If a portion of your current compensation is tied to an annual bonus or deferred compensation, either in the form of a pension or stock options that aren’t fully vested, those assets may have to be liquidated or even forfeited if you move on.
Knowing that you’re leaving assets on the table may give you leverage to negotiate with your future employer, says Taylor. On the other hand, if you’re taking stock options or a lump sum from a pension with you when you leave your old job, you’ll want to discuss with your financial advisor and tax professional how to manage them in the most tax-efficient way.