Brian Dress, CFADirector of Research, Investment Advisor, Left Brain Wealth Management, LLC · Wealth Strategy for Corporate Executives & High-Net-Worth Investors | Concentrated Stock & Equity Compensation Planning | Director of Research | CFA | Left Brain Wealth Management

You Left Your Job. Your Stock Options Have 90 Days. Clock's Running.

9 Jul 2026 · 1 min

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0:59

In this brief video segment, the host explains that while RSUs (restricted stock units) do not have an expiration date, stock options do, especially after an employee leaves the company. Typically, the post‑employment exercise window shrinks dramatically—often to about 90 days—making the options worthless if not exercised within that period. The host urges executives and anyone considering a job change to discuss their under‑exercised options before making a move, and offers a 20‑minute consultation to help plan the timing and strategy.

Your RSUs don't expire, but your stock options definitely do. And if you ever leave your company, the window is much shorter than most people think. Nolan, what do executives need to know about options expiration, especially anyone thinking about a job change?
Well, you know, most options have a really long life, but leave the company and that window drops dramatically. So after that, the options are gone. Worthless regardless what they were worth on paper before. Most executives find this out only after they've left. Basically, they let the calendar make the decision for them.
And Nolan, we want people to make the decisions for themselves, not some outside force. If you have under-exercised options and you're anywhere near a job transition, the conversation needs to happen before any move is made. Book 20 minutes with me before you decide anything, and the booking link is down below to set time on our calendar. We'd be happy to help.