When is it too soon to try for a new opportunity?

Q. I’ve been in my job for 10 months and there’s an amazing opportunity in another department. The director approached me about it and wants me to apply. The policy for the company is a year in your current role though. Should I wait two months or go for it now? And do I have to tell my boss now or can I wait until the job is locked in?

A. First, congrats, this is significant! Without knowing more about your company’s culture, and considering that the rule is 12 months, you are so close to reaching that timeframe that honestly, from my perspective, it seems you should be OK. By the time the transfer takes place and you wrap up loose ends in your current job, it will be 12 months before you know it. I wouldn’t wait though. I’d circle back to your new prospective boss and express high interest (if you haven’t already done that).

Talk to the director and mention you haven’t looped in your boss yet and ask for input as to when to do that. Or perhaps the director will speak to your boss directly. In either scenario, I’d first check the HR policy manual to see at what point the boss should know when you’re interviewing internally. Usually, it’s prior to or during, not after.

But companies are different and so are politics. I’ve seen situations in toxic environments where the current boss isn’t informed until, as you said, the job is locked in and at that point, you succinctly inform your boss and mention the new boss will reach out to your current boss to discuss a transfer date.

Q. My friends are in tech and losing their jobs. I feel guilty, but I got two offers! One is to work remotely, the other one is hybrid. Both are in marketing, same title (manager), similar roles. I have to decide soon and they both know I got more than one offer. I like them both, can see myself in either one. What should

I do — how should I decide?

A. Congrats! Even though layoffs are happening, this is good news to celebrate. Next, let’s be objective and then subjective. I’d jot down every single thing about both jobs in a spreadsheet with two columns or put pen to paper or whatever works best for you.

Let’s evaluate the offers side by side. Start with the titles, which sound similar. Next, salary. Is there a sign-on bonus? Annual bonus? Stock options, 401(k), out of pocket health insurance costs, commuting costs for the hybrid role (and meals at the office), personal time/paid time off each year, perks (free food? A wellness allowance?). Jot it all down. What sticks out to you? Oftentimes, people focus solely on the salary and location so they may not recognize a significant difference in out-ofpocket health care costs.

Next, let’s go with your gut and be completely subjective. How was your boss? Your future colleagues? Did you get along with them and build rapport? Did you like them? Were they respectful of you and each other? How’s the company culture? Hopefully, by doing these two exercises, you can make a more informed decision.

My parting words of wisdom are to leave things on a good note when you turn down one of the companies.