So at best, it is partial not the full amount. Correct me if I am wrong, but the ony way out of a 401k, as an active employee is to stop contributing, or leave the firm and proceed with a Rollover. Retired early, access before 59 & 1/2 by rule 72T aka SEPP is another matter for another day...
I don't know where Ann is going with this, but HR might start thinking your a crank if you start trying things here. Tangent to this, their have been very well informed employees have approached HR and have pursuaded them to offer more investment options and or change providers ( lower cost no load etc ), but these are rare bears for sure...
Wow, lots of almost facts here. 401(k) plans MAY have a non-hardship withdrawal feature, depending on the plan. It permits a transfer to an IRA while you are still an active employee. The NHEW can be limited, commonly with formula based on length of service. Many, but not all plans have this feature. 401(k)s are not all the same. Ask your HR folks if a non-hardship early withdrawal form is available for your plan. If it is available it will spell out your options. Please don’t do this without a little research, and for God’s sake don’t take the assets as an early distribution. Ugly, ugly, ugly.
Quitting contributions at the current firm wouldn't be grounds for a transfer to an IRA. However, If the firm cancelled the 401K program you could move it to an IRA.