Can I afford to quit my job?

See your real runway, including the costs most people forget.

Your numbers never leave your browser.

What you have

Often owed by law when you leave. Check your state and ask HR.

Money coming in (monthly)

Usually $0 if you quit voluntarily. Most states only pay if you're laid off or had good cause.

Money going out (monthly)

Your employer plan ends when you leave. This is a real new cost. Price it with COBRA vs ACA.

What would make this okay?

Enter your numbers above to see your runway and verdict. Nothing is sent anywhere. It all stays in your browser.

How this works

Your cushion is your savings plus any severance and PTO payout. Your monthly burnis what you spend (essentials + the new cost of health insurance + discretionary, after any cuts) minus the money still coming in (a partner's income, side work, and unemployment if you qualify). Runway is simply how many months your cushion covers that burn. We then compare your runway to how long you expect the job search to take.

The costs people forget

  • Unemployment is usually $0 when you quit. Benefits generally require being laid off or having state-recognized good cause.
  • Your employer health plan ends.Budget for COBRA or an ACA plan. It's often hundreds of dollars a month you weren't paying before.
  • PTO may be owed to you. In many states earned PTO is paid out: real cash for your cushion, but only if you confirm it.

Frequently asked questions

Does quitting affect unemployment benefits?
In most states, voluntarily quitting makes you ineligible for unemployment unless you had 'good cause' recognized by your state (for example unsafe conditions, harassment, or certain medical reasons). That's why this calculator defaults your unemployment benefit to $0. Assume nothing until you've checked your state.
Is my unused PTO paid out when I quit?
It depends on your state and your employer's policy. Several states require earned, unused PTO to be paid out at separation; others leave it to company policy. Add it to your cushion only after you've confirmed it.
Why does health insurance cost so much more after I quit?
While employed, your employer usually pays a large share of your premium. When you leave, COBRA lets you keep the same plan but you pay the full premium plus up to a 2% admin fee. A subsidized ACA marketplace plan is often cheaper, so price both before trusting your estimate.
Do my numbers get sent anywhere?
No. Everything is computed in your browser. Your figures are never transmitted to a server, and we never see them.