gen X (53%), and Baby Boomers (49%) tend to rely more on personal savings, though Baby Boomers also tap into pensions or retirement accounts (37%).
Dr. Pettipas emphasized the importance of having robust financial guidance, stating, "With more retirement paths and lifestyle choices to select from, people need a global financial service partner to accompany and confidently guide them through life’s big decisions." For many, navigating these new waters means seeking out expert advice to ensure their plans are not only ambitious but also sustainable.
While adults are reimagining the rhythm of work and rest, a new generation is preparing to step into a world that looks nothing like that of their parents. Gen Alpha—those born after 2010—are entering adolescence as true digital natives. Technology isn’t just a tool for them; it’s an intrinsic part of their everyday experience. As Gen Alpha approaches university age and the workforce, their educational and career choices are poised to diverge sharply from those of previous generations.
According to a September 22, 2025, article analyzing future academic trends, parents and educators should take note of seven fields expected to dominate the next decade. At the top of the list is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science. As AI transforms industries from healthcare to finance and the arts, skills in programming, analysis, and the ability to integrate technology with social solutions will be essential for Gen Alpha. They’re growing up alongside smart robots, autonomous vehicles, and ubiquitous digital assistants—making AI literacy a basic skill.
Green Technology and Sustainable Energy are also front and center. With climate change accelerating, careers in renewable energy, environmental engineering, and green tech are set to become critical. Gen Alpha may well be the generation that shoulders the responsibility of transitioning to a low-carbon economy, with roles like green energy engineers and environmental technologists taking on new importance.
Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering are booming as well. As human lifespans increase and personalized healthcare becomes the norm, fields such as biotech, biomedical engineering, and digital health technology are expected to flourish. Opportunities will abound in gene editing, smart drug production, and the integration of AI into medical devices—areas that touch on humanity’s age-old quest for longer, healthier, and happier lives.
Yet, the challenges of a hyper-connected world aren’t limited to physical health. Neuroscience and Mental Health are emerging as vital disciplines, as Gen Alpha faces unique psychological pressures from social media, gaming, and virtual reality. The demand for experts who understand both human behavior and technology will only grow.
Creativity, too, is getting a digital upgrade. The Creative Economy and Digital Content sectors are predicted to thrive, with Gen Alpha’s early exposure to video, 3D animation, gaming, and content creation platforms fostering a culture of innovation. New careers—think Metaverse architects, AI artists, and virtual world designers—are already on the horizon.
But as digital assets and personal data become ever more valuable, Cybersecurity and Technology Law will be indispensable. Protecting society in the digital age will require a new cadre of cybersecurity experts, tech lawyers, and digital policy advisors to ensure safety, fairness, and transparency.
Perhaps most tellingly, Gen Alpha is expected to embrace Multidisciplinary Studies. Rather than sticking to a single field, they’ll combine disciplines—melding technology with the humanities, science with art. Imagine virtual doctors born from the fusion of AI and medicine, or personalized drugs created at the intersection of biology and digital technology. The ability to adapt, learn continuously, and think flexibly will be their greatest asset.
As the world spins faster and the boundaries between work, learning, and leisure blur, one thing is clear: people are no longer content to follow a single, linear path. Whether it’s adults carving out space for multiple sabbaticals or Gen Alpha preparing for careers that don’t yet exist, the future belongs to those who can pause, pivot, and pursue life with intention and adaptability.
