Should I leave now or stick it out?

Question

I have 62 days to go before I am fully vested (5 year) in my company's 401K. I want to leave this company as soon as I can. Usually the job openings in my field pick up after Labor Day so that seemed like it would all work out. But I am seeing some good job options right now. I'm afraid if I don't apply for these jobs right now I'll miss out by 10/1/06. Should I just go apply and blow off the last year of my company's match? We're talking about $6000.00 less if I leave before 10/1............perplexed

Answer 1

You could apply now, and just ask companies if they mind holding the position for another few months. If you are a prime candidate, most places won't mind.

Now, I probably wouldn't tell them that you are sticking around for the match in 401k, but you could mention you are in the middle of a "project" that will be completed by that date.

Or, you could mention to a potential company that leaving before that date would affect your match--and see if they'll give you a bonus in that amount to entice you. If you are a great asset to their company, some places will do pretty much anything to woo you over to their side.

Answer 2

Go ahead and apply now. It may take longer than 60 days for something good to develop. Also, should you get a good offer, they may be willing to wait until Oct. 1 for you to start, especially if they do background checks or pre-employment medical exams.

By the time you retire, that $6K could be worth $60K, maybe more, so don't be cavalier about the amount; it's not insignificant.

Answer 3

i think you should cool off a little. i mean make sure the job positions that you wanted to apply for is worth it. make sure this job pays better than your recent job before jumping into the offer. it's a good deal but at the same time you never know what can happen. but dont leave your company unguaranteed of a better job.

Answer 4

Well you should stay i think. but if you really are worried that these jobs Will leave i would call up and ask about how long they will be open. Then if they say that they are leaving like hotcakes or something and they pay more or the same amount as your old job get the job

Answer 5

apply for the other jobs and inform them that you are not immediately available. alot of employers are totally used to this and are understanding that you can't be hired instantly. Most professional people aren't' just sitting around twiddling their thumbs til they get hired and any employer knows you have another obligation to get out of first. You should apply in the meantime.......most of the time by the time they call you, interview you, blah, blah.......2 months has passed anyway. I think this is a case where you may be able to have your cake and eat it too.

Answer 6

Read your company benefits package clearly. Usually once money is contributed to a 401k plan, it belongs to the employee. Perhaps you mean a pension plan. Check it out.

Good Luck

Answer 7

Depends on how badly you want to leave.
Would you risk being fired if you don't leave now?
Are you being harassed or threatened at your current position?
Are you severly depressed (in need of medication to get through your day) because of your current employment?

If yes to any of these...LEAVE NOW

If not...suck it up and stick it out!

Answer 8

401K's can be rolled over. Good jobs are hard to find these days.take a chance.

Answer 9

It's close. It depends upon the new job. Check hotjobs on Yahoo, and:
http://www.monster.com

Answer 10

Stick it out. It will be over before you know it.