Considering a Job Change? Keep These 3 Things in Mind
You’ve been thinking about making a job change. You’ve polished your resume, made some tweaks to the LinkedIn profile, and ramped up your networking. After nailing a few interviews, you now have an offer in hand. Great. So do you leap? As always, compensation is the key consideration. But that’s not as straightforward as it was early in your career.
Your compensation package is more than a base salary and an annual bonus. It’s a mix of moving pieces: performance incentives, RSUs and stock options, an ESPP, deferred comp, and a 401(k) match. Then there are the practical benefits—car allowance, parking, hybrid work flexibility—that shape your day-to-day life. When a package is this layered, each component matters. Before you make a move, step back and look at the full picture—not just what you earn today, but what each element means for your long-term financial health and quality of life.
Here are the three things you need to keep top of mind when weighing up a new position.
1. Considering a new state
Call it the beauty of the USA. Fifty states offer 50 different ways to do things–including costs of living and state income taxes. Will the concessions for moving expenses cover the commissions and excise taxes you would pay to sell your home?
2. New stock offer
Comparing your new stock offer with your current arrangement isn’t straightforward. It’s apples to oranges. What happens if your new company’s stock skyrockets while your current company maintains an average growth rate? (Putting your ex-collegaues good-natured schadenfreude to one side for a moment.) Additionally, ponder the distinctions between stock options and restricted stock in this scenario. Will the new employer offer a signing bonus to compensate for leaving behind accrued equity vests? Delve into the current year’s disparity and project how things might evolve in the next 3-4 years. This holistic assessment will provide a clearer picture of the long-term implications of your decision
3. Household income change
A change in income isn’t just a number on a spreadsheet. Suppose your household earnings take a moderate hit in the near term. What does that mean for retiring on time, paying for your kids’ education, or preserving your long-term financial flexibility?
Run the numbers side-by-side—or have a Personal CFO help you—but also look beyond the math. A job change carries ripple effects that aren’t always captured in a compensation table.
Start with the people. Do you trust the team you’d be joining? Do the leaders have a track record that gives you confidence? Are the board and executives aligned with the growth story they’re selling?
Then look closely at culture. Is this an environment where you can do your best work? Do people seem energized, supported, and proud to be there? Culture isn’t window dressing—it’s an early indicator of whether you’ll thrive or burn out.
Next, understand compensation—today and down the road. What is the target pay for this role? How does it evolve over time? Future pathways matter just as much as the initial offer, because they signal how seriously the company invests in your success.
And finally, examine the structural pieces that shape your stability: separation terms, equity grants, insurance coverage, the company’s stage, and the strength of its balance sheet.
A career transition isn’t just a move from one job to another. It’s a decision that touches your family, your finances, and your future. Taking a full, thoughtful view—both quantitative and qualitative—gives you the clarity you need to make wise choices.
Looking for advice specific to your situation? Reach out to one of our advisors today.
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as individualized advice. For individualized advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please consult with your adviser.
