Mini Retirement at Age 46?

 

About half of affluent Malaysians plan mini retirements of one to two years, with 53% eyeing two or three such breaks starting around age 46, according to HSBC's quality of life survey. The survey polled 10,797 affluent investors aged 21 to 69 across 12 markets, with investable assets of US$100,000 to US$2 million (RM420,800 to RM8.42 million). 

The survey found that affluent Malaysians also intend to take mini retirements — extended career breaks taken to travel, pursue hobbies or spend time with family — once every seven years throughout their careers. It is an intentional pause that differs from a sabbatical, as it typically lasts longer (between six and 12 months on average) and can lead to significant life changes such as a new career path.

 

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They expect to spend an average of US$309,000 (RM1.3 million) on a mini retirement — below the global average of US$339,800 but higher than in Australia (US$299,000) and Taiwan (US$233,000), said HSBC Malaysia. This represents about 31% of their traditional retirement savings, a smaller ratio compared with markets such as India (93%), Indonesia (52%), United Arab Emirates (37%) and China (34%). 

In Malaysia, 77% of respondents believe taking a mini retirement improves their quality of life, with top motivations being spending quality time with family (40%), focusing on personal well-being (36%), and travelling without constraints (29%). 

Among the key concerns of the respondents are financial security (42% of respondents), family responsibilities (33%) and potential career setbacks (31%).  Nevertheless, 71% expressed confidence in their financial readiness, with personal savings (55%), dividends and capital gains (52%), and rental income (36%) as their primary funding sources. The survey also found that about 61% of Malaysians prefer to take their mini retirements locally, though Singapore (31%), Japan (25%) and Australia (21%) ranked as the top overseas destinations. 

The perspective of this age group (in mid-40s) is quality of life rather than “gathering” for eventual retirement. The difference is perhaps also courage to take a break in mid-stream of a promising career, unless of course you have taken VSS. 

Reference:

Half of wealthy Malaysians plan mini retirements by age 46 — HSBC survey, Anis Hazim, theedgemalaysia.com, 30 September 2025