Making a career change is exciting, but the financial side can feel overwhelming.

Mercer Advisors provides financial planning for career transitions, helping you move forward with clarity. Our advisors tailor each plan to your unique goals and life stage.

Reimagine your financial future with a trusted advisor.

Table of Contents

Navigating Career Transitions With Confidence ↓

How We Facilitate a Streamlined Transition ↓

Specialized Services for Career Changers ↓

What to Consider Financially Before a Career Change ↓

FAQs About Career Transition Planning ↓

Career Transition Planning Checklist ↓

Navigating Career Transitions With Confidence

Your next chapter deserves a plan. Whether you’re switching careers or stepping back, we’ll help you create a financial roadmap that supports your vision.

At Mercer Advisors, our unified, in-house team of planners, investors, accountants, and estate specialists will guide you through practical, transition-specific strategies to help you stay financially confident, including:

Managing cash flow during layoffs, sabbaticals, or career breaks
Aligning severance packages and retirement accounts with your new objectives
Evaluating early retirement or bridge employment as part of your long-term plan
Avoiding penalties on early withdrawals from retirement accounts
Understanding the tax impact of severance pay, benefits, and equity compensation

The ultimate goal: Helping ensure your finances fuel your next chapter, not hold you back.

How Mercer Advisors Facilitates a Streamlined Transition

Before making a career change, it’s essential to define your goals, both personal and financial. There are many reasons why you may decide to change jobs or careers. In our 40 years working with clients like you, these are the main reasons we’ve encountered.

At Mercer Advisors, we help you clarify your motivation, assess your financial readiness, and build a plan that supports your next chapter.

What We’ll Explore Together:

Why you’re making a change, and what fulfillment looks like for you
The income you need to support your lifestyle and long-term goals
Whether your current financial situation supports a new direction
The timeline for your transition and any trade-offs involved
How your career shift may impact your family, benefits, or retirement plans

Then, we’ll work with you to:

Align your budget and cash flow with your new goals
Identify and manage gaps in income, insurance, or retirement savings
Optimize your tax strategy and benefits during the transition
Track your progress and adjust your plan as your career evolves

At every step, we consider the full picture: your finances, your goals, and your well-being. Our role is to help give you confidence and a plan that supports your success.

Specialized Services for Career Changers

401(k) and Employer Plan Rollover Strategy: Managing retirement assets during job exits and reentries
Tax Planning for Transition Year: Reducing tax impact from severance, RSUs, and income changes
Health Insurance Bridge Planning: Evaluating COBRA, ACA, or spousal coverage during employment gaps
Emergency Fund Strategy: Adjusting savings to reflect new income patterns

Investment Strategy Realignment: Rebalancing portfolios to match new timelines and risk tolerance
Cash Flow Modeling: Projecting income and expenses across multiple career scenarios
Equity Compensation Exit Planning: Managing stock options and RSUs during job changes
Business Launch Financial Planning: Structuring finances for consulting, freelancing, or starting a business

Mercer Advisors is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice to clients. All estate planning documentation preparation and other legal advice is provided through select third parties unaffiliated to Mercer Advisors, depending on the complexity of the estate, additional fees may apply. Tax preparation and tax filing services typically requires a separate fee from our investment management and planning services.

Did you know?

In 2025, 50% of U.S. workers are considering a career change, and 35% have already made one.¹

What to Consider Financially Before a Career Change

Making a career change by choice is an exciting step. But before you make the leap, it’s important to determine if your finances are ready to support the transition.

Here are key financial considerations to keep in mind:

Cash Flow and Savings

Review your current income and expenses. Do you have enough saved to cover a potential gap in earnings or a lower starting salary in your new role?

Emergency Fund

Ideally, you should have 6–12 months of living expenses set aside. This gives you flexibility and confidence during the transition.

Health Insurance

If your new role doesn’t offer immediate coverage, explore COBRA, ACA marketplace plans, or spousal benefits to avoid gaps.

Retirement Contributions

Consider how a change in income or benefits might affect your retirement savings. Will you need to pause contributions temporarily?

Tax Implications

A shift in income, severance, or self-employment can impact your tax situation. Planning ahead can help you avoid surprises.

Equity or Bonuses

If you’re leaving a current employer, understand the timing and impact of any unvested stock options, RSUs, or bonuses.

New Earning Potential

Evaluate how your new career path aligns with your long-term financial goals. Will it support your desired lifestyle and retirement timeline?

Before making a move, it’s wise to work with a financial advisor who specializes in career transitions. They can help you build a plan that supports your goals, so that you can focus on the next stage.

¹ 21 Crucial Career Change Statistics [2023]: How Often Do … – Zippia

Additional Solutions Tailored to Career Transitions

Managing concentrated stock is just one piece of your wealth strategy. We help you integrate that position into a broader plan that accounts for your tax exposure, investment goals, and executive-level complexity—so your financial decisions are informed, intentional, and aligned.

Retirement Planning

Optimize your retirement strategy, even in periods of transition, to ensure your future goals stay on track.