Don't Change Jobs Without Fixing These Life Insurance Gaps First

Switching careers? Congratulations, superstar! Whether you're chasing your dream job, upgrading your salary, or running far, far away from a toxic workplace (no judgment here), changing careers can be a game-changer.

But here’s the thing: while you're updating your LinkedIn headline and flexing that new email signature, there's one important detail that often gets overlooked—your life insurance coverage. Yep, the safety net you put in place to protect your loved ones can unravel faster than you can say, "I accept the offer!"

After spending over a decade analyzing life insurance claims and seeing more than 20,000 death certificates, I’ve learned that a career change can create sneaky gaps in your financial safety net. And trust me, those gaps don’t care how impressive your new job title is.

So, let’s break down the Top 3 Tips to Protect Your Life Insurance During a Career Move—with a little clarity, a sprinkle of sass, and zero sugarcoating.

Tip #1: Don’t Assume Your New Job Has the Same Coverage

Oh, you thought all employer-provided life insurance was the same? Bless your heart.

Here’s the truth: not all life insurance benefits are created equal. Your previous job might have offered generous coverage, while your new one might have... let’s call it “bare minimum energy.”

What to Do:

• Before signing your offer letter, ask about your life insurance coverage.

• Find out the exact amount of coverage and whether it’s automatic or if you need to enroll.

• If your new policy isn’t cutting it, supplement it with a private policy to bridge the gap.

  
  

Bottom Line: Employer-provided life insurance is a perk, not a plan. Make sure it actually meets your family’s needs.

Tip #2: Update Your Beneficiaries—No, Seriously

If your beneficiaries are still listed as your “ex” or your mom (because, let’s be honest, you set it and forgot it years ago), we need to talk.

When you change jobs, your old life insurance policy usually doesn’t follow you. And if you set up a new one, you’ll need to list your beneficiaries again. Missing this step can create chaos down the line.

What to Do:

• Check the beneficiary section of your new policy immediately.

• Make sure the right people are listed.

• Tell your beneficiaries they’re listed, where your documents are stored, and how to file a claim.

  
  

Bottom Line: If something happens to you, let’s make sure your money goes where you intended—not to an ex from three relationships ago.

Tip #3: Mind the Gap (No, Not the Store)

Here’s the sneaky part: when you leave one job and start another, there’s often a gap in coverage. Whether it’s because you’re taking time off or your new benefits don’t kick in immediately, those weeks (or months) leave your family financially exposed.

What to Do:

• Ask your old employer exactly when your coverage ends.

• Find out when your new policy starts.

• If there’s a gap, consider temporary or private coverage to ensure there’s no break in protection.

  
  

Bottom Line: Life happens in the in-between moments. Don’t let an uncovered gap become your family’s nightmare.

Let’s Wrap This Up

Switching careers is a big deal, and I’m here for all your “New Job, New Me” vibes. But while you’re leveling up professionally, don’t let your life insurance fall through the cracks.

These three steps might not be as exciting as your first day in that new office chair (or cozy home office setup), but they’ll save your family from unnecessary stress if the unexpected happens.

So, do yourself (and your loved ones) a favor:

• Double-check your new coverage.

• Update those beneficiaries.

• Don’t let gaps sneak in.

Your career glow-up deserves a solid financial backup plan.

Turning uncertainty into clarity—one step at a time! ✨🔑