Retirement can be risky - if you don’t plan for it
Almost 1 in 2 recent retirees say the transition was harder than expected, with many reporting feelings of disconnection, boredom, and uncertainty. And for many women, especially those whose identity was closely tied to their work, over 40% experience a sense of lost identity after leaving their careers.
Only 34% of women feel prepared for retirement – and 62% of women who have already retired say they wish they’d started planning earlier. Without support and intention, it’s easy to feel adrift in this next chapter – and that can take a serious toll on wellbeing.
Social circles can shrink by more than 50% within five years – unless you actively build new communities and find meaningful ways to connect. Research shows that depression rates can increase by up to 20% in the first year, particularly for women without a strong sense of purpose or connection. People without a clear plan for how they’ll spend their time are more likely to experience anxiety and report lower life satisfaction.
And it’s not just emotional – those who don’t plan for a structured, active post-work life can experience more rapid declines in both physical and cognitive health.
That’s why Retirement by Design exists – to help you avoid the drift, protect your wellbeing, and confidently shape a chapter filled with purpose, joy and connection.
Meet your future self
Imagine you've just finished Retirement by Design. You have a clear vision for your retirement - one that excites you. After 8 weeks together you’ll have:
- A personalised blueprint for your next chapter – Three distinct Future Chapters that map out real, tangible options for your retirement.
- A deeper understanding of what brings you joy – Practical tools to identify the experiences, people, and activities that energise you.
- A mindset shift from uncertainty to possibility – Learn how to approach retirement with curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
- A supportive network of like-minded women – You won’t be doing this alone. You'll connect with others who are designing their next chapter too.
- Clear next steps – No more overthinking or waiting for the ‘right time.’ You’ll leave with practical actions to bring your vision to life.
How to join us
Flexible payment options to meet you where you are
Retirement by Design - Spring Cohort weekly journey
For the Spring Cohort, we'll come together on Mondays at 6:30PM for a one hour live session.
Each week, explore fresh ideas for crafting a retirement that reflects your vision.
We'll combine these live online sessions with personalised, 1:1 accountability calls and (optional) in-person gatherings for those based in Melbourne, because we believe that women do better together.
If you're unable to join us in August, please email [email protected] to register your interest for a future program.
Week 1
August 4
Start where you are today (60 mins)
Participants will use the Priority Tracker and the Core Compass to assess their current situation and identify areas for focus.
Week 2
August 11
Integration and reflection - setting the foundations (60 mins)
Group reflection and discussion of insights, followed by a 1:1 accountability call with The Main Act team to discuss personal retirement desires and fears.
Week 3
August 18
The art of Wayfinding (60 mins)
Participants will use the Life Log to identify activities and experiences that bring them energy and fulfillment.
Week 4
August 25
Integration and reflection - mining the Life Log (60 mins)
Group reflection and sharing of The Life Log followed by a 1:1 accountability call with The Main Act team to discuss personal insights and next steps.
Week 5
September 1
The power of what if - thinking big (60 mins)
Participants will use mind mapping and ideation exercises to explore possibilities for their retirement.
Week 6
September 8
Integration and reflection - endless possibilities (60 mins)
Group reflection and evaluation of possibilities, followed by a 1:1 accountability call with The Main Act team to discuss personal values and priorities.
Week 7
September 15
Your next chapter - crafting your Future Chapters (60 mins)
Participants will create three Future Chapters to design multiple possible futures for their retirement.
Week 8
September 22
Reflection and celebration – sharing your vision and looking ahead (60 mins)
Group reflection and celebration, sharing of Future Chapters, feedback and final farewells.
What’s included in your journey
Weekly live online sessions
Join us every Tuesday for live sessions where we dive into key topics, share insights, and provide tools to help you thrive.
Complimentary coaching
Receive complimentary 1:1 coaching to personalise your retirement journey and bring your vision to life.
Community support
Enhance your learning by connecting with like-minded women in The Main Act community. Share progress, exchange ideas, and celebrate wins together.
In person gatherings
We believe in the magic of being together in person. At the opening and closing of the program we will host live events in Melbourne offering connection, inspiration, and shared moments, bringing your Retirement by design journey to life.
Practical tools & frameworks
Learn life-changing strategies from proven methodologies, including life design principles, goal setting, mindset shifts, rituals, and personal alignment techniques.
Flexible learning
Access course materials at your convenience and move at a pace that fits your lifestyle, with support available whenever you need it.
Want to discover if Retirement by Design is right for you?
Book a free discovery call to learn more about the program and discover how to reimagine retirement as your most fulfilling chapter yet.
BOOK A FREE DISCOVERY CALL
It's time to put yourself first. Don't let retirement happen to you. Take control, dream big, and design a life you are excited to wake up to.
Newsletter
Inspiration and insights to ignite your next chapter.