India, June 22 -- The mainstream hustle culture commonly depicts a career as strictly linear, if not full-time, then at least freelance, always on, always producing something. The concept of breaks clashes with the expected ambitious drive, and in the end, typically gets dismissed as laziness. But there's a growing trend where young professionals are turning the tide, embracing the career gap with acceptance rather than insecurity. These 'breaks' are no longer viewed as setbacks but rather as a strategic means to personal growth. This trend is 'micro-retirement' and it transforms hustle to hiatus for young professionals to find purpose and renewed vigour.

Peter Duris, CEO and Co-founder of AI career app Kickresume, shared with HT lifesty...