David, 60, had done the “full-time work thing” for a long time. 

Same routine. Same commute. Same five-day grind. 

And while he wasn’t ready to stop working completely, he started noticing something: he didn’t want more holidays… he just wanted Mondays back. 

So he started wondering: 

Is there a way to ease into retirement without just switching work off overnight? 

That’s when he looked into a Transition to Retirement (TTR) strategy. 

A small change that made a big difference 

David didn’t make a dramatic exit from the workforce. Instead, he made a simple shift, he moved down to four days a week. 

That one change gave him something he hadn’t had in years: a regular weekday just for himself. 

To make it work financially, David set up a TTR income stream. This meant he could access some of his super while still working, helping top up his reduced salary. 

In practice, it meant: 

• He worked fewer hours each week  
• His overall income stayed much more comfortable than expected  
• He didn’t have to dip into savings or dramatically change his lifestyle  

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What life looks like now 

A few months in, David says the change felt less like “retirement planning” and more like “getting his time back”. 

His new routine isn’t flashy, but that’s kind of the point. 

• Mondays are now for golf (and sometimes doing absolutely nothing) 
• Midweek feels less rushed, because there’s one less workday to juggle  
• Weekends don’t feel like recovery time anymore  
• Work is still there, just not dominating everything  

And importantly, he didn’t feel like he had to make a “final decision” about retirement. 

Instead, he eased into it. 

Who this kind of transition could work for? 

A Transition to Retirement strategy might suit you if you’re: 

• Thinking about reducing your work hours  
• Wanting more balance before fully retiring  
• Looking for a way to ease into the next stage of life without a sudden income drop  
• Boost your retirement savings in the lead up to retirement 

Of course, everyone’s situation is different, and TTR isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s important to understand how it could affect your long-term retirement savings and overall goals. 

That’s why many people choose to get guidance before starting. 

Exploring TTR with CareSuper 

If you’re considering easing into retirement, our super experts are here to help you understand your options and what a TTR strategy could look like for you. 

Give us a call on 1800 005 166 or book a call back at a time that suits you. 

Find out more 

Read the Transition to Retirement PDS 

Book a call back

This example is for illustrative purposes only and is based on a hypothetical scenario. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Outcomes will vary depending on individual circumstances. You should consider whether this approach is appropriate for you and seek financial advice where appropriate. Before making a decision about CareSuper, you should consider if this information is right for you and read our Product disclosure statement, Target market determination and Financial services guide. These are available at caresuper.com.au/pds or by calling 1800 005 166. 

CareSuper Advice is a financial advice service available to CareSuper members through CareSuper Advice Pty Ltd, ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL No. 284443 which is licensed to provide financial advice services and deal in financial products. CareSuper Advice Pty Ltd is a wholly owned company of CareSuper (Secretariat Co) Pty Ltd ABN 29 104 826 413, a related entity of CareSuper Pty Ltd ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL No. 238718 (Trustee) which is the trustee of CareSuper ABN 74 559 365 913 (Fund). 
 

Information correct as at 6 August 2026.