Leaving a job well: notice, final pay and what to take with you

How you leave a job affects your final paycheck, your health coverage, your retirement savings and your references. Here’s a checklist for doing it cleanly.

7 minute read · Written for US employees; final pay rules vary by state · Last reviewed November 12, 2026

Giving notice

In most of the US, employment is “at will,” so you usually aren’t legally required to give notice unless a contract says so. Two weeks is still the common courtesy, and leaving on good terms protects your references.

Tell your manager first, in person or on a call, then follow up in writing with your last day.
Keep it short and positive. You don’t need to explain everything.
Be prepared to leave immediately. Some employers end employment as soon as you resign. Have your personal files and contacts ready first.

Your final paycheck

Federal law doesn’t require employers to pay final wages immediately. Many states do set a deadline, which can range from your last day to the next regular payday. Check your state’s labor department website.

Also ask about:

Unused vacation or PTO. Whether it’s paid out depends on state law and company policy.
Commissions and bonuses that are earned but not yet paid.
Expense reimbursements. Submit anything outstanding before you go.

Health insurance

Employer coverage often ends on your last day or at the end of that month. Ask HR for the exact date. Your options:

A new employer’s plan, if there’s no gap.
COBRA: you can usually keep the same plan for a limited time, often up to 18 months, but you pay the full premium plus a small fee. That’s often much more than you paid as an employee. You generally have 60 days to elect it.
The Health Insurance Marketplace: losing job-based coverage usually lets you enroll outside open enrollment. Compare its prices with COBRA.

Your retirement account

You don’t have to decide right away. Your choices are usually:

Leave it in the old plan, if the plan allows it.
Roll it into your new employer’s plan.
Roll it into an IRA, which often gives you more investment choices.
Cash it out. This is usually the most expensive option: you may owe income tax plus, if you’re under 59½, an additional 10% tax in many cases.

If you roll it over, ask for a direct rollover, where the money moves straight from one account to the other. If a check is made out to you instead, tax may be withheld and you’ll have a deadline to deposit the full amount.

Also check your vesting: employer contributions that aren’t vested yet may be forfeited when you leave.

What to take, and what not to

Take copies of your own records: pay stubs, benefits information, your offer letter, performance reviews and contacts who have agreed to be references.

Don’t take company property or confidential files, including customer lists or code. Return laptops, badges and equipment, and get a receipt.

Before your last day

Check your state’s rule for when your final paycheck is due.
Ask HR whether unused vacation is paid out, and when your health coverage ends.
Download your own pay stubs, benefits information and W-2 access details.
Decide what to do with your retirement account (you don’t have to decide on day one).
Return company equipment and get a receipt.

Sources

This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Employment and final pay laws vary by state. Check with your state labor department or HR for the rules that apply to you.