Feeling trapped in your job because of benefits? Read this.

Free calculation to help you make a decision

My client Maya was in tears telling me how her mental health feels secondary to her spouse’s physical health.

She had wanted out of her corporate role for years, but stayed so her husband could continue expensive health treatments after a brutal car accident several years prior.

I’ve been in this boat too, and so has my wife. It’s painful.

Especially if there are issues at work.

Each time you fantasize about leaving your company, the need for healthcare clotheslines you. The fantasy evaporates and you’re back to your horrible meeting.

But Maya couldn’t take it anymore; she was at risk of falling into depression.

So I helped her decide to quit her job using simple math.

First, I asked her to get a quote for private market healthcare.

She called the number and worked with an agent to find the best possible plan for her and her husband, prioritizing the cost of his pain management shots and physical therapy.

She got the quote, telling me “it’s not as bad as I thought it would be.”

Then we made the key move.

We subtracted the unsubsidized monthly cost of her current healthcare from the private healthcare monthly cost.

It was $576. This means she would pay $576 more per month in insurance if she went with that private insurance policy.

Then I said, “Is leaving your job worth an extra $576 per month?”

“Yes, 100%.”

Immediately, she started breathing deeper and made a joke about crying.

Her body started relaxing, because she saw a way out.

This basic math made her path clear.

And it works both ways.

A different client recently calculated a $1258 difference, which she deemed a “hell no.” Again, her path was made clear: she needed to find a new job with benefits before quitting.

But what if you can’t afford to leave but need to?

I recommend setting up a separate savings account for these emergency monthly healthcare costs and double down on putting savings there.

Build that financial exit (as you can).

So here’s what I want you take away from this article:

don’t assume you can’t quit (because of benefits) without first getting a private market quote.

Do you feel any lighter after learning about this simple approach?

Here’s some instructions on how to get such a quote for yourself.

1. Go to healthcare.gov and click “Browse plans & costs”

2. Enter your zip code, household size, and estimated income to see subsidy eligibility and some available plans.

3. And/or call 1-800-318-2596 to work with a free navigator who can match you to the best plan (I recommend this route over online only, because they’re more knowledgable).

4. Explain your specific needs (ongoing prescriptions, specialist visits, etc.) so they can prioritize them when assessing plans.

5. Get your monthly premium, then subtract what you currently pay via your pay stub.

6. That difference is the benefits’ cost of leaving without another job lined up.