Offboarding checklist

The two deadlines that actually hurt

Most of this list is housekeeping you can do in any order. Two items are different because they have hard clocks, and missing them is expensive or irreversible:

• COBRA election.You usually have about 60 days from when coverage ends to elect it. Don't let the window close before you've compared options. COBRA vs ACA shows the real cost of each and the subsidy many people miss.
• Final pay. Some states require your last check (and earned PTO) on your final day; others allow until the next pay cycle. Know your rule: final pay & PTO by state.

Grab what you'll lose access to

The day your account is disabled, everything inside it vanishes: pay stubs, certificates, personal contacts, work you might want as a portfolio reference. Pull copies to a personal drive before your last day, and hand off any accounts you own in writing so nothing dangles.

Protect the relationships

A clean handover and a gracious goodbye are what colleagues remember when an employer calls them months later. Ask for references now, while you're fresh in everyone's mind. Our guide to lining up references covers who to ask and how. Save the LinkedIn update for after your last day.

Before you even get here

Still weighing the decision? Make sure the numbers work first:

• Can I afford to quit? shows your real runway, including the costs people forget.
• Resignation letter generator produces a finished, downloadable letter in under a minute.
• Two weeks notice etiquette helps you tell your manager the right way.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to elect COBRA?

You generally have 60 days from the date your employer coverage ends (or from the date of your election notice, whichever is later) to elect COBRA. Miss that window and you lose the option entirely, so it belongs near the top of your list. A subsidized ACA marketplace plan is often cheaper, so price both.

Should I cash out my 401(k) when I leave?

Usually not. Cashing out typically triggers income tax plus a 10% early-withdrawal penalty if you're under 59½, and you lose decades of compounding. Rolling it into an IRA or a new employer's plan keeps it tax-advantaged.

Will my unused PTO be paid out?

It depends on your state and your employer's policy. Several states require earned, unused PTO to be paid at separation; others leave it to company policy. Confirm with HR and check your state before counting on it.

Does this checklist save or send my progress anywhere?

No. The checklist runs entirely in your browser. Your ticked items stay on your device and are never transmitted. Refreshing the page clears them, and printing gives you a clean paper copy.