Whether you're considering leaving your employer of 20 years or you're getting antsy after just six months, changing jobs is a big decision—and a lot of work. A successful job search entails more than simply mailing out a few resumes and getting a job. You must set goals for yourself, develop a plan to achieve those goals, and more than anything—be patient. Here are some general guidelines to follow when searching for a new job.

Never underestimate the power of who you know. Enlist the help of your family, friends, associates and colleagues and you've not only opened yourself up to a vast network of your contacts, but you've just introduced yourself to each of their networks as well. Remember, however, that you are not asking people for a job. You are simply making them aware of your intentions to find a new job and what type of position you are seeking.

Successful networking doesn't necessarily entail hours spent traveling to dinner meetings or industry events, nor even leaving the house for that matter. The Internet has put a whole new spin on networking. Not meant to replace invaluable human contact, the Internet can serve as an extension to your networking efforts—it can introduce you to people you might not otherwise have the chance to meet.

The importance of strong peer and professional references cannot be stressed enough. Even if you nailed the interview, a bad reference can certainly mean the difference between landing the job and losing it. Some things to keep in mind when putting your references together:

• Ask permission before listing anyone as a reference.

• Ensure your references can provide more information to a potential employer than name, rank and serial number.

• Let your references know in advance each time they may receive a call so they can be prepared.

• Stay in regular contact with your references and if you have lost touch with one, remove them from your list.

• Thank your references.

Changing jobs is an involved process that takes time and effort. Now is not the time to neglect your current employer's needs. However unhappy you may be, it is in your best interest to maintain a positive attitude at work and do the best job you can. Have you ever heard the phrase, "Don't burn your bridges"? It's advice worth taking. You never know who you might run into later on down the road.

Yes! Whether you are changing jobs, changing careers or venturing out on your own, always keep one eye on your retirement savings. An important consideration in any job hop is how you will handle the money you've accumulated in your current employer's retirement account. The decisions you make now about your retirement account will have lasting impacts on your future financial security.

First, understand your options. Ask your employer about your existing retirement plan. Your options will vary depending on the type of plan and your length of employment. Generally, you'll have three basic choices for 401(k) plans or other similar plans—reinvesting, transferring, or cashing out. You'll want to carefully explore your options and consult with a professional before making any decisions in order to get the most out of your investment and avoid triggering unnecessary tax liabilities.

Reinvesting—You can keep your retirement savings on track by reinvesting the money in another tax-deferred retirement savings program such as a rollover IRA. If you roll your money over correctly, you'll avoid taxes and penalties. You must roll over your money within 60 days of the date your distribution was issued. If you wait, the money will be considered ordinary income and you'll owe taxes and possibly a penalty. You'll also want the distribution check made out to the new plan administrator or IRA trustee. If the check is made out to you, 20% must be automatically withheld for federal income taxes.

A rollover IRA is not your only choice. Depending on your circumstances, you may want to purchase a Roth IRA. Roth IRAs accept only after-tax contributions, so you'll create a taxable transaction if you roll your retirement money into one of these accounts. However, the money will grow tax deferred and, if you've had the account for at least five consecutive years, all withdrawals after age 59-1/2 are tax-free.

Transferring—You'll need to check with your new employer to see if your new plan offers a transfer option. If it does, you can open a conduit IRA, which is a temporary account in which your money can be invested until you can transfer it into your new plan. You may also be able to simply leave your money in your current employer's plan, but that will depend on the rules governing that specific plan.

Cashing out—Just taking the cash and spending it is a costly choice with a potentially significant long-term impact on your financial future.

If you cash out, you'll owe federal taxes at your ordinary income tax rate, plus a 10% penalty if you are under age 59-1/2. Depending on where you live, you may also owe state and local taxes. This means you could lose nearly half of the money in your account to taxes and penalties.

You'll also forfeit the long-term benefits associated with tax-deferred compounding. If left to grow over a long period, even a few thousand dollars can grow to a sizeable amount.

Think carefully before you decide to cash out your retirement account. Your future financial security may depend on that money.

If your current employer's plan allowed you to make both pre- and after-tax contributions, you'll need to track these funds separately. You certainly don't want to pay taxes on the same money twice.

Contact a Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Representative to learn about the potential alternatives available to you. A Financial Representative, along with the specialists available through The Network, can help you set your plan in order, and allow yourself the energy to concentrate on the new career you have chosen.