Q. My whole department works remotely. Everyone — well, everyone but me — wants to chip in for an expensive gift for our boss. I should add that I’m looking for a new job. Do I need to donate to the gift? It feels forced upon me. Will it look bad if I don’t?

A. Ah, peer pressure. You’re not alone — I get similar questions this time of year. No, you don’t need to donate to the cause especially since it sounds expensive. You can say something like, “I won’t be participating this year, but thanks anyway for the opportunity” or whatever feels authentic with your voice.

As for wondering if it will look bad if you don’t, whether that’s among your peers or to your boss: If you feel like it, you may want to give your boss something less expensive, yet thoughtful. Consider sending a handwritten card, baking a sweet treat or something similar. But being remote adds an element that makes that type of gift harder. So you do you.

When it comes to additional expenses, especially this time of year, it can be challenging with office gifts as your dollar gets stretched. Another option is to suggest a lower amount to contribute if it will end up being awkward politically. Only you can make the determination of what feels right for you, along with your bank account.

Q. I’m interviewing for a job and in the home stretch. They asked when I can start. I want to say after the new year — will that fly? They want me to start sooner, but tbh I am mentally checked out and want to start in January. Thoughts?

A. Yes, that should fly. When I worked in recruiting, it wasn’t unheard of to have a start date a month or longer from the offer acceptance. They’ll always want you to start sooner, as in this coming Monday. (And for job seekers reading this who may feel like it’s us v. them when you are interviewing, this is case where it’s us and us. Employers and job seekers are on the same team. As much as you wanted to start yesterday, especially if you’re in a toxic workplace and want out ASAP, they wanted you to start the day before yesterday!)

Your prospective new employer should realize you’re wrapping up a job and it would be courteous to give a minimum of two weeks’ notice. Toss in the holiday frenzy and schedule, and it makes sense that you want to start in the new year.

For you to be properly trained and assimilated, it could feel a little start-and-stop by starting in December. If people are on PTO, you may not have colleagues working full-time schedules (and if they’re present, they may be mentally checked out, too — totally understandable).

Focus on acing the interview and landing that job offer, along with negotiating a sweet deal. I wouldn’t sweat the start date. You got this.

Vicki Salemi is a career expert, former corporate recruiter, author, consultant, speaker, and career coach. Send your questions to hello@vickisalemi.com. For more information and to subscribe to Vicki’s newsletter, visit www.vickisalemi.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @vickisalemi./Tribune News Service

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