We interviewed several active members at our recent CalPERS Benefits Education Event (CBEE) in Burbank — including a handful who applied for retirement on the spot — and each relayed goals and aspirations on what to look forward to in this next chapter.
Pedro Ruiz, Supervising Attorney, State Fund
Retiring End of April 2025
“I do realize that there’s a lot of freedom that I have. A lot of the retirement stuff that I’ve heard of is basically, ‘Don’t make long-term plans. You know, take a few months to think about it.’
“So, the next three months I’m just going to be relaxing and doing projects at home. I do have the freedom to do whatever I want, so I’ve thought about doing some nonprofit work, and I’ve thought about doing some additional traveling. In January (2026), my wife and I are going to go to Norway to see the Northern Lights. That’s something that I’ve wanted to do for years.
“There’s a lot of possibilities.”
Isabel Miranda, Special Education Assistant, Los Angeles Unified School District
Looking to Retire in the Next Few Years
“I would love to have a hobby. I would love to go to libraries and read for children, just as a volunteer.”
Gary Victor, Women’s Tennis Head Coach, California State University–Northridge
Looking to Retire in the Not-So-Distant Future
“I’m hoping to help kids in Thailand and in Southeast Asia, with not only tennis, but sports. And to help find a way to better their education.”
Nina Bailey, Student Services Specialist for Veteran Services, El Camino College
Applied for Retirement at the CBEE
“I am planning on spending time with my children, and my grandchildren. My (late) husband was an avid genealogist; I want to pick that back up.
“There are great opportunities in the community — and even still at the college — to be of service. So, I’d like to donate some time to be of service to others who might need it. I’ve noticed there are a lot of shut-ins that don’t have family close by, or didn’t have family at all. And they’re lonely, and they just need some kind of companionship. So, I thought maybe I could provide that the way my co-workers did for me.
“I want to pay it forward.”
Rob Schraff, Adjunct History Professor, California State University–Long Beach
Looking to Retire in the Next Few Years
“I’m a sailor, I might do some sailing.
“I enjoy this second career as a teacher, so I may continue for a while. I may do volunteer work … I may finish up my PhD.”
Nadira Sharma, Caregiver, IHSS, Department of Social Services
Looking to Retire in the Near Future
“Well, how I foresee it is my son (with special needs) will eventually be in a group home setting, because he’s developed more independent skills.
“I’m hoping to be a volunteer at a public school — you know, apply my time there. That gives me fulfillment. And of course, travel more, like everyone says.
“I always had that dream. I don’t want to sit around.”
Ricky Stone, Building and Grounds Worker, Los Angeles Unified School District
Applied for Retirement at the CBEE
“I might go back to school, or I might take (on) another trade and explore my options.
“With new technology that they got out there, those are jobs that you can do that’s not physically demanding — more mental. So, I’m going to explore those options.”
Rebecca Fiske, Early Childhood Educational Specialist, Antelope Valley College
Planning to Retire in 2026
“I am hoping — and it’s been a dream of myself and my sister — to get a trailer and to travel around the United States, and to visit all the national parks and states that we have yet to see.”
If you’re a current CalPERS retiree, tell us what you’re doing in retirement that fulfills you. Email editor@calpers.ca.gov to submit your story, and be on the lookout for a follow-up!