The Escape Runway Protocol
The simple math to safely navigate a career break, redundancy, or early retirement.
The Identity Trap
Stepping away from a 20-year corporate career isn't just a financial shock. It's an identity shock.
Many suffer from "One More Year" syndrome. You keep moving the goalposts out of fear because you don't trust your numbers.
Let's build the math. So you can confidently make the leap.
Calculating the Runway
Your "Baseline" vs. "Comfort" Burn Rate
- Baseline: The bare minimum to keep the lights on and feed yourself. (Mortgage, bills, basic food).
- Comfort: The baseline + the cost of a purposeful life (gym, travel, hobbies).
Your Numbers
The Bridge
You cannot rely solely on a pension if you step away at 45. You can't access it until 55 or 57. You must build a "Bridge".
Cash ISAs and Premium Bonds. Easy to access, zero market risk. This is your shock absorber.
Stocks & Shares ISAs. Tax-free withdrawals to bridge the gap until pension age.
SIPPs and Workplace Pensions. Locked away — not part of your bridge.
Your Runway
Your accessible Tier 1 & Tier 2 savings divided by your Monthly Comfort Burn Rate.
Awaiting Your Numbers
Fill in your Comfort Burn and Tier 1 + 2 savings above to reveal your personal runway.
Example: £50,000 ÷ £2,500 = 20 Months of Freedom.
The Next Step
Do you have enough?
If running these numbers brought you anxiety instead of relief, pause. If your assets are scattered and disorganised, do not pull the trigger on a career change yet.
Using professional cashflow software, I stress-test your exact scenario. I factor in inflation, taxes, and drawdowns to give you the mathematical permission to change your life.
Let's get sorted. Book a Strategy Call to map your exit.