At 57, she’s the one who’s retiring, a bittersweet moment for herself and her colleagues in the CalPERS Office of Public Affairs.
Huerta has worked in the division for 30 years, having risen in the ranks and finishing her public service career as the assistant division chief, where she helped steer the direction and vision for a division that communicates to the public and our more than 2.3 million members.
She, too, is a CalPERS member. And as Huerta enters this next phase in her journey, she remembers the countless California public servants she’s encountered who needed guidance and information in getting across the finish line.
With this in mind, she sat down for an interview to offer insights, reflections, and advice for CalPERS members who are in the situation she finds herself in today.
As we say goodbye to one of our longest-serving team members, here are some takeaways from Huerta on key considerations in deciding when to retire, applying for retirement, and how to navigate what comes next.
How has CalPERS’ mission resonated with you throughout your career, and is it something you’ll carry forward in retirement?
I am so proud to work for a company with a defined benefit program, especially in the culture we see today. People are scared about their futures. We have promised a future (pension) to our retirees. And I’m going to be one of them. So, not only am I proud that they are going to receive it, but I am so thankful that I am going to receive it.
The mission of CalPERS is so important to me … Getting out of bed every morning and knowing exactly what my purpose has been for the last 30 years has been comforting … But where I go from there, what in my personal mission drives me? I love to serve. I like acts of service; I like to receive them, and I like to provide them. And I don’t see myself stopping that after I leave CalPERS.
What’s some advice you might have for CalPERS members who are still working and looking to make a meaningful difference in their retirement?
I learned late about the Savings Plus program. I think that’s a great program to look into the second you start (as a CalPERS state member). Maybe toss $50 a month in there and just start letting it grow. So, I would’ve probably contributed more into that.
And, I guess as far as advice, you have to find out for yourself — what are those things that are most important to you in what triggers your retirement? For me, it was less about money at some point and more about time and health … I feel like I’m in a very healthy time in my life that I can still, what I call, go-go-go.
It came to a point with me when I was looking at the retirement options … And I asked myself, “What is most important?” And for me, it was this idea of time.
What was the process of applying for retirement like? Was it easy?
What is amazing, it takes like five minutes to retire (with CalPERS). It’s not hard at all. What is hard are the months leading up to that final decision where you have to choose the retirement option that you select and that we lock ourselves into within 30 days of retirement. That’s a huge decision.
I consulted my financial planner, as well as a tax professional and my family — and we came up with what was the best for us. There’s quite a number of decisions that have to go on that application that only takes five minutes to complete, because you can do it online on myCalPERS. But the build up to it takes a lot of planning and thought.
Since you’re about to retire, do you have an immediate plan for retirement? Is there value in planning for the immediate aftermath of entering retirement?
I had actually consulted with a lot of folks who were either getting ready to retire or had already retired … So, after talking with them and hearing about their plans, they had a plan for the first day. Like, “What am I going to do on the first day after?” I thought that was really important.
I think somebody could wake up the first day and be really sad. Or somebody could wake up and be super happy, or sleep in! I think everybody needs to handle it their own way, but they need to think through, “What is that going to feel like? The first week, that first month, maybe that first year.” And that’s the way I’m looking at it.
And as I alluded to earlier, there’s a core purpose within myself that comes from something beyond myself. I believe in a higher power. And I know that my purpose isn’t my job. There’s something more out there for me. And so, discovering what is asked of me next is exciting.
What do you make of the fact that so many CalPERS members often continue to give back even in retirement, the way you’re planning to as well?
My dream job is to be what I call the lunch lady, the food service provider for an elementary school. I remember being a kid and coming into school, and the lunch ladies were there bright and early in the morning saying hi to me … And I thought, “What a privilege that would be, to be the first person those kids see when they walk in through the door.” Give them a snack, give them a smile. “Hey, have a great day.”
(In retirement) I could be the lunch lady at a school and serve in that way.
It doesn’t surprise me that people want to keep on a path of service. I think that those who get the bug of service, it doesn’t go away. It’s part of my DNA.
When you work for a place like CalPERS, you start to see people and what they need in a different way. And you start to see life as so complex — there isn’t one answer, ever. Everybody’s life journey is so unique. And to be able to be a part of that and help them through whatever challenges hit them in their journey is a privilege. And you can’t ignore the fact that that’s happening whether you retire or not. People need people.
Any final thoughts or tidbits for other members who might find themselves at the doorstep of retirement in the near future?
Decide what is the meaningful marker for yourself to retire and go out the way you want rather than have something make the decision for you.
Are you ready to embark on your own retirement journey? Use our Retirement Planning Checklist to make sure you stay on track, and feel free to check in with us for any questions along the way.
And are you living your best retirement life? We’d like to hear from you. Email editor@calpers.ca.gov to share your story, which may be included in a future PERSpective article featuring retirees.