For most people, walking away from a high-paying job at one of the world’s biggest tech firms might sound unthinkable. But for 37-year-old Florence Poirel, who was earning nearly $390,000 annually at Google’s Zurich office, the decision to quit was about time — not money.

Eighteen months ago, Poirel stepped away from her career to take what she calls a “mini retirement.” With $1.5 million saved and invested by early 2024, she had built enough of a cushion to cover her expenses for at least a year and a half. Now, more than 18 months later, she admits she hasn’t once felt bored. Her days are filled with reading, swimming in Lake Zurich, and travelling with her partner to destinations such as Brazil and Australia .

“I thought I would get bored very easily. But it’s been a year and a ha

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