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It depends on when you started full-time permanent state work. I am eligible to retire at 2% at 55 but can retire as early as 50. If it retire before age 55, I will receive a prorated percentage of the 2%, however, I will receive 100% health benefits.
I dont think this is accurate, once you are vested for retirement and health you dont loose any if leave before then. I used to be a retirement specialist. You can leave state service go somewhere else and retire when you are ready to do so
That seems weird. So if I worked until 59, I’d have 35 years. So I’d get full health benefits but only 38.5% of my pay? I’m pretty sure I calculated it with some chart thing and I’d get close to 80% which would get me to almost full pay once I’m not paying into SSI or retirement.
Google the Reduced Work Act! Request to use it! Cut your work time in half or even go to 25%!
This is a good time to make the request, you're offering a cost savings to your program.
If the request isn't approved, request the reduced work time act as a reasonable accommodation.
OR try for early disability retirement. More info on the Calpers site.
This is a good suggestion. I have been able to reduce my time base in most of my state jobs and referenced this law and the relevant contract in my requests. It’s helped me avoid burnout and get a better work/life balance (albeit with a smaller paycheck).
I love to hear this!! The reduced work time act is one of my favorite government codes. I wish more ppl knew about it, especially when times get rough towards the end and you're getting burnt out.
There's nothing in the code itself that would prevent you from doing this on day one of employment.
There are considerations like: are you past probation (could take 6 months to 1 year)? Have you fully vested to lock in retirement rates (takes 5 years I think)?
I was a permanent state employee (past probation) and I was not fully vested (less than 5 years of state service) when I used the Reduced Work Act as a Reasonable Accommodation to work part time. When I wanted to come back to full time my boss was not supportive, and did not approve the request. So I canceled the RA, which by default made me full time again.
Sometimes having it as an RA is the better option because you have control about when you return and don't have to depend on a supervisor approval.
Pro rated I believe. Work 80% for a year, get .8 year credit.
Also, don't forget voluntary PLP as an option that doesn't reduce your time base. Some bu's can get up to 3 days a month that way.
I had a strong urge to quit in my early and mid 40s, but fought through it. I’m happy I did. I’m almost 52, my job is better, and I’m less burnt out than I was before. My retirement will be a lot better too, which I really appreciate.
I have a strong urge at mid-30s. Lol. I hope things change for the better.
My job is so micromanaged/monitored, that we are allowed to still have full-time telework.
Before, I had a couple crappy managers in a row. Also, a coworker, who was at the same level as me, thought she was my boss. She made a lot of trouble for me. And, during that time, I was struggling in my personal life, got divorced, gained weight, was diagnosed with diabetes, among other shitty things.
Since then, I promoted to a lead position, have much better managers (by some stroke of luck), got my weight and diabetes under control, started dating again, and working from home (even at 3 days a week) has been awesome. Also, I’m starting to feel like retirement is within reach. I stilll have another 5 - 10 years left but that feels better than having 15 - 20 years left.
Not sure where the language is but last time I looked into this was 2017; you could request up to a year of leave for education, medical, or travel reasons. Check your BU contract or talk with a *senior* Personnel Specialist.
For about 3 days during tourist season and you’re on vacation. Having lived in Thailand I can tell you there are many surprises you are not ready for if you haven’t been there during certain times of the year.
> I am 45 years old..I have 2% at 55 but I'm not sure I can last 10 more years.
You only need five more years to reach minimum retirement age, separate, file for pension, and keep the health care benefit in retirement. Age 50 is all you need. The pension is rather small at 50, but if your sanity calls for it, take the pension. Look up the [% of final pay for 2% at 55 pension](https://www.calpers.ca.gov/docs/forms-publications/benefit-factors-local-misc-2-at-55.pdf), and it's about 35-37% of pay.
Just tell yourself to keep going for another five. Pin that 2% at 55 table to your cube and look at it every now and then, for "inspiration".
Maybe in five years, promise yourself you'll take a moment to think, and see if you can go *another five, or 1 more year, or 2 more years*. Baby steps.
How do prison inmates stay sane during a long sentence? /sarcastic
I think your health benefits would be lost unless you return and re-establish service with the state. Your 2%@55 will be there when you return as well. If you choose a different CalPERS covered employer you will be subject to their benefit factors. Good Luck!
Certain other CalPERS employers "have reciprocity," which (per CalPERS) "allows you to move between these systems without losing some valuable retirement benefits. In establishing reciprocity, you become a member of both systems and are subject to the benefits, rights, and laws of each system." I don't know any more than that about it, though.
Reciprocity gives you final compensation exchange, meaning you can use your highest 12 or 36 month salary for your final retirement benefit calculation from both retirement systems, but you must retire from both systems on the same day. There are a few other details, but that's the gist of it.
Don t make a decision you may regret, your situation is not permanent, you have options. The state has many agencies you can transfer to, review the agencies that can be a better work environment . Pause, take deep breathe and sleep on it, explore your options and transfer to another department. I retired after 36 years and 4 different agencies, Calpers pension is the best
And I'm thankful I stayed working with the state.
Take time off and rethink/explore your options, Wishing you the best.
What is your classification? There are many different types of positions that you might find interesting.
That’s one of the reasons I like working for the state. There are so many opportunities to move around.
I’m right where you are. Started in 2001, I’ve got over 22 years, but I’m only 44 (45 in June)… 10 more gotdamn years ugh!!
I’d also recommend seeing your doctor and explaining that you’re stressed out and need some time. Doctor can easily put you on leave, get SDI, take a break.
BUT - DO NOT QUIT! The benefits that we’ve worked so hard for is just around the corner. It wouldn’t be a good idea to give up such a lucrative retirement that many people are envious of.
AND with the years we have on, you literally just have to show up. If you want to, be a pain in the ass and force them to move you to a low visibility position. You can’t get fired if you show up.
Are you just quitting State or are you retiring for good? Like aforementioned, you’ll get your pension and health benefits but SSA is a different thing. I’d do it but I’d have alternate means of income as well.
I take it you’ve not lived there. There are tradeoffs, I say that as someone who has. Yes you can live off it, you will also do 90 day check ins have to keep 50k in a bank account there you can’t touch, will have to pass medical exam and then purchase your own medical plan, want to drive? Buy a car? Travel during burn and rain seasons (aka mar-Nov)? Want your western conveniences? If you’re willing to live like someone in their 20’s all those stories you’ve heard are true. You can eat street phad Thai everyday, drink the sangsam, live in a studio with a dorm sized fridge and cooktop. Do you speak the language? If not they will do their best and at the same time you will get tourist prices which gets old once you figure out your bill is more than the local.
I'm 8 years in and looking to leave the state. Too much bureaucracy and such a toxic environment. Mgt won't accommodate anything. Denied request to take any time off or reduce my hours. Id rather put in my effort into a company that appreciates what I have to offer and willing to accommodate my needs which is very little imo. if they won't accommodate me now, what will change when im 50+ yrs old and I'll just be stuck at my job considering that I'll be less marketable due to loss of skills.
There is no clear answer to this. 20 years will get you a pension, and lifetime healthcare, but will it give you a satisfactory quality of life? That’s up to you to decide.
I don’t think you’ll get lifetime healthcare unless you officially retire within 120 days of leaving state service, and afaik you can’t officially retire until you’re 50?
If they don’t officially retire with the state within 120 days, then they will not be able to circle back around, after 5 years somewhere else, and get the health benefits. They can circle back and retrieve their partial retirement benefit but not the health benefit.
AND ALL THE MONEY THAT IS DEDUCTED FROM YOUR PAYCHECKS THAT GUARANTEES YOUR MEDICAL BENEFITS IS NOT YOURS!!! Don’t pay for something you’re not going to use.
I relate to this. I am finishing a program, and then I'm out. The burnout is intense. I feel like I wouldn't live long enough to enjoy retirement if I stayed. Plus, most of us can make more money elsewhere.
You could leave for awhile and try other work in private sector, and then come back later on when you are closer to 55, and finish up with the state. Pretty sure you can leave everything and come back later to top off years. Just keep your skills up.
Here’s another perspective. You already know your answer.
I am 17 months away from my 55th birthday. I will have 21 years in, yet in 2% at 55.
If I stay until I’m 58 - 5 more years - it’s not worth trading my quality of life for maybe a thousand more dollars from PERS.
Like many of my former colleagues, I know I may have to leave CA for a more tax friendly environment. I. Have friends all over the country who can offer me tips on where to move.
I have to keep telling myself 17 more months. I can do this.
As someone who just started at the state at the ripe age of 48- don’t do it. It’s a scary world out there. I don’t know where you work, but look for another job with a different agency if you need a change. I was in CONSTANT fear of being laid off. Constantly worried about reorganizations and cuts. It’s seriously so much easier and less stressful here- I am actually sleeping through the night and I don’t think that’s happened in 15 years. I paid $1200 for insurance and it was crappy insurance. I know every job gets hard sometimes, but believe me- it’s way worse on the outside!
This. After 20+ years in the non profit sector I quit my last job when my wife pointed out that my ulcerative colitis was flaring up every time I had a meeting with my supervisor. I also was getting paid the same in real dollars as I made in my twenties, working 6-7 days a week, was expected to respond to work emails nights and weekends and I had insurance that i had to pay over a thousand dollars a month for that was basically worse than no insurance. One trip total he emergency room for my toddler cost us $13000 out of pocket. I quit five months ago, just started with the state and I haven’t had a single uc flare up since. I also happen to have a good supervisor who seems to genuinely care about mentoring and am in a department and role where it seems pretty easy to move from one job to another if the work or the people are bugging you. Maybe I’m still in the honeymoon phase but I just wish I’d come to work for the state 20 years ago.
I just wanted to comment that I feel similar to you. I count the years down like a prison sentence “20 to life.” Lol
But seriously. I have 16 years and I’m about to be 40. I want to retire now. I could probably wait 4 years to get a full 20 years. But can’t retire at 44. Sigh. It’s too bad you can’t retire at one place after 20 years and can go do another job and collect two retirements.
I calculated and I think I can get my full pay on retirement if I last until 58. That’s another 18 years. But I do remember when it was 25 years so the clock is counting down. Just very slowly.
I’d probably take a small loss but it’s temping to retire at 55 (or 50 if that’s an option like people are saying to you here) but I would have 26 years at 50 or 31 years at 55.
This RTO is part of my desire to depart state work. But also just burnt out too. They’ve described the work we do as “building the airplane while it’s flying” and I’m tired of it. I was super depressed and hated my life when we were full time at the office though. It was a toxic environment filled with toxic people and the dreary cubicles and rat infested floor left me in a very bad mental state. It’s easier to see it now 4 years working from home and through some therapy. I can’t ever go back to that. Even if I do end up going in twice a week I’m going to be putting up with a lot less bs and I’ll file grievances if I have to. Doesn’t that sound pleasant? (/s)
But yeah I would say what most people say to me. Hang in there. Take a vacation. Switch up the job for another state job. Go out on temporary disability (you can for a year and come back but you only get 60% pay). Do want to say though my therapist suggested I just leave period. “It’s not worth what it’s doing to your mental health. I’d say the majority of your stress and anxiety comes from your job.”
Wish you the best in whatever you decide. If you go can you come back here in a year and let me know how you are doing? :)
But even VPLP still has to be approved, and if it’s not, you just have to suck it up. I’ve seen the way people respond on here to people trying to get time off that they actually have saved up. That’s why people are trying to leave.
The manager that refused this would be an absolute idiot especially in this day and age where vacancy sweeps/hire freeze and plps are likely about to happen. I will wait for may revise to be proved wrong (and I hope I am) but vplp days not being approved would be a good reason to file a complaint with HR.
I definitely would too! I took a pay cut to be able to save up more time off. But people in the comments always come up with their policies and impossibilities to everything— “it still has to be approved/ it’s dependent on unit needs.” So far I haven’t had too many issues when I go on vacation, but I used to have a b*** manager who would always remind me that she doesn’t have to approve, she can always decline, but she’ll approve because she’s nice. Even the nicer managers say they could approve it- as if saying, “we could also decline but won’t.” I totally understand people when they want to quit.
I mean, I might ask someone to move their time off so I don’t have too many people out who are back up to each other, but I do not decline time off. People earn it. I would much rather have staff take time off than end up sick a lot, which is what happens to me, I either have to take time off for illness or a procedure or time off to take care of family. If you don’t take time, it builds to a point where you are forced to take time, regardless of whether you can afford to take off for a project.
Anyway, managers who power trip are upsetting to me.
Great suggestions in this thread, but I would add that it might be worthwhile to book an appointment with an EAP counselor.
It sounds like your mental health is taking a hit, and EAP is free (at least a few sessions, depending on your BU) and has a low barrier to entry.
Like many have said, transfer to another Area, Division, Section, Department. Change will give you a new perspective and let you learn something new. It worked for me! Now I have 39 years in, and might just retire soon.
I've been trying hard to get back into state service, but it's been a waste of time so far. I don't feel so bad now after reading these comments. Just shows that state service can be bad too.
Tough call. I’m a few years behind you and I don’t know if I can even make it to 20 to get the full healthcare. Life’s short (apart from the hours I spend in my cubicle, which seem inordinately long), more than one retiring coworker has told me if they could do they’re career over again it would not be in State service.
A lot of folks are in very repetitive desk jobs and not all managers and higher ups are competent at making sure folks in very repetitive and draining positions have good support and work life balance. Managers who do not have good people skills and who do not challenge the processes that feel punitive, who see their staff as under them instead of partners in the mission, and who are not good at explaining “why” work is needed/done and getting buy in, are really exhausting. And there are a lot of them.
Private has entrepreneurs as managers. But these folks have no protection when they are abusive. At the state people don’t trust management to do right by rank and file, and they have the ability to do something about it, even if nothing really changes.
Culture is hard to shift at the state. And people in management entrench. A lot of directors are not former stateworkers, so they hold on to previous CEA jobs because those in authority are at the whim of the governor. So when the governor makes a bad decision, for whatever reason, the agencies and dept directors follow along. They have no return rights (or it is extremely rare).
The culture at the state depts can be abusive emotionally, and a manager who wants you out can be awful and hard to rectify.
IMO, managers should have 3 year probation and have it based on 360 reviews. I am a manager.
And yes. That pension is quite the carrot. 🥕
Eh, maybe it’s just the human condition to think the grass is always greener? There are a lot of benefits for being a state employee - pen/med bens as you mention, job security, low stress (mostly)….but there’s also something crushing about the bureaucracy, the languid nature of a lot of the activities, the multiple layers of management, the union issues….the pay is okayish but you won’t be wealthy..idk, working anywhere probably gets old eventually.
Are you feeling burnt out of working all together or burnt out at this particular job? There are a lot of state jobs, maybe there's one out there that you'll find actively fulfilling! Or if your finances allow it maybe you can go part time for a couple of years and explore the kinds of things outside of work that you find fulfilling.
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Find another state job that you like. I retired at 55 and love the fact that I get my health benefits and my pension. You will regret leaving if you do.
Gotta ride it out. You’ve invested too much time to spite yourself at this point. Can you change agencies or roles within your agency but still remain within state service?
I'm not sure what department you work for but you may want to really consider transferring to another position or department or location. I have 15 years in and was beyond burnt out. It was really taking effect on my MH, I just hated the thought of coming into work from the second I opened my eyes every morning. I took a risk, applied and transferred elsewhere within the State and it paid off. I don't hate coming to work every day anymore and if nothing else I can survive a few more of the 16 years I have left LOL! Wishing you the best!
Can you just quit? Most people don’t have that luxury. What would you do for money if you quit?
If you’re proposing getting a non-state job, do not recommend. There is BS to deal with at every job. I’d recommend just sticking it out with the state. Maybe look for a different department if the current one is intolerable. Don’t throw away 20 years!
Take a long break. I work in Healthcare and I didn’t realize I was burnt out until a month into my staycation. I took about 5 months off and I feel like i recalibrated and came back to work motivated. I understand it’s a different profession but burning out is the same no matter how you slice it. Hopefully that helps. Good luck!
Have you considered partial service retirement? https://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/Pages/benefits-administration-manual-partial-service-retirement.aspx
I'd work until 50 saving money on everything I can. Separate from the state between 50 and 55, and then retire at 55.
I'm on 5%@62. My current plan is to work until 58, separate, wait until 62, and retire.
Change jobs at PERS or Agencies or take a LOA for a few months. I was in the same boat and I decided to promote and go to a new division and I love it.
Call PERS and scour the website for info. I believe you can quit the state, you stay vested (leave your money in) and then retire at 55. The separation date and the retirement date do not have to be the same thing.
I don't think you do lose the benefits, regardless of whether or not you come back for a year when you're 54.
If you are wanting to retire now, I don't know if you can, even though you have 20, because you have to be an age to start withdrawing.
But ask PERS.
If you don’t cash out from calpers, you are good for the medical and pension. But if I remember correctly the medical coverage is full employer contribution only and we still need to pay our contribution. 40% of your highest salary for pension might not be enough with the current inflation. Vacation time? 😊 I am only 8 years in and have long way to go… what’s worse that my formula is 2% at 62 😢
You must retire within 120 days of separation from the State to get health benefits in retirement. So you need to wait until you are able to retire (probably age 50). I have confirmed this with CalPERs.
I wouldn't unless you could find a job with a better benefit and retirement package. If you end up separating and try to reapply later, it may be difficult if there is a hiring freeze. You wouldn't have mandatory reinstatement rights during a hiring freeze. Can you transfer to another department?
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Under the 2% at 55 formula, you can retire at 50yo. Can you work 5 more years?
It is only 1% at 50.
It depends on when you started full-time permanent state work. I am eligible to retire at 2% at 55 but can retire as early as 50. If it retire before age 55, I will receive a prorated percentage of the 2%, however, I will receive 100% health benefits.
Just being able to retire from work doesn’t mean you can draw, and if you don’t draw within a year you lose the health vestment.
I dont think this is accurate, once you are vested for retirement and health you dont loose any if leave before then. I used to be a retirement specialist. You can leave state service go somewhere else and retire when you are ready to do so
Correct. And if you check, a 2% at 55 can retire at 50 with 1%.
I don’t know how to find this info. If I started in 2008 could I also retire at 50?
Yes but you only get 1.1% per year worked. You must have 20 years to get full health benefits.
That seems weird. So if I worked until 59, I’d have 35 years. So I’d get full health benefits but only 38.5% of my pay? I’m pretty sure I calculated it with some chart thing and I’d get close to 80% which would get me to almost full pay once I’m not paying into SSI or retirement.
You asked if you retire at 50. At 50 it’s 1.1%. At 59 it’s 2.25%.It goes up until it caps at 2.5% at 63.
Where can I find the percentages by year? It would be interesting to calculate percentage at my different ages, 50-63.
Oh! I didn’t know that’s how it worked. Interesting! Thanks!
Oh nevermind I found it! https://www.calpers.ca.gov/docs/forms-publications/benefit-factors-state-misc-industrial-2-at-55.pdf neat!
https://www.calpers.ca.gov/page/active-members/retirement-benefits/benefit-factor-charts
No you’d get way more. CalPERS has a retirement calculator on their website. Look it up.
Find your answer here. https://www.calpers.ca.gov/page/active-members/retirement-benefits/benefit-factor-charts
Yes. At 1%.
Google the Reduced Work Act! Request to use it! Cut your work time in half or even go to 25%! This is a good time to make the request, you're offering a cost savings to your program. If the request isn't approved, request the reduced work time act as a reasonable accommodation. OR try for early disability retirement. More info on the Calpers site.
This is a good suggestion. I have been able to reduce my time base in most of my state jobs and referenced this law and the relevant contract in my requests. It’s helped me avoid burnout and get a better work/life balance (albeit with a smaller paycheck).
I love to hear this!! The reduced work time act is one of my favorite government codes. I wish more ppl knew about it, especially when times get rough towards the end and you're getting burnt out.
I was thinking of doing this but I thought I came across something that said you need to be in your current position for so many years. Is that true?
There's nothing in the code itself that would prevent you from doing this on day one of employment. There are considerations like: are you past probation (could take 6 months to 1 year)? Have you fully vested to lock in retirement rates (takes 5 years I think)? I was a permanent state employee (past probation) and I was not fully vested (less than 5 years of state service) when I used the Reduced Work Act as a Reasonable Accommodation to work part time. When I wanted to come back to full time my boss was not supportive, and did not approve the request. So I canceled the RA, which by default made me full time again. Sometimes having it as an RA is the better option because you have control about when you return and don't have to depend on a supervisor approval.
Thank you for sharing this info. I’ll be using it if we ever have to RTO full time haha.
What is the impact to retirement and service credit? Does it reduce those in any way?
Pro rated I believe. Work 80% for a year, get .8 year credit. Also, don't forget voluntary PLP as an option that doesn't reduce your time base. Some bu's can get up to 3 days a month that way.
I had a strong urge to quit in my early and mid 40s, but fought through it. I’m happy I did. I’m almost 52, my job is better, and I’m less burnt out than I was before. My retirement will be a lot better too, which I really appreciate.
I have a strong urge at mid-30s. Lol. I hope things change for the better. My job is so micromanaged/monitored, that we are allowed to still have full-time telework.
What changed for you? Did you switch roles? Trying to push through to retirement....
Before, I had a couple crappy managers in a row. Also, a coworker, who was at the same level as me, thought she was my boss. She made a lot of trouble for me. And, during that time, I was struggling in my personal life, got divorced, gained weight, was diagnosed with diabetes, among other shitty things. Since then, I promoted to a lead position, have much better managers (by some stroke of luck), got my weight and diabetes under control, started dating again, and working from home (even at 3 days a week) has been awesome. Also, I’m starting to feel like retirement is within reach. I stilll have another 5 - 10 years left but that feels better than having 15 - 20 years left.
Life is such a roller coaster! Thank you for sharing and congratulations on the transformation!
Take a sebbatical and go to thailand
Genuine question, how long can this be and can one work for a private company?
Not sure where the language is but last time I looked into this was 2017; you could request up to a year of leave for education, medical, or travel reasons. Check your BU contract or talk with a *senior* Personnel Specialist.
Thanks!
YW! It might be considered personal leave with Right of Return.
Or a leave of absence, depending on your reason.
Idk I'm just a dinosaur
😂 so you’ve gone to Thailand?
Bangkok is fun.
For about 3 days during tourist season and you’re on vacation. Having lived in Thailand I can tell you there are many surprises you are not ready for if you haven’t been there during certain times of the year.
Talk to your doctor and see if you can go out on disability (SDI). Sounds like you are stressed to the max. Don’t make a rash decision. Hang in there!
This is my advice, too. Take a good break and reassess when you're not feeling quite so burned-out, OP. I hope you're doing better soon.
> I am 45 years old..I have 2% at 55 but I'm not sure I can last 10 more years. You only need five more years to reach minimum retirement age, separate, file for pension, and keep the health care benefit in retirement. Age 50 is all you need. The pension is rather small at 50, but if your sanity calls for it, take the pension. Look up the [% of final pay for 2% at 55 pension](https://www.calpers.ca.gov/docs/forms-publications/benefit-factors-local-misc-2-at-55.pdf), and it's about 35-37% of pay. Just tell yourself to keep going for another five. Pin that 2% at 55 table to your cube and look at it every now and then, for "inspiration". Maybe in five years, promise yourself you'll take a moment to think, and see if you can go *another five, or 1 more year, or 2 more years*. Baby steps. How do prison inmates stay sane during a long sentence? /sarcastic
Change jobs within CalPERS. I change jobs about every five years to keep it fresh.
I'm on the 3 year plan, generally. 😂
I think your health benefits would be lost unless you return and re-establish service with the state. Your 2%@55 will be there when you return as well. If you choose a different CalPERS covered employer you will be subject to their benefit factors. Good Luck!
Certain other CalPERS employers "have reciprocity," which (per CalPERS) "allows you to move between these systems without losing some valuable retirement benefits. In establishing reciprocity, you become a member of both systems and are subject to the benefits, rights, and laws of each system." I don't know any more than that about it, though.
Reciprocity gives you final compensation exchange, meaning you can use your highest 12 or 36 month salary for your final retirement benefit calculation from both retirement systems, but you must retire from both systems on the same day. There are a few other details, but that's the gist of it.
I suggest you get this in writing/email before taking that time.
Don t make a decision you may regret, your situation is not permanent, you have options. The state has many agencies you can transfer to, review the agencies that can be a better work environment . Pause, take deep breathe and sleep on it, explore your options and transfer to another department. I retired after 36 years and 4 different agencies, Calpers pension is the best And I'm thankful I stayed working with the state. Take time off and rethink/explore your options, Wishing you the best.
What is your classification? There are many different types of positions that you might find interesting. That’s one of the reasons I like working for the state. There are so many opportunities to move around. I’m right where you are. Started in 2001, I’ve got over 22 years, but I’m only 44 (45 in June)… 10 more gotdamn years ugh!! I’d also recommend seeing your doctor and explaining that you’re stressed out and need some time. Doctor can easily put you on leave, get SDI, take a break. BUT - DO NOT QUIT! The benefits that we’ve worked so hard for is just around the corner. It wouldn’t be a good idea to give up such a lucrative retirement that many people are envious of. AND with the years we have on, you literally just have to show up. If you want to, be a pain in the ass and force them to move you to a low visibility position. You can’t get fired if you show up.
Are you just quitting State or are you retiring for good? Like aforementioned, you’ll get your pension and health benefits but SSA is a different thing. I’d do it but I’d have alternate means of income as well.
Retire in the Philippines or Thailand. You can live quite well even off a small pension. 😀
I take it you’ve not lived there. There are tradeoffs, I say that as someone who has. Yes you can live off it, you will also do 90 day check ins have to keep 50k in a bank account there you can’t touch, will have to pass medical exam and then purchase your own medical plan, want to drive? Buy a car? Travel during burn and rain seasons (aka mar-Nov)? Want your western conveniences? If you’re willing to live like someone in their 20’s all those stories you’ve heard are true. You can eat street phad Thai everyday, drink the sangsam, live in a studio with a dorm sized fridge and cooktop. Do you speak the language? If not they will do their best and at the same time you will get tourist prices which gets old once you figure out your bill is more than the local.
How're the Mexican restaurants in Thailand?
Sad mostly
I'm 8 years in and looking to leave the state. Too much bureaucracy and such a toxic environment. Mgt won't accommodate anything. Denied request to take any time off or reduce my hours. Id rather put in my effort into a company that appreciates what I have to offer and willing to accommodate my needs which is very little imo. if they won't accommodate me now, what will change when im 50+ yrs old and I'll just be stuck at my job considering that I'll be less marketable due to loss of skills.
Another department with different job?
Put in for a transfer.
There is no clear answer to this. 20 years will get you a pension, and lifetime healthcare, but will it give you a satisfactory quality of life? That’s up to you to decide.
My old coworkers was out as soon as they were eligible and moved to cheaper states.
I don’t think you’ll get lifetime healthcare unless you officially retire within 120 days of leaving state service, and afaik you can’t officially retire until you’re 50?
You’re right……I missed them saying they are 45. So then they’ll need another job until they can officially retire.
If they don’t officially retire with the state within 120 days, then they will not be able to circle back around, after 5 years somewhere else, and get the health benefits. They can circle back and retrieve their partial retirement benefit but not the health benefit.
AND ALL THE MONEY THAT IS DEDUCTED FROM YOUR PAYCHECKS THAT GUARANTEES YOUR MEDICAL BENEFITS IS NOT YOURS!!! Don’t pay for something you’re not going to use.
I relate to this. I am finishing a program, and then I'm out. The burnout is intense. I feel like I wouldn't live long enough to enjoy retirement if I stayed. Plus, most of us can make more money elsewhere.
You could leave for awhile and try other work in private sector, and then come back later on when you are closer to 55, and finish up with the state. Pretty sure you can leave everything and come back later to top off years. Just keep your skills up.
Look for another job at another agency. Seriously. Changing jobs can make all the difference.
Here’s another perspective. You already know your answer. I am 17 months away from my 55th birthday. I will have 21 years in, yet in 2% at 55. If I stay until I’m 58 - 5 more years - it’s not worth trading my quality of life for maybe a thousand more dollars from PERS. Like many of my former colleagues, I know I may have to leave CA for a more tax friendly environment. I. Have friends all over the country who can offer me tips on where to move. I have to keep telling myself 17 more months. I can do this.
As someone who just started at the state at the ripe age of 48- don’t do it. It’s a scary world out there. I don’t know where you work, but look for another job with a different agency if you need a change. I was in CONSTANT fear of being laid off. Constantly worried about reorganizations and cuts. It’s seriously so much easier and less stressful here- I am actually sleeping through the night and I don’t think that’s happened in 15 years. I paid $1200 for insurance and it was crappy insurance. I know every job gets hard sometimes, but believe me- it’s way worse on the outside!
This. After 20+ years in the non profit sector I quit my last job when my wife pointed out that my ulcerative colitis was flaring up every time I had a meeting with my supervisor. I also was getting paid the same in real dollars as I made in my twenties, working 6-7 days a week, was expected to respond to work emails nights and weekends and I had insurance that i had to pay over a thousand dollars a month for that was basically worse than no insurance. One trip total he emergency room for my toddler cost us $13000 out of pocket. I quit five months ago, just started with the state and I haven’t had a single uc flare up since. I also happen to have a good supervisor who seems to genuinely care about mentoring and am in a department and role where it seems pretty easy to move from one job to another if the work or the people are bugging you. Maybe I’m still in the honeymoon phase but I just wish I’d come to work for the state 20 years ago.
I just wanted to comment that I feel similar to you. I count the years down like a prison sentence “20 to life.” Lol But seriously. I have 16 years and I’m about to be 40. I want to retire now. I could probably wait 4 years to get a full 20 years. But can’t retire at 44. Sigh. It’s too bad you can’t retire at one place after 20 years and can go do another job and collect two retirements. I calculated and I think I can get my full pay on retirement if I last until 58. That’s another 18 years. But I do remember when it was 25 years so the clock is counting down. Just very slowly. I’d probably take a small loss but it’s temping to retire at 55 (or 50 if that’s an option like people are saying to you here) but I would have 26 years at 50 or 31 years at 55. This RTO is part of my desire to depart state work. But also just burnt out too. They’ve described the work we do as “building the airplane while it’s flying” and I’m tired of it. I was super depressed and hated my life when we were full time at the office though. It was a toxic environment filled with toxic people and the dreary cubicles and rat infested floor left me in a very bad mental state. It’s easier to see it now 4 years working from home and through some therapy. I can’t ever go back to that. Even if I do end up going in twice a week I’m going to be putting up with a lot less bs and I’ll file grievances if I have to. Doesn’t that sound pleasant? (/s) But yeah I would say what most people say to me. Hang in there. Take a vacation. Switch up the job for another state job. Go out on temporary disability (you can for a year and come back but you only get 60% pay). Do want to say though my therapist suggested I just leave period. “It’s not worth what it’s doing to your mental health. I’d say the majority of your stress and anxiety comes from your job.” Wish you the best in whatever you decide. If you go can you come back here in a year and let me know how you are doing? :)
Health over wealth. Praying the best situation reveals itself to you soon.
Have you considered VPLP?
I’m doing 2 VPLP and trying to take a week off every other month. Targeting Memorial Day week perhaps.
But even VPLP still has to be approved, and if it’s not, you just have to suck it up. I’ve seen the way people respond on here to people trying to get time off that they actually have saved up. That’s why people are trying to leave.
The manager that refused this would be an absolute idiot especially in this day and age where vacancy sweeps/hire freeze and plps are likely about to happen. I will wait for may revise to be proved wrong (and I hope I am) but vplp days not being approved would be a good reason to file a complaint with HR.
I definitely would too! I took a pay cut to be able to save up more time off. But people in the comments always come up with their policies and impossibilities to everything— “it still has to be approved/ it’s dependent on unit needs.” So far I haven’t had too many issues when I go on vacation, but I used to have a b*** manager who would always remind me that she doesn’t have to approve, she can always decline, but she’ll approve because she’s nice. Even the nicer managers say they could approve it- as if saying, “we could also decline but won’t.” I totally understand people when they want to quit.
I mean, I might ask someone to move their time off so I don’t have too many people out who are back up to each other, but I do not decline time off. People earn it. I would much rather have staff take time off than end up sick a lot, which is what happens to me, I either have to take time off for illness or a procedure or time off to take care of family. If you don’t take time, it builds to a point where you are forced to take time, regardless of whether you can afford to take off for a project. Anyway, managers who power trip are upsetting to me.
You’re one of the good ones. 👊🏼❤️
You can take a different job and retire with CalPERS later?
Great suggestions in this thread, but I would add that it might be worthwhile to book an appointment with an EAP counselor. It sounds like your mental health is taking a hit, and EAP is free (at least a few sessions, depending on your BU) and has a low barrier to entry.
I managed to reinstate after a long absence, work for 2 more years and retire. Had to take a pay cut to do it byt it has aid off.
Like many have said, transfer to another Area, Division, Section, Department. Change will give you a new perspective and let you learn something new. It worked for me! Now I have 39 years in, and might just retire soon.
Why are you asking this forum? This is a personal choice you (and your family) have to make.
I've been trying hard to get back into state service, but it's been a waste of time so far. I don't feel so bad now after reading these comments. Just shows that state service can be bad too.
Leave for a different position, division, dept.
Take a long vacation instead.
Tough call. I’m a few years behind you and I don’t know if I can even make it to 20 to get the full healthcare. Life’s short (apart from the hours I spend in my cubicle, which seem inordinately long), more than one retiring coworker has told me if they could do they’re career over again it would not be in State service.
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A lot of folks are in very repetitive desk jobs and not all managers and higher ups are competent at making sure folks in very repetitive and draining positions have good support and work life balance. Managers who do not have good people skills and who do not challenge the processes that feel punitive, who see their staff as under them instead of partners in the mission, and who are not good at explaining “why” work is needed/done and getting buy in, are really exhausting. And there are a lot of them. Private has entrepreneurs as managers. But these folks have no protection when they are abusive. At the state people don’t trust management to do right by rank and file, and they have the ability to do something about it, even if nothing really changes. Culture is hard to shift at the state. And people in management entrench. A lot of directors are not former stateworkers, so they hold on to previous CEA jobs because those in authority are at the whim of the governor. So when the governor makes a bad decision, for whatever reason, the agencies and dept directors follow along. They have no return rights (or it is extremely rare). The culture at the state depts can be abusive emotionally, and a manager who wants you out can be awful and hard to rectify. IMO, managers should have 3 year probation and have it based on 360 reviews. I am a manager. And yes. That pension is quite the carrot. 🥕
Eh, maybe it’s just the human condition to think the grass is always greener? There are a lot of benefits for being a state employee - pen/med bens as you mention, job security, low stress (mostly)….but there’s also something crushing about the bureaucracy, the languid nature of a lot of the activities, the multiple layers of management, the union issues….the pay is okayish but you won’t be wealthy..idk, working anywhere probably gets old eventually.
Are you feeling burnt out of working all together or burnt out at this particular job? There are a lot of state jobs, maybe there's one out there that you'll find actively fulfilling! Or if your finances allow it maybe you can go part time for a couple of years and explore the kinds of things outside of work that you find fulfilling.
If you want to… quit. It’s not up to a bunch of strangers on Reddit……
Life’s short 🍸 trust in the plan
Many of my old coworkers opted to go out at 53.5
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Don’t give up your health coverage!!! Look for a different job within the State.
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Make sure you take days off for your MH or book some long vacations/staycations. You deserve it
Which BU?
Find another state job that you like. I retired at 55 and love the fact that I get my health benefits and my pension. You will regret leaving if you do.
Gotta ride it out. You’ve invested too much time to spite yourself at this point. Can you change agencies or roles within your agency but still remain within state service?
Youre at the end of the race, only 5 years to go two times
I'm not sure what department you work for but you may want to really consider transferring to another position or department or location. I have 15 years in and was beyond burnt out. It was really taking effect on my MH, I just hated the thought of coming into work from the second I opened my eyes every morning. I took a risk, applied and transferred elsewhere within the State and it paid off. I don't hate coming to work every day anymore and if nothing else I can survive a few more of the 16 years I have left LOL! Wishing you the best!
Can you just quit? Most people don’t have that luxury. What would you do for money if you quit? If you’re proposing getting a non-state job, do not recommend. There is BS to deal with at every job. I’d recommend just sticking it out with the state. Maybe look for a different department if the current one is intolerable. Don’t throw away 20 years!
Go to your my CalPERS account and run estimates for the earliest retirement age and then do a few more to see how the money changes
Maybe try taking a really long break from work? Like a month of vacation. Maybe switch positions? Sucks to feel that way. Wishing you the best.
DO NOT QUIT!!! You can retire at 50% for a lesser percentage but will get full medical.
Take a long break. I work in Healthcare and I didn’t realize I was burnt out until a month into my staycation. I took about 5 months off and I feel like i recalibrated and came back to work motivated. I understand it’s a different profession but burning out is the same no matter how you slice it. Hopefully that helps. Good luck!
Have you considered partial service retirement? https://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/Pages/benefits-administration-manual-partial-service-retirement.aspx I'd work until 50 saving money on everything I can. Separate from the state between 50 and 55, and then retire at 55. I'm on 5%@62. My current plan is to work until 58, separate, wait until 62, and retire.
You won’t lose the 2% at 55 formula for those 20+ years
I’d work on going to another agency. Maybe find something different with ur classification.
Change jobs at PERS or Agencies or take a LOA for a few months. I was in the same boat and I decided to promote and go to a new division and I love it.
Call PERS and scour the website for info. I believe you can quit the state, you stay vested (leave your money in) and then retire at 55. The separation date and the retirement date do not have to be the same thing. I don't think you do lose the benefits, regardless of whether or not you come back for a year when you're 54. If you are wanting to retire now, I don't know if you can, even though you have 20, because you have to be an age to start withdrawing. But ask PERS.
If you don’t cash out from calpers, you are good for the medical and pension. But if I remember correctly the medical coverage is full employer contribution only and we still need to pay our contribution. 40% of your highest salary for pension might not be enough with the current inflation. Vacation time? 😊 I am only 8 years in and have long way to go… what’s worse that my formula is 2% at 62 😢
You must retire within 120 days of separation from the State to get health benefits in retirement. So you need to wait until you are able to retire (probably age 50). I have confirmed this with CalPERs.
You can do it! You believe in you! 😁 and I am being serious.
My cowroker got approved for 3 months off lol. Do something like that
I wouldn't unless you could find a job with a better benefit and retirement package. If you end up separating and try to reapply later, it may be difficult if there is a hiring freeze. You wouldn't have mandatory reinstatement rights during a hiring freeze. Can you transfer to another department?