David Cain, Educator and Still Not Retired
Webster’s: “Retirement – Withdrawal from one’s position”. When I officially “retired” in 2017, it was so I could meet the requirements of ‘retirement’ as defined by CalPERS, since I had NO plans to retire. This ‘withdrawal’ would give me the chance to define how I could better meet my ongoing goals of time with family; giving back to the public sector community; and my continued engagement with both CSMFO and my alma mater schools.
After 45 years of active full-time employment, I can now make my own determination of where and how I will spend my time. I have continued to be involved with CSMFO, this year as a senior advisor to the Career Development Committee and as a member of Program Committee. I co-teach the CSMFO two-day core budgeting course and will be working with Scott Catlett this summer on a new Financial Management core course to debut at the 2024 CSMFO conference at Disneyland. I am also a mentor to two outstanding individuals, one from the CSMFO world and the other from my alma mater, Biola University. We meet on a regular basis, and I must say I learn so much from both of them each time we get together.
As for my other goals, since retirement my phone has not stopped ringing from public agencies asking for help in their local organizations. I have had pleasure in helping out in number of different communities in a variety of capacities and working with a many dedicated public sector people. I also continue to teach in the MPA programs for both Cal State Northridge and Cal Poly Pomona. We just completed this last semester back in the classroom. What a pleasure to be back in person and engaging face-to-face!
I have also had the opportunity to do a number of trips with our family and two grandkids, most of these could be defined as “Adventures by Disney”. My wife (of 45 years) and I have also had opportunity to see a number of beautiful countries throughout Europe and North & Central America. The other commitment I have added this last year is being an Assistant Scout Leader to my grandson’s Chino Troop 202 (Serving Chino Valley since 1945 – with 189 eagle scouts and growing). My grandson is working towards his own Eagle Scout. What an opportunity to watch these young boys and girls learn to become confident leaders. If you have never attended an Eagle Scout Honor Court, I encourage you to do so. It will make you very proud of this next generation.
So, there you have my NOT Retired, retirement story. My take way for each of you is “Do what you enjoy doing”!
