Financial Runway Calculator
The average job search takes 3-6 months. Senior roles take longer.
Do you have enough time?
Chapter One
Your Numbers
How much do you have saved?
What are your monthly expenses?
Any severance?
Any income while you search?
Enter your salary in the severance section above to auto-estimate EI benefits.
Fill in your numbers above, then click "Calculate My Runway."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is financial runway?
Financial runway is the number of months you can cover your living expenses without a paycheck. It includes your savings, severance, unemployment benefits, and any side income, minus your monthly expenses.
How much savings should I have before quitting my job?
Most career coaches recommend 6 months of expenses as a minimum. If you're in a specialized field or targeting senior roles, 9-12 months gives you the freedom to be selective instead of desperate.
Should I include my partner's income in the calculation?
If your partner's income covers shared expenses, you can reduce your monthly burn rate by your share. Be conservative. Use the number you'd need if you were covering everything yourself, then adjust down.
What if I get severance?
Severance extends your runway directly. Enter the total amount (weeks x weekly pay) into the calculator. Remember: severance is taxed as regular income, so your take-home will be less than the gross amount.
How can I reduce my expenses during a job search?
Start with subscriptions and recurring charges. Pause what you don't need. Negotiate bills (internet, insurance, phone). Cook more. Cut discretionary spending by 20-30%. Small changes add months to your runway.
When should I start worrying about my runway?
When you hit 3 months of expenses remaining, shift into urgent mode. That means accepting a wider range of roles, ramping up applications, and considering contract or freelance work as a bridge.