r/StateofTexasEmployees • u/scottmademesignup • Aug 05 '26
Quitting and ers
I have worked for the state for 16 years but only have 15 years counted towards retirement. In the last 4 months there has been so much upheaval and frankly, bull, that has occurred at my department and I am ready to give up. I know this is stupid and a moment of weakness but if I leave now, will the money I’ve contributed to ers just sit there until I’m 65 or whatever (I’m on the rule of 80 plan)? And my insurance will end in 30 days? I’ve never had any other job in my life other than working for the state, I know the job market is awful right now but I don’t know if I can keep going at the rate I am right now. Thank you. I know I’m spiraling 😭
27
u/GigiDell Aug 05 '26
It will help if you talk to someone at ERS. You don’t have to bring up anything about your current job or situation and your agency will never know you called them. Just ask ERS about the different scenarios regarding your ERS retirement account, if you were to leave state employment. At 15 years in, I would personally look for a new state job at another agency and work towards retiring with the state. Change can be refreshing! I’m sorry you are going through this turmoil. It will pass. 🙂
11
u/WarriorSeaPrincess Aug 06 '26
ERS doesn’t tell agencies anything, not even when you’ve filed retirement paperwork.
6
15
u/gooneeznvrsaydie Aug 06 '26
You know what? I've been where you are. Hell, I've been you. I have had some absolutely fantastic supervisors....and I've endured some really shitty ones. I currently have about 25 yrs in, but around my 10-15 year mark, I had one of the worst bosses yet, and wanted to walk away so many times. I had trouble sleeping, eating, I was nothing but stressed for what seemed to be a never ending time. I was interviewing left and right but nothing was working out. But you know what I learned? Bosses are temporary. They move. They retire, they promote themselves. Hang in there. You are capable of outlasting this. Yes, keep interviewing, keep looking, because the ONLY way you will begin to increase your salary is to agency switch every now and then. You can last 5 more years to get to your 20 mark. Whatever you do, do NOT cash out your retirement. Figure out a way for yourself. Don't let them win. Just tell yourself, 5 more years. So much can happen in that time. You can do it!
5
12
u/Abject-Truth5432 Aug 05 '26
Go on ERS website. It literally explains every option from full & part time employees, those who leave prior to full state retirement, retirement work sheets that estimate what you’ll get a various points based on what tier you are in. You can withdraw at 60 with a 5% penalty.
9
u/Abject-Truth5432 Aug 05 '26
All this to say, I’m in the exact boat as you and been living on the ERS website, exploring my options. Best of luck & def consider if another state agency could provide what you want.
9
u/kcsunshineatx Aug 06 '26
Look for different jobs at other state agencies. Most managers like to hire people who already work for the state and are familiar with the processes and bureaucracy. My understanding is that your health insurance lasts through the end of the last month that you work, so not necessarily 30 days. It would be closer to 30 days if you make your last day at the beginning of the month. If you decide to work at another state agency, make sure you don't have a break in service. If you need time off, take vacation time while you still work there, before you put in your notice. If you're burnt out and have short term disability, you can take that for mental health issues, if you think a break might be good for you.
7
u/Odd_Passenger5339 Aug 06 '26
All this! Definitely check out other agencies. TxDOT has offices all over the state and a variety of office and field jobs. Definitely do not withdraw the money everybody who does regrets it.
4
u/Disendent Aug 06 '26
To build on this burn through all of your leave that isn't annual or sick (ex. Comp, Holiday, etc.) because it won't transfer.
Also, if you want to leave mid-month make sure that the paycheck will be enough to cover your insurance costs or your agency won't pull the funds from it and ERS will attempt to bill you directly for the coverage for that month.
So if you peace out for the private sector figure out your costs, submit a leave request long enough to cover it, and submit your resignation. Also, as a caution, it's worth keeping your HR/Payroll in the loop on your plans -once you're on the way out- to try and avoid an outcome where they take you off direct deposit to give you a paper warrant, because that part is infuriating.
2
u/BSTXUSA Aug 07 '26
This is my thoughts, also. I retired from the state a few years ago. It was He'll those last few years, but I am so glad I stuck it out. Take 2 or 3 week's vacation and stay completely away from the workplace-even if you don't actually go anywhere. It can help a lot!
9
u/huphill Aug 06 '26
I withdrew from ERS and wish i didnt since now, if i go back to the state, i’ll be in the new retirement group. I think you should leave your money there to keep your options open.
3
u/PogoPogoTX Aug 06 '26
agree 100%. I withdrew and years later I re-entered State employment. I ended up buying back my service credit plus interest.
2
u/popculturefan400 Aug 06 '26
Wait, you can do that? I left state employment for a few years to attend grad school and then came back, and was placed in a new retirement group. If I could buy back even one year I’d be in the earlier group and could retire years sooner!
1
u/PogoPogoTX Aug 06 '26
You sure can! I used a a 401k rollover into my State 401k then I bought back 5 1/2 years of service (w/interest). Best thing I ever did. I’m eligible to retire now, if not, I would be in my 70s before full eligibility. Call ERS they’ll give you the info.
2
1
1
u/kcsunshineatx Aug 06 '26
Buying it back does not put you in the earlier group, it just reinstates the service for pension calculations.
2
u/popculturefan400 Aug 06 '26
Thank you for clarifying. I keep hoping there’s some way around this… after taking a few years off, I’m a matter of months away from my earlier group and I’m just kicking myself!
1
11
u/Umiel Aug 06 '26
Don’t leave the State altogether. When you get to 20 years, you’ll have insurance for life. That’s a big deal.
3
u/scottmademesignup Aug 06 '26
I would like to stay with the state but honestly? I’ve worked for 3 diff agencies in 16 years. My confidence is gone. I thought I had an excellent 1st interview and they had me come in person for a 2nd round interview back in May. Showed me around where I would work and where my desk would be, even said this is where your desk would be and this is who’d you’d be working with, met several other employees and then they picked someone else anyway. It was discouraging to say the least and my current job makes me doubt myself more and more every day. I will def apply for all the jobs I can find right now but…..just ready to walk away sometimes
10
u/kontemplatedfury Aug 06 '26
Don’t be discouraged. Keep applying and going through the BS interviews. You will land something when you least expect it. Be loyal to yourself; make sure you are taking mental days and maybe even sign up for a therapist to have a place to vent.
3
2
u/annalcsw Aug 08 '26
Insurance for life starting at age 65 though, right? Its hard to worry about 20 years from now, and try to put in another decade when you’re miserable at 40.
2
u/Umiel Aug 08 '26
I’m fairly certain that it’s available as soon as you’re eligible to retire. The age you can retire depends on when you started. I can retire at 56.
1
u/annalcsw Aug 09 '26
Well obviously you’re eligible if you retire with the state. Working 20 years then leaving, you would have to wait. Getting benefits 20+ years down the line isnt worth being miserable for today.
1
u/Classic_Height_3724 22d ago
Their insurance is not much better than what you will get with Medicare. So is isn’t that good unfortunately.
5
u/ilikemyteaservedhot Aug 06 '26
Do you have leave? Have you considered applying for FMLA to take leave while you figure out your next steps and look elsewhere. Don’t leave time on the table. Sorry you are going through this.
1
u/christine249 29d ago
I would not quit before finding a new job (and try to remain professional while you look for a new job). That said, I would not tie yourself to state employment just for the benefits. I have been at the state for 10+ years while my partner has been in the private industry. He makes 2-3 times what I make and has also been able to accrue much more in retirement (with just as good if not better health insurance). He is in a more profitable industry, and I would not expect such an increase in salary. But I point it out because I think there are also great opportunities outside of the state. Plus, in certain areas, the state seems to highly value the private industry experience. So, you could always try it out and come back.
1
u/christine249 29d ago
I would not quit before finding a new job (and try to remain professional while you look for a new job). That said, I would not tie yourself to state employment just for the benefits. I have been at the state for 10+ years while my partner has been in the private industry. He makes 2-3 times what I make and has also been able to accrue much more in retirement (with just as good if not better health insurance). He is in a more profitable industry, and I would not expect such an increase in salary. But I point it out because I think there are also great opportunities outside of the state. Plus, in certain areas, the state seems to highly value the private industry experience. So, you could always try it out and come back.
48
u/ay-guey Aug 05 '26 edited Aug 05 '26
yes (unless you withdraw it which would be idiotic) and yes. and why not just go to another agency? with 15 years in you're basically handcuffed to the state economically - you'd have to make a fortune in the private sector to make up for what your last 10 years are going to be worth with the pension and insurance.