Can I mention my firm’s financial problems in an interview elsewhere?

I’m worried about the company I work for. It’s a startup and they are having financial issues, so I’d like to jump ship rather than go down with it. In a job interview, is it OK for me to say that’s the main reason I’m looking for a new job?

Unfortunately, that’s more common than you realize. Small businesses and startups are the engine of our economy. Many struggle and fail, but we are grateful for the entrepreneurs who keep trying.

Whether you’re an employee or the owner, there’s no shame in admitting this reality.

Talk about what you learned from the experience, and how you want to find a role with a more secure company that isn’t concerned about how to make payroll week to week.

Just don’t complain, and keep it positive. Presumably, you went into the job understanding the risks, and took a shot — explain why — but now it’s prudent for you to look elsewhere. Done, and done.

My good friend at work was just promoted to be my boss. I love her but that is just crazy — I’m the stronger performer. I’m trying not to let it affect our relationship, but how can I be friends with her now that she’s my boss, particularly when I should have been the one to get the promotion?

Wow, there’s a lot to unpack there. It’s challenging enough to have your friend promoted to being your boss, and while I have seen it work, rarely can a true friendship be sustained, particularly if those friends started out as equals.

Your job, pay and promotions are all in her hands now, and even if the friendship could survive that, you would not be respecting her as your boss, making it likely an untenable situation.

Before you do or say anything rash, let the obvious sting and emotion of the situation settle down. See how you feel in a few weeks.

If you were truly friends, be happy for her and try to help her be successful, because that is in your best interests too. And if ultimately the dynamic means the relationship has to change, or you have to leave, that’s fine.

By remaining professional, perhaps the friendship can thrive again when she’s no longer your boss.

Gregory Giangrande has over 25 years of experience as a chief human resources executive. Hear Greg Wed. at 9:35 a.m. on iHeartRadio 710 WOR with Len Berman and Michael Riedel. Email: [email protected]. Follow: GoToGreg.com and on Twitter: @GregGiangrande