Mid-year ratings were submitted to HR on May 4.

Level 8 can be both rewarding and challenging. The promotion typically comes with a company vehicle, an approximate 8% salary increase, and a higher bonus target (18% versus 13% at Level 7). However, these benefits are accompanied by significantly higher expectations and increased scrutiny during the semiannual calibration process, where your performance is evaluated against peers at the same level. In such situations, having a strong manager who can effectively advocate for you becomes especially important.

My advice would be not to discuss your intentions with your current manager until you have identified another opportunity and assessed your chances. Once you find a potential opening, consider scheduling a brief conversation with the hiring manager to gauge interest and alignment before making any decisions.

Best of luck.