re: 401K fees & taxes

Just leave it in the old 401k if you can then rollover to new employer. Or rollover to an IRA with a low cost broker (not a bank or high fee advisor.)

Only real downside to IRA rollover is having traditional IRA complicates backdoor Roth in future if you have high income and want to contribute to a Roth IRA.

Never liquidate early and pay tax and penalty unless it is a last resort in a personal financial crisis (with very few exceptions.)

If leaving employer in year you turn 55 or after you can withdraw from that employer 401k penalty free an exception to the 59.5 rule.