I had no idea what 60 would look like. I expected to teach until I was 61 and ½, the sweet spot for a CalSTRS pension plan. At 57 years old, I loved teaching, and couldn’t imagine not being in the classroom. Unfortunately, when I lost my mom in October of 2019, my outlook changed. I was just so devastated and heartbroken, and really in no shape to be molding the minds of our future leaders. So 58 and ½ became my sweet spot for retirement. Yes, I left money on the table, but there is so much more to life than money.
When my colleagues and friends learned of my retirement, the usual questions followed: “What are your plans?” “Do you have any big trips planned?” “Will you sub?” But then we all remembered it was the spring of 2020 and nobody knew anything about anything. Primarily my plans would be quarantine until we could go out, no travel and no subbing. But that was just fine. I think we all found little bursts of joy and light during the shut down, and I focused on those.
One thing I did do, was to help my family renovate our childhood home and put it on the market for sale. I loved that! We then talked about pooling our money and finding another house to buy, renovate, and sell, but the time wasn’t right. So I focused on other things. Like exercising!
I used to be so envious of the walkers I would see on my way to work each morning. I always wondered if they knew how lucky they were to have a life that allowed for a 7:00 walk everyday! Now, I’m one of them! There are so many great walking areas within a few miles of my home. A favorite is the Oak Canyon Nature Center. Once you are inside the park, you have no idea whether you are in Anaheim Hills, Costa Rica, or the state of Washington. You are just immersed in nature.
I also joined a golf group. I am now a golfer who golfs every Wednesday with an incredible group of women, many of whom are retired educators. I had no idea this would be part of my after work life. My dad, who was an amazing golfer, and an even better coach, took pride in getting my game to a place where I could play and hold my own on the links. Sadly, we lost him to cancer this March. I miss him dearly, but whenever I’m on a course, I know he’s right there coaching me through each hole.
Something about retirement is that you can wake up everyday and decide what you would like to do. A lot of days, I decide to go to San Diego to see my daughter, Alexis. I help in her classroom, or help with a home project, or spend the day with her at UTC shopping for fun. Other days I decide to hike Irvine Park and shop at the Tuesday Farmers’ Market with my son, Luke. Sometimes I join my husband, Marc, when he travels for work, and together, we explore new places.
In January of this year, I woke up and decided to get my Real Estate License. I had thought about it a lot, and I just wanted to. Again, I had no idea what would happen next, but a month after getting licensed, I actually helped a homeowner list and sell her home! And then a few days later, my brothers and I decided to buy a home together. We will clean it up, renovate it, and put it back on the market. I don’t know what else is coming my way, but I’m excited about it.
Who knew 60 would look like this?? I love this new life I get to lead. It’s taking me places I had no idea I would go, and I am learning so much! If you have a real estate related project you would like to implement, I would love to help. Come visit me over at FirstHomeEd.com and let’s get started.
So many good things to come,
Diana Cohen
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