The main reason I wanted to work for the state was for the “job security”. I knew that the benefits and retirements plans were good, but I really didn’t know any of the details or how great it really is. They say it’s never too early to start thinking about retirement, so in the past 3 weeks I’ve attended 2 retirement related seminars that my work has sponsored. Now I know what all the fuss is about.

Coming into this job, I wasn’t sure how long I wanted to stay. I figured I’d stay for the "security", for the peace of mind, but if something better came along (i.e. - a higher paying job, dream location, etc.), I’d just leave. But after learning all about the state’s pension plans and other benefits, I don't see myself ever leaving.

If I stay and work for the state for the next 25 years, I could possible retire at age 55 and my pension would be 52% of my normal salary. If I retire at 60, I could make 71%. Or 85% at 63. Or 90% at 65. And I would supplement that with my 401k & 457, which I’m starting now, so by the time I retire, they’ll both be at a nice amount. I’m pretty sure Social Security won’t be around anymore, but I probably won’t need it.

The pension is great, but what’s even better is the health benefits. If you work for the state for at least 20 years, you get 100% vested health insurance, meaning the state will pay for everything, along with dental & vision. Health insurance can get expensive, especially at older ages. So being fully covered is a big load off (financially & emotionally) and one less thing to worry about.

As long as I stick with the state, my post-retirement life is set. Even if a better opportunity comes along, I don’t think any private company would match the pension and health benefits. And it shouldn’t be that hard for me to stay. What I do isn’t all that difficult and I don’t mind doing it (I don’t love it, but I don’t hate it either). Just as long as I don’t have to stay in Fresno the entire time. I’ll eventually, hopefully sooner rather than later, get transferred closer to the bay. Heck, I’ll even consider SoCal too, just as long as I’m out of Merced & Fresno.

So with that more or less taken care of, I can focus my attention on other things, like finding someone to share my retired life with....