Are you ready for Your Main Act?
Don’t miss our next, free live session: Your Main Act - November 11 @ 6:30PM AEDT. Explore what a meaningful next chapter could look like for you.
REGISTER FOR YOUR MAIN ACT
Ready to join our next cohort?
Our October 2025 cohort is now underway. The next Retirement by Design program will open in early 2026. Join the waitlist to be first to know and secure your spot.
Every woman who’s completed Retirement by Design has rated it 4 or above out of 5.
“I gradually began to view retirement in an entirely new light. I learned a great deal about myself - my values, my interests, and how to align them with the life I want to create. I feel excited and inspired now, with tools I can draw on when I need them.”
- Sue
Autumn Cohort 2025
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.
“The course wasn’t overwhelming or heavy-handed. It unfolded gently, week by week, with tools that encouraged honest reflection. Some helped me reconnect with what brings me joy and meaning. Others quietly revealed patterns and blind spots I hadn’t been able to see on my own. By the end of the course, I knew for sure... I am absolutely ready for the next stage of life. And I feel like I now have the roadmap and I am in the drivers seat."
- Jenny
Autumn Cohort 2025
Meet your future self
Imagine you’ve just completed Retirement by Design. You know what matters most to you, you have clear options for the years ahead, and you feel energised about what’s next. Over eight weeks, you will:
-
Uncover what truly matters to you by exploring the beliefs, stories, and experiences that have shaped your view of retirement - and what you want it to look like now
-
Pinpoint the people, places, and activities that give you energy using practical, proven tools to map your energisers and drainers
-
Experiment with new possibilities by designing three distinct “Future Paths” and testing the ideas that excite you most
-
Create a clear, personalised plan that aligns your energy, purpose, and lifestyle - supported by a community of women walking a similar path
-
Leave with practical next steps so you can start bringing your vision to life right away.
“I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for such a fantastic programme - one that has challenged and stretched me in all the right ways. The tools, the conversations, and the shared experiences with fellow participants have been invaluable, prompting not just a shift in mindset but some lasting behavioural change as well. I now feel equipped to build a plan that is anchored in purpose and guided by my inner voice - with fun as a key ingredient, bringing energy, engagement, and inspiration along the way."
- Sarah
Spring Cohort 2025
Retirement by Design - Your Weekly Journey
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.
Week 1
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Reflection and celebration – sharing your vision and looking ahead (60 mins)
Group reflection and celebration, sharing of Future Chapters, feedback and final farewells.
“I'm pleased I took the plunge and took part in the Retirement by Design course - so much to learn from and opening up of ideas and opportunities. It really has created a pathway and some exciting changes."
- Jess
Autumn Cohort 2025
Ready to join our next cohort?
Our October 2025 cohort is now underway. The next Retirement by Design program will open in early 2026. Join the waitlist to be first to know and secure your spot.
What’s included in your journey
Weekly live online sessions
Join us every week 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.
Newsletter
Inspiration and insights to ignite your next chapter.