I’m a little less than a year from making L6 TPM, and then after that my manager said he’d give me the opportunity to try being an SDM (I do have prior management experience, and formerly a software engineer). I’d like to make more money, and totally open to exploring other companies. However, should I transition to being an SDM at Amazon before looking at opportunities elsewhere? Or should I look at TPM roles at other big tech companies now?
Your opportunity cost is always highest just after a promotion, assuming happiness is not an issue.
Why do you think this? Couldn't they leverage their raise/level from promo to new role?
Sorry, I think I phrased it badly. The best time to leave is after a promotion, for the reason you said. Leaving before that is a waste of the investment you've put in towards that promo.
Pick stream where your passion lies in terms of SDM or TPM role. Level 6 at Amazon is pretty good for SDM at least with excellent pay. If you want to move to SDM role do it now rather than moving from TPM 6 to SDM 6. You would be much better at people management and raising the bar for product. Take L6 and work for a year or so then you could plan for switch if money is the sole reason, you would get better offers.