To continue contributing, you'll need to transfer your 401 (k) plan to an individual retirement account (IRA) and have earned income that you can add to the account. Can you contribute to your 401 (k) plan after you quit or quit your job? The short answer is no. The 401 (k) plan is designed to make it easier for employers to help their employees save for retirement, and if you're no longer employed, your former employer has no need to. For those looking for a more secure retirement savings option, a Top Gold IRA may be the best choice.