<prompt> Human: Basically the stress from my job is becoming too much and Id like to give my two weeks notice and look for a new one. Once Im unemployed can I use that as grounds to cash out my 401k? I currently have 20,000 in an employee matching 401k which has been vested. I already cashed out my stock option so which was around 4000. The exception Im hoping would apply to me is the need to pay for my permanent residence as I am a home owner. Im under 26 so I do not think I can use the health insurance exception because I refused my companys health insurance and remained on my parents. I realize how big of a risk I am taking but I am unhappy with where I am right now and want to do something to change it. I appreciate any advice to limit any combination of; 10 penaltystate taxfederal tax. Is there any benefit to moving my balance to a rollover IRA first?  <response>: Your 401k is not an emergency fund. Hunt for another job while youre employed, and build yourself more of a cushion so you can make this sort of decision without needing to sacrifice the growth of your retirement savings. 